Chain Cleaning & Lubrication
The chain is fundamental to the bicycles transmission yet so
many run these either dry or rusty or over oiled and dirty. A chain
should be one of the most cared for components of your bike. When
you purchased a new bike it was clean enough that you could eat a
packet of crisps directly after touching the chain.
That is because the exterior of the chain was wiped of any
excess grease. The problem occurs when poor quality lube is applied
in excess as this attracts all the dust and road grime to stick and
then more lubrication is added on top and eventually a dirt paste
is created which only wears the chain and transmission components
at double quick time. The only thing worse that this is a chain
with no lubrication at all that squeaks as you pedal. A bicycle
ridden regularly should have the chain cleaned once a month, either
by using a degreasant and toothbrush or better still a chain
cleaning bath. Once clean then dry thoroughly and apply a good
quality cycle chain lubricant. You time spent doing this will pay
off big time because your chain will last more than twice as long
and your cycling will be smoother and quieter.
Tags: Bike Maintenance posted