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.
A child's first bicycle is a thrilling milestone. Nothing beats the joy on a child's face when they realize they have their very own, brand new bicycle. As a parent, you have likely anticipated this moment as well. Soon, you'll be teaching your little one how to ride that bike up and down the street. Of course, the first step is to find the best bicycle sale for your child.
Are you in search for a quality bike? We're inviting you to take a look at our lineup at Loco Cycles.
At Loco Cycles, we have over a decade of experience putting some of the best-looking Fixies nationwide, especially on the streets and beaches of Miami, Florida. Since 2011 we've been crafting quality fixed gear bikes with parts and components from only the most reputable manufacturers that lead the way in their respective fields.
This means you get a finished product that's durable, dependable, and will stand up to the test of time whether you bike or try to stay fit or just want to have fun!
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