Hi everyone:
I have a new road bike and I've been riding for two months, on weekends, in good weather. Question: All the books say to clean and lube your chain. OK, I ran out to get the chain cleaner and the lube from my LBS. I have J-cloths. And yet I'm so scared that I'll do something wrong and mess up my good ride that I don't dare touch my chain. What if I over-lube? Under-clean? Wreck my chain? Oh my, the tales of woe that run through my head are endless! The one thing I do know is that for both cleaning and lubing I run the wheels backwards. They showed me that much at the store.
Any experienced riders out there with advice on chain management for a newbie? Thank you very much!
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05-21-2013, 06:11 AM #1
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Cleaning and lubing the chain for the first time: what can go wrong?
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05-21-2013, 06:29 AM #2
Don't worry, be happy!
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Cleaning and lubing the chain for the first time: what can go wrong?
You tube is good. Really, not much to screw up unless you use the wrong stuff. You have stuff from the shop. Go for it!
2015 Liv Intrigue 2
Pro Mongoose Titanium Singlespeed
2012 Trek Madone 4.6 Compact SRAM
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05-21-2013, 07:18 AM #3
Don't worry, be happy!
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Hmm, your method sounds pretty good. Just be sure to rinse well and DRY THOROUGHLY before relubing the chain.
2015 Liv Intrigue 2
Pro Mongoose Titanium Singlespeed
2012 Trek Madone 4.6 Compact SRAM
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05-21-2013, 08:33 AM #4
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I try to minimize the amount of water. I just spray on bike-wash liberally and start gently to remove gritty dirt, and dry it well. I remove the chain and clean it and the rear cassette separately with degreaser and plenty of shop rags. I know many people are fine using water, but I try to avoid it whenever possible.
For 3 days, I get to part of a thousand other journeys.
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05-21-2013, 08:57 AM #5
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Am I a freak if I have a power link on my road bike chain for easy **thorough** cleaning?
I have them on all my mountain bikes...2015 Liv Intrigue 2
Pro Mongoose Titanium Singlespeed
2012 Trek Madone 4.6 Compact SRAM
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05-21-2013, 09:57 AM #6
Don't worry, be happy!
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power links are a mountain biking thing. You can easily undo the chain and soak it in a jar of your favorite cleaner to really get the gunk off.
2015 Liv Intrigue 2
Pro Mongoose Titanium Singlespeed
2012 Trek Madone 4.6 Compact SRAM
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05-21-2013, 10:00 AM #7
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I use this kit and love how it works. There are videos online for it's use and also reviews. I was working on my bike in the late winter in my brother-in-laws garage because it's heated and has hot and cold running water and he was very skeptical of the contraption when I pulled it out, but was really impressed with the results. After drying, I lube with T-9 and shifting is smooth as silk and quiet.
When using any degreaser on your bike, avoid getting it on the frame and wipe off and rinse if you do.
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05-21-2013, 04:45 PM #8
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Have them on ALL my bikes!
Originally Posted by Irulan
For 3 days, I get to part of a thousand other journeys.
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