EN - 21
CHAIN
CHAIN
CHAIN
CHAIN
The chain
The chain
The chain
The chain
transfers power from the pedals to the rear wheel and is one of the most highly stressed
components on the bicycle.
This is why care of the chain deserves
This is why care of the chain deserves
This is why care of the chain deserves
This is why care of the chain deserves special
special
special
special attention
attention
attention
attention!
!
!
!
It is very important
to keep the chain clean and lubricated. Before lubricating the chain you must clean it thoroughly. Any
sand or small particles that adhere to the chain as you ride the bike rapidly reduce its service life. Correct
and regular maintenance substantially extends the service life of the sprockets, chainset, and front and
rear derailleurs. Under stress the chain stretches over time and needs to be replaced. If you do not
replace the chain in time, the chainset and cogwheels may be damaged. This is why you have to have
the chain measured regularly by your mechanic!
Adjustment and
Adjustment and
Adjustment and
Adjustment and installation/
installation/
installation/
installation/removal
removal
removal
removal
The chain is kept correctly tensioned by the derailleur.
The chain has special connecting pins which should only be disconnected and connected by a
specialised worker using a special tool. However, if you use a high-quality chain tool you can also
replace the chain yourself.
It is true that even the highest-quality chains always have a limited
service life and usability. The chain should be replaced when it can be
lifted more than 5 mm above the chainset (see pic.). The best way to
establish the wear on the chain is to use a workshop gauge, which can
be purchased from specialised shops, to check the chain spacing.
Chain wear can be monitored regularly using this gauge and the chain can be replaced at the right
time, i.e., not prematurely or too late. If the chain spacing exceeds the maximum permitted limit, the
other parts of the gear system, i.e., particularly the sprockets and chainset, can suffer excess wear.
This is why
This is why
This is why
This is why the chain should be inspected regularly and immediately replaced if necessary
the chain should be inspected regularly and immediately replaced if necessary
the chain should be inspected regularly and immediately replaced if necessary
the chain should be inspected regularly and immediately replaced if necessary.
Chain care
Chain care
Chain care
Chain care
The chain should be lubricated approximately once a month under normal cycling conditions. If the
bike is used more often, it should then be lubricated approximately every 200 km. When cycling under
difficult conditions (rain, dust, mud) the chain should undergo maintenance much more often, possibly
every time the bicycle is used!
There are a number of lubrication products intended for application to bicycle chains available on the
market. Proceed as follows when lubricating the chain:
1.
Wipe off all excess lubricant residue from the surface of the chain with a dry cloth. Dirt will adhere
to this residue with negative impact on the service life of the chain, and of course there is the risk
of getting your clothes and also the bike itself dirty.
2.
Apply the lubricant in small doses, but evenly over the entire chain, to the inner surface of the
chain pins. The sides of the chain should remain dry and clean.
3.
After applying the lubricant remove any excess that adheres to the surface of the chain using a
dry cloth while turning the pedals counter-clockwise. Only lubricant that remains inside the
elements and not on their surface benefits the chain.
Special chain cleaning devices can be purchased from specialised shops (so-called chain washers),
which are capable of removing the dirt from even very dirty chains, and restoring them to their original
condition, thereby extending their service life. Investing in such a device is certainly worth it for people
who cycle often in difficult conditions.
During normal use, not under extreme conditions (rain, dust, mud), the average service life of the
chain is approximately 1,000 to 2,000 kilometres, but this varies in individual cases.
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING::::
Always use
Always use
Always use
Always use a
a
a
a chain intended for the
chain intended for the
chain intended for the
chain intended for the relevant type of gear system
relevant type of gear system
relevant type of gear system
relevant type of gear system, if in doubt contact a specialised
, if in doubt contact a specialised
, if in doubt contact a specialised
, if in doubt contact a specialised
servicing facility
servicing facility
servicing facility
servicing facility....
