Bike chain maintenance
Whether you’re a fitness junkie or just like to ride a few blocks to the playground in the summer, bicycling is a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
But like any piece of equipment with a complex series of moving parts, bicycles require some simple routine cleaning and maintenance to stay on the road and roll smoothly. Keeping your drivetrain free of debris and properly lubricated is essential, and it’s something you can do yourself.
Here, I’ll demonstrate how to clean and lubricate your bicycle chain, and what factors to consider when choosing a chain lube. Then the next time you’re ready to hit the road or the trail, your bicycle will be as well.
Tools Required
Clean shop towels
Empty container
Nitrile gloves
Plastic putty knife
Toothbrush or other soft brush
Materials Required
Bicycle chain lubricant
Bicycle degreaser
Step 1: Position the bike
Start by propping your bicycle against a wall. If you have a bicycle work stand, that would be ideal. If not, position it so the bike feels stable and you can rotate the pedals backwards without hitting anything.
To prevent spills and splatters, place some flattened cardboard boxes under the bicycle and on the wall behind it, especially if you’re working inside in a finished area.
Step 2: Inspect the chain
Look for the following:
Damaged side plates;
Protruding rivets;
Any twist in the chain;
The chain won’t sit fully into the sprocket teeth;
Rust;
A seized chain.
If any of these issues exist, a professional tune-up should be done, more than likely in conjunction with a full bike chain replacement.