Post by rogerb on Apr 26, 2020 17:05:25 GMT
Yet another item up for some maintenance should be your rear chain. Simply: I think it should not be rusty. You may recognise the product from the "distant past" shown in the first photo. It's a tin of the chain grease which had to be heated up and the chain dipped in to it (yes really). This was often after having cleaned it first - often with petrol (would now be deemed a little risky!). It was actually an extremely effective way of lubricating a chain but required it to be taken off and was strictly for the NON "O"-ring type.
"O"-ring chain is now usual on a modern bike and it is brilliant bit of engineering. Regarding cleaning & lubricating it, I have found it's pretty simple to do (assuming it's not been used off-road and become really coated). The second photo shows typical modern products to use. I read of someone having concern about chain cleaner spray harming "O"-rings but if it says it's suitable for such, I'm happy with that. It's suggested to lube the chain whilst it's warm (obviously after having just used the bike) but that might not always be possible. I would say definitely keep the chain lube in a warm room for several hours before use, however.
I just wipe off the old grease & dirt with a plain cotton cloth and plenty of cleaner and let it evaporate dry. Next - a decent sheet of old corrugated cardboard held behind the chain to contain the excess as you do the aerosol application of the grease.
Some other points are:
If your bike has a centre stand then you can spin the back wheel for the application.
If it doesn't, you really need to be using a rear paddock stand and don't drop your bike!
You can simply move the bike to rotate the wheel and therefore chain - you need a long driveway.
You can use a wax type of lube - does not fling off (but some say not so durable in winter).
If you use the grease type lube - clean off any that flings off onto the wheel with a soft cloth & white spirit.
"O"-ring chain is now usual on a modern bike and it is brilliant bit of engineering. Regarding cleaning & lubricating it, I have found it's pretty simple to do (assuming it's not been used off-road and become really coated). The second photo shows typical modern products to use. I read of someone having concern about chain cleaner spray harming "O"-rings but if it says it's suitable for such, I'm happy with that. It's suggested to lube the chain whilst it's warm (obviously after having just used the bike) but that might not always be possible. I would say definitely keep the chain lube in a warm room for several hours before use, however.
I just wipe off the old grease & dirt with a plain cotton cloth and plenty of cleaner and let it evaporate dry. Next - a decent sheet of old corrugated cardboard held behind the chain to contain the excess as you do the aerosol application of the grease.
Some other points are:
If your bike has a centre stand then you can spin the back wheel for the application.
If it doesn't, you really need to be using a rear paddock stand and don't drop your bike!
You can simply move the bike to rotate the wheel and therefore chain - you need a long driveway.
You can use a wax type of lube - does not fling off (but some say not so durable in winter).
If you use the grease type lube - clean off any that flings off onto the wheel with a soft cloth & white spirit.