| If you ride your bicycle long enough your chain will | | | | versa. Some people would say just don't use those |
| become worn and stretched and need replaced. You | | | | combinations. I have a Giant OCR 2 and a Specialized |
| can buy special tools that will measure how much it | | | | Expedition and have ridden numerous other brands |
| has stretched and most shops have these. Most riders | | | | and models of quality bikes. I have used those |
| however do not purchase a special tool just to see if | | | | combinations both ways on more occasions than I can |
| their chain is stretched. | | | | count and have never heard noise from that area on |
| The simplest way to find out if you need a new chain | | | | any quality bike. I have only heard this noise on some |
| without buying a special tool is to use a 12" ruler. Hold | | | | of the department store bikes I have ridden at various |
| the chain straight, I like to lay it on a flat surface like my | | | | times. Personally I think if the bike is a quality bike is |
| workbench and measure from the center or a rivet to | | | | maintained properly and the parts adjusted properly |
| the center of the rivet closest to 12" away. If the | | | | you won't have that problem. |
| distance is more than 12 1/8" throw out the chain and | | | | Your chain should be kept lubricated, but there is such |
| get a new one. A new chain right out of the box | | | | a thing as too much of a good thing. Too much oil or |
| should be exactly 12". Some riders simply keep track | | | | lube can cause a build up and may cause sand and |
| of their mileage and change the chain every so many | | | | grit to cling to the chain and soon damage the chain, |
| thousand miles. Depending on the rider and sometimes | | | | cogs, and cassette. The general rule is 1 drop of lube |
| on the rider's pocketbook that is often anywhere | | | | per link, wipe off the excess and allow chain to dry for |
| between 2000 and 4000 miles. | | | | 24 hours before riding if at all possible. This will allow |
| Sometimes you may hear scraping noises coming | | | | the lube's liquid carrier to evaporate and keep the |
| from the crank area. This noise often indicates that the | | | | drivetrain much cleaner. |
| chain is rubbing the front derailleur. If the front derailleur | | | | If you ride in the rain, your will find it best to hose off |
| is bent like one I got in just the other day, replace it. | | | | your bike which will remove most of the grit and grim |
| Sometimes though you can fix it with a slight | | | | from it. You should also towel it off and spray some |
| adjustment, simply by moving the derailleur enough to | | | | lube in the derailleur and brake pivot points anywhere |
| center the cage but not cause a shift. | | | | where water may accumulate such as the ends of |
| Sometimes on some bikes extreme chain angles | | | | cable housings to keep those areas from rusting and |
| occur if you are using a gear combination like using the | | | | causing problems in the future. Again wait 24 hours |
| largest rear gear with the smallest front gear or vice | | | | before riding and wipe off any excess lube. |