Chain Maintenance
Clean
and Lubricate
The chain is the most important part of a bicycle, making
it run. It is also the hardest thing for most cyclists to
keep clean. Checking, cleaning and lubricating the chain will
ensure a better ride. A poorly lubricated chain along with
dirt and debris will increase friction, cause poor shifting
and wear out the bike more quickly. Proper lubrication and
cleaning the chain to remove dirt and debris will improve
the efficiency of a bike as well as its longevity. If the
chain becomes muddy on the ride, it chain should be cleaned
immediately after the ride, not allowing the mud time to dry,
which makes it harder to remove. After cleaning the chain,
make sure to completely dry the chain to keep it from rusting.
It is important to use the right lubrication and the right
amount. You should try to use the least amount of lube that
adequately lubes the chain and derailleurs. Any excess will
lead to increased wear due to dirt and grime buildup. When
you lube the chain, let the oil soak in and then wipe off
any excess. When you ride, make sure you carry a rag of
some sort to wipe off the chain periodically. This will
prolong the life of the chain.
Check
Chain For Wear
In addition to cleaning and lubricating, the chain should
also be checked for stretching. To measure the chain a foot-long
ruler should be used. Place one end of the ruler at the center
of any rivet on the chain and lay the ruler along the chain.
The other end of the ruler should end up in the center of
another rivet. The chain needs to be replaced when the ruler
is 1/8 inch or more from the closest rivet or the chain can
be lifted off of the chainring ¼ inch.
Replace
Cogs With the Chain
The cassette cogs wear out at the same speed as the chain
and will need to be replaced along with the chain. Failure
to replace the cassette cogs will cause the bike to work improperly.
Chain
Replacement Instructions
In some repair or replacement situations it will be necessary
to remove the chain and this requires separating it. The first
step is to use the derailleurs to put the chain on the smallest
chainring in front and the smallest cog in the rear. This
will minimize tension, making removal easier. Unwind the chain
tool far enough to fit the chain. Align the punch of the tool
with a chain pin and screw the punch forward against the pin
until it appears the link can be separated. This will be approximately
6 turns. Try to keep the pin attached to the chain in case
the chain needs to be reattached. Now that the chain is removed,
repeat the steps backwards to attach a new chain or a newly
cleaned chain. When reattaching a chain make sure the derailleurs
are set for the smallest chainring in front and the smallest
cog in the rear as done before.
Trouble
Shooting Tips For the Chain
Problem: The chain gets dirty and grimy.
Solution: Clean it and use less oil or use
a lighter grade of oil. Always wipe off any excess oil as
it will attract dirt.
Problem: Your chain breaks while riding
and you do not have a tool to fix it.
Solution: Try to find a piece of wire or
even you a shoelace if you have to, and tie the chain together.
Then pedal very gently until you get home.
Problem: The chain squeaks even after
you have oiled it.
Solution: Try an oil with better penetrating
qualities.
Problem: When you pedal hard the chain
skips.
Solution: If it only skips one cog it is
probably a worn out cog. So replace it. If it skips most
or all of the cogs, it is probably a tight link in the chain.
Find it by pedaling backwards and watching for it to bind
as it passes through the derailleur pulleys. Then flex the
chain sideways to free the link. If the link is rusted tight,
replace it. You may need to replace the chain if there are
several stiff links in different locations on the chain.
References
1. Langley, Jim. Bicycling Magazine’s Complete Guide
to Bicycle Maintenance and Repair or Road and Mountain Bikes.
Emmaus: Pennsylvania. 1999.
2. Milson, Fred. The Bike Book: Complete Step-By-Step Guide
to Choosing, Maintaining, and Repairing Your Bicycle.
Des Moines: Iowa. 1995.
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