Recently i received an email from a regular who reads the site almost everyday. He wanted to offer up a few tips that had served him well over the years.i said it would be great for him to share them…

so here they are

On Nov 29, 2009, at 5:34 PM, Marty wrote:

1. Chain Maintenance

Prior to lubricating a chain,( many methods waste more lube than is used) I found that a small dispenser bottle with a removable tip (you can find these at a local hobby-crafts-arts store) works wonders by allowing precise dispensing of the lube where you want it and not wasting. It takes no more time than the usual methods of spraying lube on the chain.

I always wipe my chain down with a rag every 100 to 150 miles. When completely dry from old lube and dirt, I then take my favorite lube and place a drop on each roller. As you would normally walk the chain backwards by hand, you can either mark a link with a marker of if you have master links, start there, so you know when you have completed the lube dispensing. You end up with a neat and fully lubricated chain. Of course as you ride the lube gets worked throughout the rollers and cogs.

2. Cog Maintenance

I found this method to be clean and avoiding the mess associated with the fluid cleaners. Take old socks, towels, cloths, whatever you have, cut a strip 2 to 3 inches wide by 8 to 12 inches in length. Start “Flossing” the cassette cogs in a similar fashion to teeth. By forcing the material between the cogs and using a back and forth motion you will rotate the cassette and clean each ring set as you move from high to low. You can do this with the chain on the cassette, while the rear wheel is on the bike propped up or in a work stand if you have one. Just move the chain to another ring to allow cleaning of that set. This works for the chainrings also. However, I found that wiping the teeth by hand is the best method to clean. If you have really dirty cassettes or chainrings, feel free to put liquid cleaner on the material and start “Flossing”. If you prefer to have the most room to work, remove the wheel from the bike.

3. Wheel Sets

After time, water, sweat, road debris accumulates on the wheel hubs and rims. An easy way to clean them is to start with a clean surface, either new or from a washing with soap and water, completely dry and then put a coat or two of car wax on the surfaces. Be careful not to put wax on the braking surfaces or you will experience some noise when braking. After the wax is wiped off, you have a nice clean look. After you ride, take a damp cloth and wipe the surfaces and you will be back to the clean surfaces you started with, an easy way to clean up your ride. This of course applies to the bike frame also. While this may seem extreme and a lot of effort, after the first clean up it is not bad or very time consuming. It is intended to maintain your ride in top shape.

Thanks,
Marty

This post is tagged chain, cleaning, cogs, wheels