Lee Hill
A chain for a bike is equal to a blood vessel for humans. It transfers much-needed energy and power from our muscles to the wheels. For some, lubricating a bike chain activity to keep their bike healthy for years, while others consider it as maintenance. If you lube your bike correctly, then you can save a lot of money.
We will provide you the necessary details if you are looking for how to lubricate a bike chain. Here we will be sharing some of the best techniques and tips for lubricating your bike.
#1. Essentials to Consider on Lubricating a Bike Chain
Undoubtedly, there are various types of bike lubes available in the market. One should also buy bike lubes considering the weather conditions in the region. You will have to use wet lubes like WD-40 Wet Lube to ensure a smooth run. Moreover, the experts from Welovecycling.com recommend reapplying the lube every 200 km of ride. One can also use WD-40 Dry Lube for arid conditions or a region where water is scarce. WD-40 BIKE Dry Lube will ensure that your bike gets the right oil and your clothes don’t get messy. If you are a rider who loves drifting, you can prefer extreme lubricants like Rock N Roll Extreme Lube.
What Is the Composition of a Perfect Lubrication?
If you are searching for how to lubricate your bike chain, you must also know the working principle of the lubricant. Most of the lubricants have Vaseline and Thinner. We all know that Vaseline is the best lubricant in the world. When combined with thinner, it can penetrate deep into the chain links. Thinner evaporates with time, leaving Vaseline to showcase best results quietly.
#2. How to Clean Bike Chain Before Lubrication?
If you want to learn how to lubricate bike chains and gears, you have to clean your bike fast. Cleaning a bike chain is not a daunting task if you have the necessary materials for the job. Here are some exciting ways to clean a bike chain before lubrication.
Why Use a Degreaser While Cleaning?
A degreaser is one of the handy tools you can find in the tool kit of a bike lover. As mentioned above, degreaser plays a vital role in cleaning the chain. It breaks in through all the dirt to give your bike a new look. Some of the interesting applications of degreaser are removing fingerprints, motor repairs, airplane hangars, removing grease, and various other applications. They are also termed “Precision cleaners” because of their efficiency.
Once you have your perfect degreaser, then place your bike upside down for a cleaning session. You don’t need any specific fabric as your old-school T-Shirt will be efficient for the job. Start from chains by pedaling slowly with hands. Continue the operation until your chain gets the cleaning it needs.
#3. Significance of Drive Train Maintenance
The Need of Drive-Train Maintenance
If you don’t love to spend on occasional maintenance, practicing some DIY techniques is essential. You can save a lot of budget by following simple Drive Train Maintenance. Moreover, keeping your chain and other critical components in the drivetrain healthy is not a complicated task, and it doesn’t depend on any professional assistance.
Which Bikes Need Drive-Train Maintenance
All the bikes need drivetrain maintenance at one point in time. Although the demand for drivetrain maintenance increases when the concern is of significance, mountain bikes need it more. The demand for maintenance is high because these monsters have to stay strong in rugged terrains and tackle hard rocks. There are also various physical contaminants in mountains and deep forests, which can leave a driver helpless.
Drive-Train Performance Maintenance Program
As mentioned above, cleaning your chain is the foremost maintenance activity. But, leaving the chain aside, you have to also focus on the drivetrain and frame. Most mountain-riders love to use heavy industrial products as lubricants for their bikes to keep them smooth and silent.
#4. How Often to Lubricate Bike Chain
The recommended period for lubricating a bike chain is “100 miles”. Moreover, most bike dealers suggest that this time be perfect for lubrication. The time for lubrication can also depend on the type of workload you provide on the bike chain. If you don’t put excessive load on your chain, you can take the numbers to 200 miles. On the other hand, if you expose your bike to gravels, river crossing, and mountain treks, then 100 miles is best.
Is Over-Lubing Harmful For Your Bike?
You can apply too much lubricant to your bike as it will not do any harm to your bike. More lube means more dirt will stick to your bike chain and drivetrain. Lubrication is essential for your bike as it protects it from water and corrosion if applied correctly.
Is Lubrication Compulsory While Cleaning My Bike?
You will love to clean your bike when you find it with dirt, dust, and water. I will also recommend you lubricate your bike chain and entire drive train after cleaning. You can use soap and water to clean your bike; hence you have to use lubricants to remove clogged water to prevent rusting.
#5. How to Lubricate Mountain Bike Chain?
Applying Lubrication to Chain:
As mentioned above, bike lubrication has many components which evaporate in the air. You have to mix the bottle well before applying. Slowly apply lube on the chain drop by drop. Use your free hand to move the chain to spray or apply lubricant across its body evenly.
Why Wipe Excess Of Lubricant From the Chain?
It is vital to clean the excess lubricant, but most bikes don’t use the second step. It is vital to clean the excess lubricant from the chain’s external links to prevent the attraction of dust.
Conclusion
You have finally decided to make your weekend productive by offering your bike lubrication, the secret fuel it needs. Use the steps mentioned above while cleaning and lubing your lovely bike. Also, you can share this guide with your friends who love mountain bikes.
