Keeping your chain clean and lubricated is an essential part of bike maintenance. It helps extend the life of your entire drivetrain and improves shifting and overall drivetrain performance. This tutorial will guide you through each step of cleaning and lubricating your chain.
Video Tutorial Coming Soon!
What you need
- Chain wear indicator
- Lubricant of choice
- Degreaser
- Old cloth
- Chain cleaner tool
Optional:
- Repair stand
- Apron/Gloves
Step 1- Check your chain for wear
Using the chain wear indicator, check your chain for wear. If the chain is worn beyond it's life, it's best to skip the hassle of cleaning the chain and replace the chain instead.
Step 2 - Use your chain cleaning tool
a) Shift into the smallest cog and front chainring.
b) Attach your chain cleaner to the lower section of chain while making sure that the chain fully seats into the brushes of your chain cleaner.
c) Fill the chain cleaner with solvent to the fill line marked on the body.
d) Turn the cranks of your bicycle backwards for at least 30 revolutions.
e) Remove the chain cleaning device and pour the solvent into a separate container.
f) Once the contaminants have settled to the bottom of the container, the solvent can be reused or disposed of.
g) Rinse out your chain cleaner and refill it with soapy water, then repeat processes (a) through (e).
Step 3 - Wipe chain off
Wipe off your chain by running it through a clean, dry rag and leave your chain to air-dry.
Step 4 - Lubricate chain
It's important to relubricate your chain with a purpose made chain lube.
a) Apply a small drop to each individual link.
b) Use a clean, dry rag to wipe the excess lube from your chain. This will prevent dirt from collecting on your chain.