Taking care of your bicycle chain is a part of basic maintenance that will extend the life of your bicycle components and provide a better riding experience. This does not have to be an expensive nor complicated process. Generally, a bicycle chain should last for thousands of miles ridden if it is well maintained. However, a poorly treated chain can be quickly ruined and even damage other parts of your bike.
Here are some simple tips to follow to properly maintain your bicycle chain:
- Avoid storing the bicycle outside for lengthy periods: A sure way to rust and essentially ruin your chain is to store your bicycle outside in the elements. Using a highly corroded chain will most assuredly damage other parts of your drivetrain, including the front chainring(s) and the rear sprockets. All of my clients that have had their bicycles stored outside for at least one winter always needed a new chain.
- Clean it with soap and water: If your chain gets grimy from riding in the rain, dusty from crushed gravel, muddy from mountain biking, or just dirty in general, the easiest way to clean it is simply using soap and water. Fill a bucket with some liquid dish soap and water and use a brush to clean it. Use a garden hose or a bucket of fresh water to rinse it. You can also clean it in a DIY carwash stall. Just be careful using the pressure washer as to not damage other parts of the bike. Then simply dry the chain by wiping it thoroughly with a towel. Chamois towels and even old t-shirts can be used. Once the chain is fully dry, then you can lube it as described below.
- Only use chain lube intended for bicycle chains: Only chain lube designed for bicycles chains should be used. There are various types of bicycle chain lube, and many specialty ones can be pricey. However, using a basic and inexpensive chain lube is going to be fine. You can find these online, at big box stores, and even at hardware stores. I also have a supply for sale in my mobile shop. DO NOT use any type of motor oil, WD-40, cooking oils, or any type of lubricating grease. One drop of chain lube should be applied on each link so that it penetrates between the pins and rollers that connect the chain together; that is all you need to apply. Lube is not necessary on the outside plates of each link. Then you should wipe off the excess lube by holding a rag around the bottom of the chain and slowly rotating the cranks until the chain is rotated one time through the rag. Reapply lube to your chain approximately every other ride. Be sure to clean your chain if needed prior to reapplying.
- Replace the chain: If you have a particularly rusty or dirty chain, you are better off by simply replacing it. It is not worth the time and effort to attempt to clean it, particularly if it is a recreation-level chain. Additionally, using harsh and potentially dangerous chemicals to clean a chain is not a good idea. A fresh chain will provide a much better and safer ride.
If you need a chain cleaning or potential replacement, please schedule an appointment with me to take care of your needs. I can assess your chain and make various recommendations for the best and most economical way to get you riding again.
Helfrich Bicycles 