I prefer the classic trip tube style of lubricant because it is quick, easy and works well. Water Repellent Properties- Water repellant chain lubes just make sense, and ensure you won’t find rust on your chain. There are obvious signs to look for that will tell you when it’s time for a new chain. Originally published in The Bikepacking Journal 03, Ditibised is Alexandera Houchin’s extraordinary story of training for the Tour Divide, framed in four seasons…. The first step in you weekly bicycle maintenance routine is cleaning the chain. There is nothing about cycling that I don’t like! Some prefer dry applications but for the most part, unless you are an expert, I recommend using a drip tube. With that in mind, I’ll be sure to bring my bike to a bicycle shop before using it. A sure fire check is to see if the chain has stretched too far. Step 1: Cleaning Your Chain Choose a workspace where you can make a mess (outdoors, indoors on a drop cloth or at your community bike shop). This is because most modern chains aren’t supposed to be removed until they are getting replaced by a new one. It is a, he main goal of this website is to provide valuable guides, reviews, and articles about different types of bicycles, including, All you need to know about bike groupsets. Everything from how to clean a bike chain without removing it to front derailleur adjustment. If you are a wet weather rider or put a lot of torque on your chain, this is the choice for you. If you live near the beach where sand can get into your drivetrain or if you live in a wet environment where rain routinely flushes away your chain lube, making your chain rusty, keep a closer eye on the condition of your chain. You can also use the bike chain cleaner or brush. Do not use WD-40, or any other product not made for bike chains. Happy riding. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Allow chain cleaner to sit for 60 seconds or the time specified from the manufacturer. Finish line dry lube is one of those bike chain lubes that you just can’t go wrong with. Keeping your chain clean and lubed will prolong your drivetrain life and save you a great amount of money in the long run! Your feedback is important to make our reviews even more precise! No need for lasers or fancy jigs like Campagnolo uses here to quality control a newly minted chain… – This depends on the conditions you are riding in. This will depend on your riding conditions and how often you ride. However, the best way to go about lubing a chain is to do it lightly, and often. Plus, a rusty chain is a safety hazard as well. I use cloth. My bicycle has been stuck for months since I was out of the country due to the demands of my job. It is too thin to stay on the chain and lubricate it properly, and it attracts dust and grime like no other. A wet lube is the most traditional style of lube. It has similar properties to most car oils and is great for autumn and winter use as it repels water and resists corrosion from salts. If there is a lot of water, or you need the lube to last as long as possible, use a wet lube. Cick the link to see them plotted or select from the links to the right to filter. https://www.rei.com › learn › expert-advice › bike-chain.html We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. The fourth issue of The Bikepacking Journal hit mailboxes this spring. I don’t think it lasts quite as long, though. What use is a rusty chain? Related: All you need to know about bike groupsets. Each company has their own idea as to what chain lube should accomplish, on top of keeping the chain in good condition of course. Proper chain maintenance is easier than you think and will keep you bike shifting better while saving you money. SRAM and some other brands feature special links known as “master links”. I do not recommend this as it can start to clog up your chain. Some people put one heavy coating on and leave it for weeks. If the chain is rusty, throw it away. – Ideally, you should give your chain a quick wipe down every time you ride. It comes in both a wet and dry formula. Lubricate your chain with bike grease. These can be signs of wear. Wax lube is just a form of dry lube. Be sure to check for physical bending and stiff links as well. However, dry lubricants also need to be applied more often than wet lubricants. A leader in our industry, we know you'll be satisfied with the Chain Maintenance you buy from us. to support us & get The Bikepacking Journal. Dry lubes, on the other hand, are best for summer or dry dusty environments. Noise will also increase. View The Classics, The Bikepacking Journal is our printed collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography.Find details here alongside a growing collection of web exclusive features... Have one to share? The lube goes on wet, and never dries out. Learn More, As important as it is to have a reliable bike and pack as light as you can, choosing the right route is perhaps the key to your enjoyment. Teflon- Teflon based chain lubes are the most common as using Teflon to lubricate creates almost no friction. Eventually, the chain will become brittle and break. Logan (Rock n’ Roll “Holy Cow”) – I also use Dumonde quite a bit. It goes on wet, and then dries to form a synthetic film coating on your chain. Stay away from WD40 as a lubricant. A toothbrush or nail brush will … Click the link below to find out how to start. With good engineering, modern materials, and regular maintenance, it is … Learning some basic bike repair … Let’s see, how to clean bike chain. Luckily, there's no need to take your bike to an expensive repair … Step by step road bike maintenance guides with pictures to help you get back on the road. Just don’t forget to dry the chain and then lubricate it when you are done. Bike Chain Cleaning and Maintenance: Hey there cyclists,I recently took my bike in for a tune up, and the friendly bike shop staff reminded me to clean and oil my chain weekly for ultimate bike performance. A AKRAF Bicycle Chain Repair Tool Kit with Bike Link Plier, Chain Breaker Splitter Tool, 6 Pairs Bicycle Missing Links, Bicycle Mechanic Tool Kit with Chain Master Link Remover and Connector. DO NOT RUIN YOUR CHAIN! However, some people use chainsaw oil or even extra virgin olive oil when they can’t get a hold of the real deal. Many people go for months, or even years, … I also work with other riders, teaching them how to get better on trickier, technical trails. . Contrary to a lot of belief, road bikes and mountain bikes should use the same chain oils for the same reasons. All chains come factory lubricated, and after you ride it for a bit, that wears away. Shimano chains can only be removed by pushing out a pin using a chain breaker tool. Chain stretch can be measured using a chain stretch tool or a ruler. Hey! Dirt finds it hard to stick to a chain with this wax lube on it. Cyclists with poorly kept chains that are rusty, or worn out will notice that their gears skip while shifting, the chain bounces around or comes off, the bike pedals poorly and more! Here, the device includes rotating brushes that work … And the OG is concentrated so you don’t need to apply as much, which means you don’t need to bring as much, and that means it takes up less space. If it is more than 1/16th off, your chain has stretched too far and needs to be replaced. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. There are almost too many technologies in bike lubes to talk about! Click the link below to learn about each. The next thing to do is think about how it rides. Cleaning your bike chain is best done on your bike. In our latest video, Neil shares everything you need to know about taking care of your chain and making repairs in the field. The majority of bicycle maintenance product brands, including Park Tool and Muc-Off, recommend the use of a chain-cleaning device. Correctly applying chain lube is vital for the smooth operation of your bike's drivetrain. Turns out, I was wrong, there are actually many excellent bikes on the market. If you have a repair stand, put your bike on it; if you don’t, either prop the front wheel securely so that the bike stands alone or flip the bike … Is it loud? However, there is no real need to remove the chain with the chain … The chain will also start to rust. Too little lube and it'll squeak, too much and it'll attract a lot of dirt! I ride simply because I love to. Otherwise, you can use the affiliate links below and we’ll get a small kickback to help support videos like this one…. More here. Many bike shops will completely remove the chain and let it soak in a vat of degreaser while working on the bike. In this article we are going to cover why it is important to keep your chain in tip-top shape, and how you can do it! While this is an essential guide for bikepackers, it’s loaded with great tools for day rides too…, In this video guide, Neil dives deep into the world of bicycle chains and discusses bike chain repair, chain wear, and simple tips and techniques to get you out of a bad situation, or to avoid that bad situation in the first place. Steps in lubing your chain: Lean your bike against a wall in an area where the ground can get dirty; Clean off your chain with an old rag or sock by gently grabbing the bottom section of your chain … In case you haven’t noticed, we are a big fan of Finish Line products. The metal on metal contact causes the chain to heat up and results in the gears and chain to rub and wear. Mountain bike and road bike chains are made almost identically, so using the same lubes is expected and the correct thing to do. If you’re not familiar on how to clean bike chain, let’s talk about it. See our article, Bike Maintenance … However, it is too thick to be used alone as chain lube so it is mixed with other oils and solvents for penetration purposes. Once you pick out the bike for you, I’ll see on the trails! Once the lube is gone, the chain will start to wear away. View The Map, There are some routes that are made classic by their sheer perfection, and others by races. Pretty much no use. Once the chain is separated, to put it back together you will need a new Shimano pin (also known as a rivet), that also has a guide so that you can push it back through with the chain breaker tool. 4.2 out of 5 … As Neil pointed out, it lasts. Then use a little soap and water to help rinse away the grime. It is all based on riding conditions. There is a lot that people say they put on a chain, but I’m going to keep it simple. This is the ultimate lubricant for dusty environments. A clean bike chain isn’t just for aesthetics—keeping your chain clean will help it perform better, run quietly, and prolong its life. They just seem to make great lubricants, and the wax is no different. Dry chain lubricants don’t have dirt and debris stick to them as easily as wet lubricants do. Just run the chain backward several spins. The bike chain is the dirtiest part on the bike … Looking after your chain is THE Most important part of all the parts you maintain on your E bike. Watch the video below and be sure to hit the subscribe button so we can keep making videos like this one…, Here’s a shopping list of the bike chain repair and maintenance tools used in this video. If you don’t have these, an old firm bristled brush, or even a toothbrush will work well for scrubbing. These master links are designed to be removed with a special set of pliers. I figured that decent bikes cost a lot and the cheap ones are all crap. Chain Maintenance. Just run the chain backward several spins. If the chain still has remaining buildup, re-apply chain cleaner and use a cleaning brush to breakdown stubborn areas. If you don’t have the correct pliers, try threading an old gear cable through and pulling each end to bring the links together. You may also use water and dish soap. Miles (Muc Off C3) – Lately I’ve been using Muc Off C3 — mainly because I found these TINY little sample lube bottles that are half the size of a box of matches. There was a few year period when I didn’t ride at all, cause I just couldn’t afford one really. Chain Maintenance for Sale. Good call, Ellen, glad I could help. It’s crazy that such a little piece can alter the performance of a bike so much! Once it’s worn and dry, gears will skip and pedaling will become much less efficient. This is why wet lubes almost always completely repel water. There are a number of approaches to … I hope now you know, how to clean the bike chain. I use cloth. Both can cause your chain to wear out faster. If you don’t have a special tool, use a brush to degrease your chain. It is a free resource page about bicycles, founded in 2015 by Jeff Balton. Make sure all of the soap is washed away before drying and then lubing the chain. On the former, tiny rubber O-rings between the inner and outer side plates help prevent dirt and other abrasives from infiltrating the chain … Ceramic chain lube is the most recent development in bike lube technology. Don’t get ripped off! A AKRAF Bicycle Chain Repair Tool Kit with Bike Link Plier, Chain Breaker Splitter Tool, 6 Pairs Bicycle Missing Links, Bicycle Mechanic Tool Kit with Chain Master Link Remover and Connector. The bicycle chain is a wonderfully effective means of transferring mechanical energy from one place to another. Is it OK to use WD40 on a bike a bike chain? Cleaning the Bicycle Chain. However, most bike specific chain lubes will work well for you. This is one of those things you can find out for yourself. Visit this section to learn how to choose a route, and some insight into navigation. Keeping your chain clean and lubed will keep things moving smoothly, enhance the life of your chain, and ensure your bike shifts as expected. Ceramic- Ceramic will coat the metal surfaces of your chain and gears to create a low friction surface with as little metal on metal contact as possible. 4.2 out of 5 … Rinse chain… – We do not recommend using any alternatives to proper bike chain lube. Be sure to share it in the comments below, along with any maintenance suggestions, tools, or repair tricks you’ve discovered along the way…. To use a ruler, line up one rivet at the 0 inches mark, then count 23 rivets further and the last one should end up at the 12 inches mark. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. In fact, it is one of the main reason cyclists avoid riding alone. – No! So handy for day rides and weekend trips. If there is a lot of dust and grime, use a dry lube. Start Here, Broadly speaking, there are three bikepacking genres to choose from – Multi-day Mountain Biking, Ultralight Race & Gravel, and Expedition & Dirt Touring. How to Put On a Bicycle Chain. If you ride often, once a week is likely enough. Bike Chain Maintenance Bike Chain Wear. For the longest service life, lubricate generously. Clean Your Motorcycle Chain. Get your bike into position. This lube also builds a ceramic coating on all areas of friction which helps make everything run as smoothly as it should. However, if you don’t have any, you can use automotive degreaser. These go on wet and quite easily. This quiets the bike down and creates a smooth running drivetrain. The RnR Holy Cow works really well, too, and came recommended. Bought a bike we talked about in one of our reviews? Never use WD40 on a bike chain. I’ve outlined some tips on how to choose and what to buy on my website. Learn More, We have ~100 routes on our worldwide bikepacking routes map. The best way is to use a proper chain cleaning tool that features rotating brushes that you run your chain through, this in combination with a good bike degreaser, and then a wipe down with a microfiber cloth should leave your chain free from grime and ready for some lubricant. In short, make sure to lube your chain! It is … This is the best option if you only want to use one lube for all conditions as it stay on well and does an excellent job at keeping your chain from getting clogged up with dust and grime. It is one of the most lasting lubricants I have used. Neil (Dumonde Tech Original) – It’s hands down the longest lasting chain lube I’ve used. Bicycle Guider is a registered trademark. How to clean a bike chain with household products. The main goal of this website is to provide valuable guides, reviews, and articles about different types of bicycles, including mountain, hybrid and road bikes. If you hear dirt particles crunching in your chain when you pedal, you’ve left it too long! Here is where we help you out by answering some of the most popular questions that get asked when it comes to chain maintenance and lube. You can also use the bike chain cleaner or brush. Sooner or later, any avid cyclist will have the chain on their bicycle come loose or break altogether. They usually go on wet but dry on and become waxy. Cleaning and lubing a motorcycle chain is a relatively easy process. Then there are the typical drip tube application lubes. And there is nothing wrong with that. Some of these technologies are as follows: Cleaners- these repel dirt and grime to keep the chain as clean as possible. – This is entirely dependent on riding conditions and the type of lube you use. How to Repair a Broken Bike Chain Quick Road or Trail-Side Fix for a Broken Bike Chain. Do not buy a cheap chain. Flip the bike over and pedal it with one hand, dropping bits of lubricant onto the chain … Getting stranded on the side of the road or miles down a trail is never fun. A clean chain will not wear out a cassette as fast thus saving you … The lube has to be the right viscosity or it simply will not do its job right. MotoSport.com offers 60 Chain Maintenance. The best part about it is it totally repels water, and doesn’t stop working! At the moment these are the greatest offers that I’ve seen anywhere online. Lubricants can last quite a while. Let us know about your thoughts and send us pictures of the bike. Read More... A bike’s chain is the rider’s direct link to forwarding propulsion. Is the chain skipping around? I sometimes take part in group-rides and compete in races. When I checked it last week, I saw that its chain has buildups of rust and grime that I can’t remove at all. When you wash your bike all of the stuff you want gone just rinses right off! You need this if you ride in wet weather environments. A little elbow grease goes a long way here! It is pretty typical as far as dry lubes go. As with any other part on your bike, chains wear out, often quicker than we would like. Rinse chain with water to remove chain cleaner and dissolved buildup. Washing a Chain. Get a decent quality one and keep it in good condition! Our favorites are Finish Line’s products. There are two different forms of bicycle chain lube as far as application goes. If you do anything at all, it's better than doing nothing. You got me when you said that your bicycle’s chain needs to be replaced and thrown away if it has a sign of rust. The first step towards proper chain maintenance should always be chain oil. Simply put, bikepacking is the synthesis of mountain biking and minimalist camping; it evokes the freedom of multi-day backcountry hiking, with the range and thrill of riding a mountain bike. This is not as easy but works in a pinch. – When you don’t lube your chain, a few things happen. O-ring and X-ring dirt bike chain maintenance. Bicycle Guider has gained more than 8,000,000 readers and has sold more than 400,000 cycling related items so far, with the support of, ©2021 Bicycle-Guider.com - Comprehensive Bicycle Guide for 2021, Bicycle Guider is a registered trademark. Do you have a chain horror story from a bikepacking trip or day ride? We are reader-supported. In these types of lubes, ceramic particles build up and form a no friction layer where there would usually be metal on metal contact. My name is Jeff! Remove and discard it in that case, but … https://bikepacking.com › gear › bike-chain-repair-and-maintenance First off, it dries out. There are hundreds of appropriate options, so choosing something like WD40 for convenience just seems silly. Plus, it’ll also keep those dreaded grease stains at bay. These are not recommended as they attract dirt like crazy, but in a pinch, it is better than a dry chain. I usually put some in a small eye drop bottle and that works really well. Support your local bike shop and pick them up there if you can. Write your review on [email protected]. I aim to inspire riders to greater interest and activity. You can buy chains that have wax on from the factory or apply it yourself. First off is rust. If you do not have an oil bath, remove the chain … The most important thing is to clean your chain frequently via a quick wipe down (ideally after every ride). O-ring and X-ring chains are great when trail riding through mud and water. – The best thing to use is of course bike specific cleaners. Some lubes are made with their primary focus on keeping the chain clean. It’s definitely better to invest a small amount into a new chain, than riding with it and paying a lot to replace your whole drivetrain. Despite this, chains are often overlooked. Assess whether the chain is worn and needs replacement. Essentially you pull the internal sections of the master links together so that the pins slide on the master link connectors until they can just pull apart. Give your chain a proper clean whenever it starts to look grimy. Find out when to replace your chain, plus tips and tricks to keep you moving in the backcountry when disaster strikes. Whether or not your chain needs adjusting, you'll want to keep it clean … Our Pledge. Do not use anything that isn’t specifically designed for use on a bike chain. Wet lubricants are also best at keeping drivetrain noise down. View All Features. Yes, a wax lube is a form of dry lubricant. There is the kind which is applied dry, these are not very common and take a little more effort to properly apply. This stuff is exactly what you want for any wet weather riding. We want to make … What is the best oil to use on a bicycle chain? Wrong, there are obvious signs to look for that will tell when. 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Could help a ruler and respect for all people and cultures lasts quite as long as.... Best done bike chain maintenance your chain, but I ’ ve used your riding conditions and how often you in! Basic bike repair … the bicycle chain is a lot of dirt it. No real need to be removed with a special tool, use a cleaning brush to breakdown stubborn areas less! In a vat of degreaser while working on the chain on their bicycle come or. You wash your bike all of the soap is washed away before drying and then lubing chain! Work with other riders, teaching them how to clean bike chain Maintenance should always be chain oil t rust.