Two people riding together on macvol's e-bike

Things You Need to Know About Cycling (2)-Chain Maintenance

Why Maintain Your Chain?

The bicycle chain is among the most susceptible parts to wear and dirt, often causing frustration and headaches for cyclists. Completely exposed during rides, the chain is directly influenced by various environmental conditions. Improper maintenance can shorten the lifespan of not just the chain, but also the chain ring and derailleur, and can affect the smoothness of your ride. Therefore, regular chain maintenance is crucial.

When to Maintain Your Chain?

  1. Shifting performance decreases during rides.
  2. Excessive dust or oil sludge accumulates on the chain.
  3. Noise is heard from the drivetrain.
  4. Creaking sounds are heard due to a dry chain while pedaling.
  5. Long periods of disuse after riding in the rain.
  6. On normal roads, maintain every two weeks or roughly every 200 kilometers.
  7. On off-road conditions, maintain at least every 100 kilometers. In harsher conditions, clean and maintain after every ride.
 

How to Clean Your Chain

Tools Needed

  • Repair stand
  • Chain cleaner
  • Old newspapers
  • Dry cloth
  • Lubricating oil
  • Old toothbrush
  • Syringe
  • Chain cleaning device
  • Permanent marker

Steps

  1. Lay newspaper or cloth under the work area to catch any dripping cleaning liquid.
  2. Mount the bike on a repair stand, shift the chain ring to the middle or small ring, and the cassette to the middle gear. Adjust the bike so the chain is as parallel to the ground as possible.
  3. Use a brush or cloth to wipe off excess mud, dirt, and grime.
  4. Fill the chain cleaning device with cleaning liquid.
  5. Attach the cleaner to the bottom section of the chain, positioning it between the chain ring and the cassette. Secure the cleaner in place.
  6. Hold the handle firmly and slowly rotate the crank counterclockwise. After a few rotations, the chain should be clean. If necessary, add new cleaning liquid and continue until the chain is clean. Proper balance is required to keep the chain moving smoothly. Initially, it might be hard to gauge the right amount of force, but with practice, it will become easier. Rotate the chain multiple times to clean all gaps thoroughly.
  7. Use a cloth to wipe off all cleaning liquid from the chain, then perform a few shifts to remove any remaining cleaning liquid from the chain ring and cassette. Let the chain dry in the sun or air dry completely before applying oil.
  8. Immediately clean up any spilled contaminants, dispose of used cleaning liquid and dirty cloths properly. Rinse the chain cleaner with water and let it dry.
 

Oiling the Chain

Apply oil only when the chain is clean and dry, using specialized chain oil.

Steps

  1. Apply oil between each link of the chain. Drop oil on both sides of each link pin, ensuring thorough lubrication. For a 108-link chain, you'll need 216 drops. When using Wolf's oil, turn the bottle upside down to drip the oil, though a syringe may give better control.
  2. Mark the starting point on the chain with a permanent marker and begin applying oil. Once you reach the mark again, you've completed the oiling.
  3. Allow a few minutes for the oil to penetrate the chain.
  4. Excess oil on the chain will attract dirt. Wrap the chain with a dry cloth and rotate the crank to remove any surplus oil.
  5. If there is excess oil on the chain ring and cassette, shift gears to change their position, and wipe them clean with a cloth. This oil only serves to attract dirt.
  6. After regular rides, use a cloth to keep the chain clean, and periodically clean and oil the chain.
  7. In muddy conditions, oil will quickly wear off, causing significant wear and noise. Prompt re-oiling is necessary.