| A bicycle chain is known for failing at the worst time. | | | | while riding. It will also keep your chain in tip-top |
| This problem of a jumpy or jerky chain can be | | | | condition. |
| removed entirely, though, if you simply do some chain | | | | If you need to clean your bicycle chain, then you can |
| maintenance on it regularly. This means that you check | | | | use a degreaser or dish soap. This is a great way to |
| your chain at least two times per month or after you | | | | remove lubricant, grime, and grease to help your chain |
| ride it about 10 hours if you ride quite a bit. You also | | | | to work better. After you clean it, remember to |
| want to be sure to do a chain check if you have been | | | | lubricate it again. You should put the cleaner on the |
| riding in bad weather. | | | | center of the cleaning cloth or sponge and then place it |
| You should replace your chain if it is rusted, tight, worn | | | | around the chain. By backpedaling, you should clean |
| out, or you have ridden more than 1000 miles on it. A | | | | the chain sufficiently. Make sure that you rinse the rag |
| new chain with 24 links should measure 12 inches and | | | | each turn until you do not get any more dirt on it. |
| if it is too long even by 1/16 of an inch, then you want | | | | Leave the chain on the bicycle when you are cleaning |
| to replace it so that it does not damage the chain ring | | | | it to keep it from becoming weaker. While you are |
| or sprocket. If you are replacing the chain rings or | | | | getting the chain clean, then you can inspect it for any |
| sprocket, then you need to go ahead and replace the | | | | links that may be too tight. A tight chain can cause the |
| chain so that you do not damage the new chain rings | | | | chain to jump and jerk. If you find a link that is tight, |
| and sprocket. | | | | then you can loosen it by flexing it between two points |
| The metal parts of the chain do not really stretch, but | | | | that are located at about give links away from the |
| the chain does get longer because of the sleeves and | | | | tight link. If you cannot loosen it, then you will have to |
| pins wear and tear. Lubricating the chain regularly will | | | | replace the chain. Keeping your bike chain lubricated |
| help the chain to last longer. If you want to lubricate | | | | and clean will help it to last much longer and work |
| correctly, then you will want to put just a lubricant drop | | | | much better. |
| into each chain pin. This may take you a little time, but it | | | | If your chain seems to be making some noise and |
| will be well worth it when you increase the life of your | | | | cleaning does not stop the noise, then you will have to |
| chain. | | | | replace it. If pedaling becomes difficult, then it will be |
| Leave the lubricant on the chain for about 15 minutes | | | | time for a chain change as well. By paying attention to |
| and then wipe the excess off with a clean cloth. This | | | | detail and maintenance, then you will have a bike chain |
| will help to keep the chain from catching dirt and grime | | | | that you can use for a long time. |