Bike maintainence

3Gs · 04-28-2009, 02:09 PM

Hey!

I have had a few rides in the rain lately (Midwest weather!) and have noticed rust on my chain. I have had the bike tuned up in the past 2 weeks so I am not interested in bring the bike to a shop.

Does anyone have any pointers on how and what to use to keep the chain in good working order in between shop tune ups?

Thanks!

3Gs!

BeachHead · 04-28-2009, 05:46 PM

Did you ride your bike in wet conditions after the tune-up? I don't see why it would rust otherwise unless it sat for a long time in humidity.

Lube the chain frequently. I put about 100 miles on my bike weekly, and I generally lube the chain every other ride. Maybe a little excessive, but I feel a big difference in the ride quality of the drive train that way. I personally used Pedro's Ice Wax (I think that's what it is called). It just works nicely for me, there are many other good lubes out there.

Go to your LBS and ask them for their recommendation on a chain lube.

Also, clean your chain whenever your drive chain starts to accumulate gunk, grease, and road grim. Park makes a really good cleaning solution and tool that I would recommend to anyone. Purchasing that would also help in chain maintenance.

3Gs · 04-28-2009, 06:44 PM

Thanks for those tips! Yes, I have been on a few rain-rides since the tune-up and dont have any cleaning and oiling supplies for the chain, so this info helps! I will get to the shop this week to pick up the supplies.

Good luck with your duty. Are you a Titans fan? I was in Clarksville when they had their training camp there 2-3 year ago!

BeachHead · 04-29-2009, 07:09 PM

I am originally from central California, so I am a die-hard Niners fan. I do like the Titans, but I haven't made any miraculous efforts to go to a game. I guess spending the entirety of last year in Afghanistan had a lot to do with that. Maybe this season I'll get to see a game.

Were you in the service? I have no idea why else you would be here in Clarksville. The city is okay, but I didn't really think anyone lived here that WASN'T in the Army, haha.

3Gs · 04-30-2009, 03:42 PM

Beachhead

No I am not in the service. I was there to see the Titans in their training camp that summer (one day) because I have some buddies of mine who coach there. Not sure I would go back there for any other reason myself!
I am heading out to get the cleaning "stuff" today (since it is actually suppose to turn sunny this weekend) so thaks for the tips there! Also, thanks for your service to the USA!! Looks like an awsume picture in the cockpit...but I am sure it sucks flying around in Afgan, etc!!