David Prince
Bicycle: Clean the drive train — the gears in front and back and the chain — after each use, says Mark Eller, an avid cyclist and a staffer at the International Mountain Bike Association: “Spray the train with a hose, wipe it down with a dry rag, and drip some lubricant on it.”
Golf clubs: Keep them upright in a bag. Before storing, wipe them with a clean rag and some window cleaner. Wash the hand grips with soap and water a couple of times a year.
Inflatable balls: Clean with a dry towel. If a soccer ball’s panels are looking worn, then it’s probably time to throw the ball out. Also replace a ball once it loses its shape.
Skis and snowboards: For summer storage, wax them,
bag them, and store them in a dry place. If the middle is buckling or the edges are cracked, you may have to throw them out.
Tennis racket: Wipe it off with a dry towel after use. Make sure the grip isn’t unraveling. Look for cracks, and listen for anything rattling around in the frame — both indications that a racket is falling apart.
Tennis balls: If you want to preserve the bounce, keep balls in the refrigerator, which will prevent pressure loss. (After a can of balls is opened, 20 percent of their pressure will be lost within four weeks.) Average life expectancy is one to two months, depending on how much you play. Intermediate players should retire balls after three matches.
