Bike chain maintenance makes a BIG difference in drivetrain efficiency and longevity. There are different methods: some work better than others, and more than one way to do it right.
How do you maintain your bike chain? And why do you use that method?
My method is "old school" but has worked well for me for many years:
Frequency: once a month, or about 300 road miles or 50 trail miles.
Use the classic Park chain scrubber tool, filled with WD-40 as the solvent/cleaner.
Cover the wheel & bike with shop rags to protect from splatter.
Snap the tool on and turn pedals (using the tool) until the chain is spanky clean.
Remove the tool and dry the chain with a shop rag.
Clean the chainrings/sprockets/derailleur cogs with an old toothbrush, then wipe them clean.
Apply chainsaw bar & chain oil to the chain: about 5 large drops on each side.
Work the oil into the chain by turning the pedals while squeezing the chain with a shop rag.
Why this method:
WD-40 is not a chain lube, but it is a good cleaning solvent. Not too harsh and displaces water. And you can buy it in bulk (about $20 / gallon).
Chainsaw bar & chain oil: heavy enough to have sufficient film strength to minimize metal-metal contact. Also has a tackifier agent to stick to the chain and reduce or eliminate splatter. Inexpensive, about $15 / gallon which is nearly a lifetime supply.
No need to remove the chain from the bike (as wax soak treatments require).
Proven results over time: decades of use in a variety of conditions from wet mud to dry desert sand with silent operation and good chain life.
How do you maintain your bike chain? And why do you use that method?
My method is "old school" but has worked well for me for many years:
Frequency: once a month, or about 300 road miles or 50 trail miles.
Use the classic Park chain scrubber tool, filled with WD-40 as the solvent/cleaner.
Cover the wheel & bike with shop rags to protect from splatter.
Snap the tool on and turn pedals (using the tool) until the chain is spanky clean.
Remove the tool and dry the chain with a shop rag.
Clean the chainrings/sprockets/derailleur cogs with an old toothbrush, then wipe them clean.
Apply chainsaw bar & chain oil to the chain: about 5 large drops on each side.
Work the oil into the chain by turning the pedals while squeezing the chain with a shop rag.
Why this method:
WD-40 is not a chain lube, but it is a good cleaning solvent. Not too harsh and displaces water. And you can buy it in bulk (about $20 / gallon).
Chainsaw bar & chain oil: heavy enough to have sufficient film strength to minimize metal-metal contact. Also has a tackifier agent to stick to the chain and reduce or eliminate splatter. Inexpensive, about $15 / gallon which is nearly a lifetime supply.
No need to remove the chain from the bike (as wax soak treatments require).
Proven results over time: decades of use in a variety of conditions from wet mud to dry desert sand with silent operation and good chain life.