How to Lube a Bike Chain
A rusty bike chain can literally slow you down and cause irritating noise. A properly lubed chain shifts better and extends chain life. Here's how to keep your links properly lubed and trouble-free.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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1
Place the bicycle over newspapers or in a place that can get dirty.
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2
Lean the bike against something so that the pedals can still turn freely.
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3
Hold a rag under the chain to prevent lube from dripping onto the wheel.
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4
Using a bike specific lucbricant drip a drop on oil onto each roller of the chain. It is best to apply lube to the part of the chain that touches the gears. Avoid lubing the gears of the bike, they don't need it and excess lube can cause them to wear out quickly.
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5
Slowly spin the pedal backwards while continuing to drip lube onto the chain.
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6
Once the chain in covered entirely in a thin coating of lube stop lubing!
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7
Grab the chain lightly with a rag and spin the pedals backwards. This removes excess lube that can attract dirt and wear out your chain.
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8
Wipe any excess or splattered oil off the bike with a rag paying special attention to the rim.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Bicycle shops carry many different kinds of chain lubricants specifically designed for bikes. Some are made of wax or Teflon rather than grease, and will not leave stains when they touch clothing or skin. Everyone has opinions on which is best. Ask your mechanic.
Avoid thick axle grease. It clumps, picks up sand and dirt, and will leave stains all over you. Avoid WD-40 as it is not actually a lube and attracts lots of dirt.
If your bicycle is particularly dirty, clean it with a rag and degreaser before lubing.. If the chain is rusty, replace it.
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Comments
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thermalfinder
Jul 07, 2008
Summary on chain maintenance in order of importance: 1. A good quality chain (Wippermann ConneX) 2. Clean often (200 mi.) using a chain cleaner (Park Cyclone) and compressed air. 3. Use bike chain lube (Finishline Cross Country) and ONLY after cleaning. Wipe off excess. -
thermalfinder
Jul 07, 2008
Summary on chain maintenance in order of importance: 1. A good quality chain (Wippermann ConneX) 2. Clean often (200 mi.) using a chain cleaner (Park Cyclone) and compressed air. 3. Use bike chain lube (Finishline Cross Country) and ONLY after cleaning. Wipe off excess.
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Aug 28, 2006
Anything other than Teflon will pick up and hold too much road spray during your ride. Teflon stays on the chain for a good long time, attracts/holds very little dirt, and comes in both a dry (every day riding) and wet (long distance training rides) so there always an option for you. I've used WD-40 and other oils and in my opinion they actually do more harm than good. Teflon is by far the way to go.
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Aug 28, 2006
Anything other than Teflon will pick up and hold too much road spray during your ride. Teflon stays on the chain for a good long time, attracts/holds very little dirt, and comes in both a dry (every day riding) and wet (long distance training rides) so there always an option for you. I've used WD-40 and other oils and in my opinion they actually do more harm than good. Teflon is by far the way to go.
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Aug 08, 2006
Don't use 3in1 oil, it just drips off so it's no good! The best thing to use is "Chain Wax". It's great stuff! It comes out as a spray, then turns to a wax once on the chain. You can also use it on motorbikes, so it will stay on even in the rain.
