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 it is a general rule of thumb that all chains should be changed after 1,000 miles, taking good care of it and providing adequate regular maintenance will certainly increase the life of the chain. And it is definitely important to not stretch the life of a chain past its natural expectancy, so once it shows signs of rust or stretching, 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.
One of the most important things you can do to maintain your chain is to keep it lubricated. You certainly don't want to overdo it. You want the chain lubricated, but the lubrication itself does attract grit, so you don't want to use too much of it.
If you've ridden your bike through a trail full of mud, you'll want to clean it as soon as you return home.
What is the best way to clean your chain?
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.
How should you lubricate?
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.
Chain Suck
Have you ever seen this? This happens when the chain doesn't release from the bottom of the chainring and pulls up instead - rather than running straight to the lower rear derailleur. This is not an indication that your front derailleur is not performing well, but rather it means that the chain is worn out.
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.
While all components play a part in the performance of a bike, the chain is by far the most important.
Even if it is a general rule of thumb that all chains should be changed after 1,000 miles, taking good care of it and providing adequate regular maintenance will certainly increase the life of the chain. And it is definitely important to not stretch the life of a chain past its natural expectancy, so once it shows signs of rust or stretching, 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.
One of the most important things you can do to maintain your chain is to keep it lubricated. You certainly don't want to overdo it. You want the chain lubricated, but the lubrication itself does attract grit, so you don't want to use too much of it.
If you've ridden your bike through a trail full of mud, you'll want to clean it as soon as you return home.
What is the best way to clean your chain?
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.
How should you lubricate?
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.
Chain Suck
Have you ever seen this? This happens when the chain doesn't release from the bottom of the chainring and pulls up instead - rather than running straight to the lower rear derailleur. This is not an indication that your front derailleur is not performing well, but rather it means that the chain is worn out.
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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