Keep Your Chain In Good Conditions For A Better Biking Experience

By Ashley Houston


A bike won't go very far if the chain isn't properly working. So, it is extremely important to know how to maintain the chain.

While all components play a part in the performance of a bike, the chain is by far the most important.

Even if all chains should, on average, be changed after 1,000 miles, regular maintenance of your chain will certainly extend its lifespan. Also, there is no reason to stretch the life of a chain too much past its expected duration, and if the chain becomes rusty or stretched, it is definitely time to change it.

The chain is composed by many precision-machined parts which are made of pins, plates and rollers. If it gets full of gunk it will negatively impact your biking experience, and not do your cogs much good either.

Lubrication is key to taking good care of your chain. Of course - too much of anything is a bad thing. Unfortunately, too much lubrication attracts grit.

And surely, if you have ridden through mud, and your chain is covered with it, it is essential that you clean it as soon as you get back home.

Keeping your chain clean

It is not fun to take a chain off a bike, but it is definitely not impossible. And it is also possible to clean it without removing it from the bike. All you need to do is to spray degreaser over the chain, the derailleur, the cogs and the echain ring. Let the degreaser do its thing for about 20 minutes - then use a rag or stiff-bristle brush to clean off the gunk. When that's done, hose it down. Your next step will be to dry it. Then, lube the chain.

Lubrication

Your chain should be wiped and lubricated before you ride the bike. You can choose between water-based and wax-based lubes. It's a good idea to keep a notebook in which you record which lube you use and how long your chain lasts. This will help you figure out which lube is best for you.

What does chain suck mean?

Has this ever happened to you? This happens when the chain remains stuck at the bottom of the chain ring, and it doesn't lift up. Don't blame this on the front derailleur - it's caused by a worn chain.

Is there something that indicates the chain is worn out?

Most people change their chains after 1,000 miles, but it is sometimes a bit hard to know how many of those miles have already been covered. But, you can purchase a chain wear indicator which works on a week-to-week basis. You want to replace the chain as soon as it "goes out of spec" because if you don't, it will wear down the cogs on the drive train and you'll have to replace that as well, as the new chain you eventually do get probably won't fit.




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