FROM THE WORKSHOP...
How do I keep my drive chain in good nick?
The humble bike chain is the only thing that connects your pedals to the rear of the bike. If it snaps, you’re going home. And replacement, while simple, isn’t cheap. There are a few things you can do to keep your chain in tip-top condition, and doing so will also reduce friction and ensure that more of the power you deliver through the pedals gets converted into speed.
Firstly, keep it clean – the grit that collects on your chain abrades it. There are plenty of degreasers around but WD40 works well enough (don’t get it near your freewheel – it contains a light oil, which WD40 and other degreasers strip away).
If you’ve got a Shimano, SRAM or KMC chain, you’ll have a quick-link, in which case you should consider buying some cheap quick-link pliers. These mean you can get the chain off and away from the bike, soak it in hot water and or degreaser, and it will be clean in minutes. Simply dry, refit and re-lube. Don’t over use a quicklink. They last longer than manufacturers suggest, but replace it as soon as it feels baggy and overly easy to undo. The parts of the chain that take the highest load are the rollers. They’re lubricated inside, so this is where your chain lube needs to go. Drip some lube on each roller, moving the chain backwards as you go, let it soak a bit, then repeat, paying close attention to the roller at both ends. Grab a rag and the chain between thumb and forefinger and rotate to remove any excess. As excess collects on the chain, it will coat the side plates and any areas of the chain you might have missed, leaving a thin film of corrosion protection with it. Excess lube picks up excess dirt, so don’t overdo it.