Christmas of 2013, I got a mountain bike from my wife(was hoping for a racing style bike but I can't complain, it gets me from A to B) I don't ride often, probably 50 miles total and it's all been on normal roads but I want to make sure this bike lasts. I figure the biggest concern for wear and tear is the chain and all the gear mechanisms. I've tried searching youtube but it seems like the people in the videos are hocking specific products and I'm much too cynical and not knowledgeable enough in this area to trust them without at least giving the forum a go.
What is an effective but inexpensive way to keep my bike in good shape (especially the chain stuff)? I don't know of any bike shops near me (I'm in Southern Mass.) so I'd either have to get the stuff from amazon or if a place like Ace Hardware sells it. Also, are there good videos out there so I can learn overall maintenance? I'm not very handy at all but I'm willing to learn as long as I can see what the person is talking about. I have issues trying to read directions without visual aid. My biggest problem seems to be not having the right tools, and the fear of messing it up. I can get over the fear by actually doing it so I need help with the tools.