Bicycle Chain Maintenance

Avid cyclists know that their bicycle’s chain is the most integral part of the bike’s drive train. They also know, however, that because of its important role in making your bike move, it is the most likely component to break or otherwise suffer damage. Dirt and gunk can quickly accumulate on the chain, causing it to degrade more rapidly, and potentially resulting in other maintenance problems for your cycle. Working with a provider of bike service in Naples, FL is the best way to determine an appropriate maintenance schedule for your cycle and establish good bike maintenance habits.

There are a number of reasons why you should work extra hard to ensure that your chain is clean and properly maintained. For instance, dirty chains wear down faster than clean chains. Dirty chains also suffer from reduced flexibility when compared to clean chains. If you haven’t received appropriate maintenance for your bicycle chain, you may be causing damage to the derailleur assemblies and drive train cogs. Finally, trains without proper lubrication will impair your ability to shift gears while riding your cycle.

Thankfully, receiving bike service can be easy! There are a number of bicycle service practices you can perform at home to avoid the cost of expensive bicycle repairs in Naples, FL.

Cleaning and lubricating your chain is one way that you can extend your bike’s longevity and stay away from the bike repair shop. Here are the best steps associated with cleaning and lubricating your chain while it is still on your bike:

• Inspect away: First, you should perform a visual examination of your chain. Gently rotate the pedals to see if there are any large clumps of dirt and debris. Additionally, you should examine the chain for any signs of corrosion or excess lubricant.
• Brush off debris: Use a firm brush, or even an old toothbrush, to firmly remove debris and accumulated dirt from the chain. For extra stubborn or hard-to-reach areas, you may consider using a metallic pick or canned air solution.
• Add lubricant: Once the chain is clean, you should evenly apply lubricant across its entirety, while moving the chain through the cycle. Be sure to use a durable, long-lasting lubricant while lubricating your bicycle.
• Remove excess oil: Finally, you should use a lint-free cloth to remove excess oil from your bike’s chain. Excessive lubricant can actually attract debris and dirt to the chain, causing it to prematurely degrade.

Occasionally, you should bring your cycle in to a bicycle service in Naples, FL for off-bike chain cleanings. Typically, these should be scheduled at least once every other month.

Since 2005, Big Momma’s Bicycles has been the premier provider of bike repair in Naples, FL. If you are in need of bicycle service, you should pay a visit to Big Momma’s Bicycles’ knowledgeable team of cycling experts. We are happy to help avid bicyclists and novices alike with a wide range of repairs and services. Our team prides itself in providing prompt, professional and effective maintenance and repairs. To learn more about our extensive range of bike service offerings, you should reach out to one of our helpful associates at your earliest convenience!

Categorised in: Bike Repair, Bike Service