Whether you bike hundreds of miles a week or just to the nearby park every weekend, taking care of your chain is important. Failing to maintain a clean and well-lubricated bike chain will make it harder to pedal, and could also lead to damage to your gears or other parts of the drivetrain. Luckily, upkeep on a chain is relatively simple and inexpensive.
Maybe you haven't been biking as much as you'd like to, and when you grab your bike out of the garage you notice the chain has become a bit dirty or rusty. You may be tempted to just replace the chain, but that could be an overreaction. It could just need a good spring-cleaning, and it won't be too much trouble to make it happen. Here are some steps to take to get your chain riding smooth and looking fresh:
This should leave your bike chain clean and free of rust and gunk. If you want more detailed instructions or some other cleaning methods you can find them here. If you'd like to see how it's done, here is a quick tutorial on chain cleaning.
Now that your chain is clean and rust-free, let's look at the methods you can use to prevent this from happening again. Rust occurs when metal is exposed to moisture, causing a chemical reaction (oxidation) that changes the structure of the metal. Salt, dirt, and mud can exacerbate this process, so keeping a chain clean and dry will go a long way in preventing rust. Simply wiping your chain down with a clean rag or towel after every ride will make a noticeable difference.
Regularly applying lubricant to your bike chain is another way to keep it in good working condition and prevent rust from setting in. Lubricating your chain is a cheap and easy process, but there are a few tips you should know before getting started:
Adhering to these basic methods will help keep your ride smooth, your chain clean, and the rest of your bike functional for years to come. So stay safe, stay clean, and enjoy your time on your impeccably maintained bike!
If you live in areas of humid climate or by the ocean, check out our blog post with more tips to protect your bike.
For many years, many economies of the world have been dependent on fossil fuels as their primary source of energy. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels has had a toll on the environment. We have observed drastic changes in climatic patterns resulting from global warming, due to high levels of carbon emissions from engines running on fossil fuels. This has led to the adoption of electricity as a more environmentally friendly alternative source of energy.
We have had a boom in the number of people using E-bikes in the recent past. What makes these bikes unique is the fact that they run on an electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries.
With this influx of E-bikes, the main question is whether or not these lithium-ion batteries can sustainably meet our energy needs.
Riding a bike is a fun way to decompress and unwind. Many health perks come with cycling down the street on your two-wheeler. Pedaling reduces the risk of stroke, enhances cardiovascular fitness, lowers stress levels and joint mobility and coordination, increases bone strength, and enhances cardiovascular fitness. But did you know that cycling, even for a brief period, can extend your life by a couple of years?
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