| As the various limbs of the human body help it to | | | | very carefully so that the chain does not draw the dirt |
| function without any hitch, similarly the chains of the | | | | in the environment towards it. The best thing would be |
| cycle are an integral part for an enjoyable riding | | | | to lubricate the chain for around half an hour and then |
| experience. So, how do you ensure that the chains do | | | | clean it thoroughly before riding the cycle. |
| not cause any problems for you? Well, to begin with, | | | | It is, of course, inevitable that your cycle will catch dirt |
| make it a habit to examine them if you have just | | | | from the surroundings and the chain is the most |
| traveled through a messy and slushy road. Even if you | | | | affected by this. To prevent any complications arising |
| have not encountered any of these, regular check-ups | | | | out of this, you have to maintain a regular cleaning |
| at least two times a month is essential. It would be | | | | regime for your bicycle. You could use a degreaser or |
| even better if you do this after you have been on the | | | | soap for the cleaning purposes. The ideal way to do |
| cycle for more than 10 hours. | | | | this is to place the cleanser in the middle of the sponge |
| There are certain scenarios when the wise thing is to | | | | and then pedal the chain backwards. You have to do |
| get new chains. If your cycle has been used for riding | | | | this till the chain becomes dirt free. |
| more than 1000 miles or if it has become rusty and | | | | When you are cleaning the chain, it is better to keep it |
| stiff, then it is better not to continue with it. Certain tips | | | | on the bicycle and do so. In the process of cleaning, |
| might help here. If you are buying a chain with 24 links, | | | | you will also get to know if the chain is hampered by |
| the usual length would be 12 inches. In case the chain is | | | | tight links. The problem with a taut chain is that it |
| longer, it could harm the chain ring and sprocket. | | | | makes for a bumpy ride by giving rise to jerks. To |
| Another situation when you need to change the chain | | | | avoid this, all you have to do is loosen the links that are |
| is when you are getting new chain rings and sprockets. | | | | five links on both sides of the tight link. If this does not |
| This is done so that the ring and sprockets are kept | | | | work, then you will have to get a new chain. Generally, |
| intact. | | | | good lubrication gets rid of all the problems associated |
| A surefire method for longevity of the chain life is to | | | | not only with chains but also with sleeves and pins. |
| regularly apply lubricants onto the pins of the bicycle | | | | In spite of lubrication, if the chain continues to emit loud |
| chain. This does require some manual effort but it is | | | | noises, then it is better to get a new one. Similarly, if the |
| well worth the rewards. Doing this will ensure that the | | | | sprocket teeth do not match with the dimensions of |
| length of the chain does not undergo any changes. | | | | the chain or pedaling has lost its fluidity, then the best |
| However, after applying lubricants, you need to | | | | option would be to replace the chain. |
| remember that these lubricants have to be removed | | | | |