24
Torque spanners
Chain
To ensure that it can work effectively, the chain
has to be cleaned and greased regularly (see
page 36). Dirt can be removed when washing the
rest of the bicycle. Otherwise you can clean the
chain by rubbing it with an oily cloth. When the
chain is clean, it should be greased at the joints
with suitable lubricant. After being left to soak,
the excess lubricant should then be removed.
To ensure that the chain and gears
can work safely, the chain has to have
a certain level of tension. Derailleur
gear systems tense the chain automatically.
In the case of hub gears, chains which are too
loose have to be tightened. Otherwise they
can come off and lead to a fall.
Chain tension
In the case of bicycles with adjustable
dropouts, the mounting screws of the
axle housing should be loosened and
tightened, and not the axle nuts. If the bottom
bracket shell contains an eccentric bush,
please tighten the chain according to the
instructions provided by the corresponding
manufacturer.
Please ensure that axle nuts and
boosters are correctly attached!
Dirt and permanent strain wear the chain. The
chain should be replaced as soon as it can
be significantly lifted (approx. 5 mm) from
the front chain ring. Many modern chains for
derailleur gear systems no longer have chain
connectors. You therefore require specialist
tools to open/change/close them. This work
should be carried out by a specialist retailer.
Other chains are supplied/assembled with
chain connectors. In some cases, these can
be opened without the need for tools. These
chain connectors can also be used to repair
a damaged chain on a ride, if they have the
correct width for the drive train.
* see page 37
!
IDEAL MANUAL 2016_eng.indd 24
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