This article explains how to properly lubricate a bicycle chain so that it performs well and lasts a long time.
Step
Step 1. Lubricate the bike in the garage or outside
Cover your floor with some newsprint to prevent your floor from getting too dirty. Do not work on carpets or floors that must be protected, unless the floor has been covered with plastic.
Step 2. Turn your bike upside down
Place the bike in the center of the newspaper-covered area.
Step 3. Get to know the parts that touch the chain well:
- Front chain wheel
- Front derailleur (the part that changes gears in the front)
- Rear gear
- Rear derailleur with two additional gears.
Step 4. Remove mud and dirt from the gears on the rear derailleur
Hold the screwdriver blade sideways against the outside of the gear and slowly turn the bicycle pedal. Try not to let any dry mud or dirt land on the bicycle chain.
Step 5. Prepare a washcloth
Moisten your washcloth. Assuming you're working in a well-ventilated area, it's a good idea to dampen a washcloth with an oil cleaner, such as olive oil or citrus degreaser (see the " Tips " section below).
Step 6. Spread the washcloth in your hands and wrap it around the chain
Hold tight. Rotate the bicycle pedal a few times while firmly gripping the rag around the chain. Hold on to the top of the chain, which is the part closest to the bicycle seat. You will notice that the bicycle chain is getting cleaner and cleaner.
Step 7. Lubricate the bicycle chain
- Mark one link with a marker, sticker, or tape. That way, you don't forget which link you worked on first.
- Start with the marked links, and apply one drop of lubricant for each link. It's a good idea to put a small amount of lubricant in each gap where the two links overlap. Don't use too much so you don't waste it. Later, you'll also wipe off any excess lubricant.
Step 8. Allow the lubricant to settle
When all links are lubricated, turn the bicycle pedal again for half a minute to make sure the lubricant settles well in the bicycle chain.
Step 9. Wipe off excess grease on the outside of the chain using a rag
Step 10. Reorganize your workplace
Tips
- It's a good idea to re-lubricate the chain using the guide above after a few uses of the bike, and immediately after riding in the rain. Lubricant will be eroded from the chain if the bike is often used and it rains. As a result, the gears will be difficult to replace and your bike will wear out faster.
- After lubricating the chain, you can gradually shift to all gears. Thus, all bicycle gears will be properly lubricated before use
- Get a thin oil, such as bicycle chain lubricating oil. Do not use thick and oily lubricants. The thinner oil will wash off the chain, but this product will go deeper into the chain. A good bike shop may be able to provide quality brand references. Bottles of this lubricant are small and expensive, but don't worry, because the lubricant is only used a little so that the contents of the bottle will last a long time.
- Most lubricants today are “self-cleaning”, especially thin oil and wax based products. If you use this lubricant, don't use lighter fluid and just apply more lubricant to the chain. Rotate the pedal while dripping grease on the chain until it is wet, but not dripping. This way, your chain will be cleaned while removing excess grease.
Warning
- Also, avoid solvents that contain cleaners and are not permanent lubricants. For example, WD-40 is not a lubricant. This product is designed to clean dirt so it will leave the chain several hours after use. NEVER use this product as a lubricant.
- Look for seepage of chain lubricant on the rim or brake disc. Wipe all grease seepage clean with lighter oil after you have treated the chain.
- Do not use regular " 3-in-1 " oils sold in hardware stores and supermarkets. This oil invites sand and dirt and does not last long.
