| Proper bicycle chain maintenance will allow | | | | clean cloth. This will help to keep the chain |
| you to keep your bike in tip-top condition | | | | from catching dirt and grime while riding. It |
| for riding. Learning how to take care of your | | | | will also keep your chain in tip-top |
| chain can save you time and energy. | | | | condition. |
| | | | |
| A bicycle chain is known for failing at the | | | | If you need to clean your bicycle chain, then |
| worst time. This problem of a jumpy or jerky | | | | you can use a degreaser or dish soap. This is |
| chain can be removed entirely, though, if you | | | | a great way to remove lubricant, grime, and |
| simply do some chain maintenance on it | | | | grease to help your chain to work better. |
| regularly. This means that you check your | | | | After you clean it, remember to lubricate it |
| chain at least two times per month or after | | | | again. You should put the cleaner on the |
| you ride it about 10 hours if you ride quite | | | | center of the cleaning cloth or sponge and |
| a bit. You also want to be sure to do a chain | | | | then place it around the chain. By |
| check if you have been riding in bad weather. | | | | backpedaling, you should clean the chain |
| | | | sufficiently. Make sure that you rinse the |
| You should replace your chain if it is | | | | rag each turn until you do not get any more |
| rusted, tight, worn out, or you have ridden | | | | dirt on it. |
| more than 1000 miles on it. A new chain with | | | | |
| 24 links should measure 12 inches and if it | | | | Leave the chain on the bicycle when you are |
| is too long even by 1/16 of an inch, then you | | | | cleaning it to keep it from becoming weaker. |
| want to replace it so that it does not damage | | | | While you are getting the chain clean, then |
| the chain ring or sprocket. If you are | | | | you can inspect it for any links that may be |
| replacing the chain rings or sprocket, then | | | | too tight. A tight chain can cause the chain |
| you need to go ahead and replace the chain so | | | | to jump and jerk. If you find a link that is |
| that you do not damage the new chain rings | | | | tight, then you can loosen it by flexing it |
| and sprocket. | | | | between two points that are located at about |
| | | | give links away from the tight link. If you |
| The metal parts of the chain do not really | | | | cannot loosen it, then you will have to |
| stretch, but the chain does get longer | | | | replace the chain. Keeping your bike chain |
| because of the sleeves and pins wear and | | | | lubricated and clean will help it to last |
| tear. Lubricating the chain regularly will | | | | much longer and work much better. |
| help the chain to last longer. If you want to | | | | |
| lubricate correctly, then you will want to | | | | If your chain seems to be making some noise |
| put just a lubricant drop into each chain | | | | and cleaning does not stop the noise, then |
| pin. This may take you a little time, but it | | | | you will have to replace it. If pedaling |
| will be well worth it when you increase the | | | | becomes difficult, then it will be time for a |
| life of your chain. | | | | chain change as well. By paying attention to |
| | | | detail and maintenance, then you will have a |
| Leave the lubricant on the chain for about 15 | | | | bike chain that you can use for a long time. |
| minutes and then wipe the excess off with a | | | | |