The chain is the crucial element of a bicycle – if it breaks, you aren’t going anywhere. So proper maintenance is essential.
Of all the components on your bike, the chain is the most important. No chain….no go!
Proper chain maintenance will extend the life of your chain – although any chain should be replaced after you’ve put 1000 miles on it. Don’t use a chain any longer that necessary – if its rusted or stretched, it’s time to get a new chain.
A bike chain is put together from hundreds of precision-machined parts, consisting of pins, plates and rollers. If it gets full of gunk it will negatively impact your biking experience, and not do your cogs much good either.
The easiest way to take care of the chain is simply to keep it lubricated. Of course – too much of anything is a bad thing. You want the chain lubricated, but the lubrication itself does attract grit, so you don’t want to use too much of it.
If you’ve ridden your bike through a trail full of mud, you’ll want to clean it as soon as you return home.
Cleaning a chain
It’s a hassle to take the...