36
b
c
d
a
6.7 chain.
6.7.1 chain maintenance.
Regular and correct lubrication of your bicycles chain makes for enjoy-
able riding and prolongs its service life. It is not the quantity, but the
distribution and regular application of lubricant that counts.
Clean the dirt and oil off your chain with an oily rag from time to time
(a)
.
Special degreasers are not necessary.
Having cleaned the chain as thoroughly as possible, apply chain oil, wax
or grease to the chain links
(b)
. To lubricate the chain, drip the lubricant
onto the rollers of the lower run of the chain while you turn the crank.
Once this is done, turn the cranks a few more times; then let the chain
rest for a few minutes so that the lubricant can disperse.
Finally wipe off excess lubricant with a rag so that it does not spatter
around during riding or can collect road dirt.
For the sake of the environment, use biodegradable lubricants
only. Bear in mind that some of the lubricant can end up on the
ground, especially in wet conditions.
Make sure the braking surfaces of the rims, the rotors and the
brake pads remain clear of lubricants, as the brakes will fail
otherwise.
6.7.2 chain Wear.
Although the chain is one of the parts of a bicycle that wears, there are
still ways for you to prolong its service life. Make sure the chain is lubri-
cated regularly, especially after riding in the rain. Try to only use gears
which run the chain in the straightest line between the sprockets and
chainrings and get in the habit of high cadence pedalling.
Chains of bicycles with derailleur gears are worn out after approx. 800
to 2,500 km (500 to 1,550 miles) or 40 to 125 hours of use, according to
the type of bicycle. Heavily stretched chains impair the operation of de-
railleur gears. Cycling with a worn-out chain also accelerates the wear of
the sprockets and chainrings. Replacing these components is relatively
expensive compared with the costs of a new chain. It is therefore advis-
able to check the condition of the chain at regular intervals.
To check chain wear, run the chain on the largest chainring. Take the
chain between your thumb and index finger and try to lift it off the teeth.
If you can lift it off clearly, it is stretched and should be replaced
(c)
.
In a bicycle specialist shop of your trust they have accurate measuring
instruments for precise chain inspection
(d)
. Replacing the chain should
ideally be left to an expert, as this requires special tools. In addition, you
need to select a chain matching your gear system.
An improperly joined or heavily worn chain can break and may
cause an accident.
