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Reply to clean chain
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Reply to clean chain
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Jan in Ohio on 7/13/2009 4:32:21 AM:
It is recommended to clean bike chains. Does this mean the full scale cleaning of the chain or wiping it down and lube it? And if it means lube it, with what?
Thanks
 
Trek on 7/13/2009 7:56:17 AM:
Yes to all of the above.....and it seems that chain lube is a matter of personal preference. If you think about it, a chain is a series of small parts connected by little pins so all the parts can pivot about the one next to it. Why would you not want to keep those parts clean and well lubed?

A clean and well lubed chain is quiet, makes shifting easier, and prevents costly repairs. I clean the bike chain by wiping if off and by using a chain cleaner with degreaser....with regularity. The Katy can be dusty so the chains are cleaned after each ride on it or similar trails. On long rides I clean the chain and relube along the way.

There have been lengthy discussions here on what is the best lube to use. I use Ice Wax but there are many kinds on the market. Google "Sheldon Brown chail lube" for a good article on the subject.
 
Alex from St Louis on 7/16/2009 3:24:37 PM:
Degrease 2x per year unless you are constantly riding in wet conditions, your chain really needs to be nicely lubed and while a nice shiny chain LOOKS nice the performance can be poor.

For KT riding I would say the Ice wax is good. Make sure to apply it the night before your ride, or at least 1 or 2 hours before or it will come right off.
 
Trek on 7/16/2009 4:24:45 PM:
Twice a year doesn't seem very often, but it may be ticket. I'd rather degrease when it needs it and not be on a time frame. Thats quite typical though.....we've all been told to change our car oil by the miles logged and not when the oil is dirty and actually needs changed.
 
varnesep from gays mills, wi on 9/5/2009 9:01:03 AM:
I'm confused here. Are you experienced folks suggestiong we thoroughly clean/degrease our chains every night on a 5-6 day ride or degrease perhaps in prep for the trip then wipe clean and re apply ice wax or other product each night.
Thanks
 
Anonymous on 9/5/2009 6:53:55 PM:
I'd say wipe the chain down at the end of the day and apply a little of your favorite lube. When you finally get home you may want to clean the chain more thoroughly. As well as the rest of your bike.
 
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