How to Maintain Your Running Buggy for Speed and Aggression
If you enjoy running and have young kids, buying a running buggy makes perfect sense. There is plenty of information online about how to run with a running buggy. But how do you maintain it to keep your runs fast, hard and aggressive?
I’ve used a running buggy for almost a year and a half. Although most of my running is done on my own or with others, there are times when a running buggy is useful such as:
- You need a physical activity that you and your kid can enjoy
- When you’re alone with your kid and want some exercise
- You want to take part in a local fun run or Parkrun
- You want to feel like an F1 driver
All legitimate reasons for pushing your nearest and dearest at 7-12 miles per hour while burning fat and getting fitter.
So keep reading for my simple, non-technical, guide to running buggy maintenance to allow you to keep speeding like a manic at your local park.
1. Maintain your Running Buggy: Rinse and Repeat (if needed)
When you use your running buggy, especially in winter or wet conditions, mud, grime and dust all build up on the frame and working parts.
The problem is that this can cause problems with how the buggy works if not treated. So every time you’ve been out in the wet and the mud, take your running buggy out back and rinse off the worst of the mud and dirt.
I use the garden hose as it’s convenient but you could also use a bucket or watering can. A stiff brush can remove stubborn lumps of mud. This is going to help when you get on to the next stage.
If you’ve left your running buggy to dry before cleaning, rinse all over, leave for a few minutes, scrub and then rinse again.
Maintain your Running Buggy: Specialised Cleaning
If you think about it, a running buggy is basically a bike. But without the pedals, chain, gears, hydraulic disc brakes…
OK, so it’s nothing like a bike.
But it does have metal parts, bearings and tyres similar to that of a bike. Which is why I use a specialist bicycle cleaner to lift off any oils, stubborn dust or dirt.
I personally use and recommend Muc-Off (muck off – geddit?) bike cleaner because
- It’s inexpensive – the amount you need to clean a running buggy is miniscule
- It’s not harsh like some household detergents
- It comes in a handy spray bottle
- It’s pink
Spray Muc-Off liberally over all grubby parts of your running buggy.
Leave for a few minutes then rinse off. Your buggy will now be gleaming.
I’ve used this on the fabric as well as the frame and wheels with no detrimental effects, however best to try a little first before you accidentally change the colour of your prized pram.
Click here to buy Muc-Off Bike Cleaner on Amazon
Maintain your Running Buggy: Lube it Up, Luther
Who’s Luther? No idea. Anyway, once your running buggy looks like new, you need it to ride like new.
I used to use a spray oil like WD-40 which is fine although it stinks and can be quite messy. These days, I use Muc-Off Bike Spray. It has a lubricant for any metal on metal parts such as wheel bearings, clips and catches. It also leaves a silicone type protective coating that repels water and helps your running buggy dry out.
Try not to get this stuff on the fabric parts of your buggy and if your running buggy has brakes, keep it away from them as this could reduce the friction of the pads or discs (which is bad).
Again, a can of this stuff will last for ages. It also looks cool with the black matte finish and white lettering.
Click here to buy Muc-Off Bike Spray on Amazon
A Well Maintained Running Buggy will Last Longer and Save Money
This should seem obvious but the more care you take of something, the longer it will last. The same goes for your running buggy. Treat it like junk and that’s how it will end up.
Maintain and look after it and you’ll be using it for years. And once you’re done with it, you can sell it on to someone else. You’ll be able to tell them truthfully that you looked after it.
A well maintained buggy is safer and will perform better than one that is not – giving you the edge against other Dad Buggy Runners.
Liked learning about running buggy maintenance? Check out my related articles:
Coming Soon: How to set up your buggy for racing speed.
