The Doctor Prescribes Regular Maintenance for Your Bicycle Chain

Although bicycle chains might not attract as much attention as some of the flashier components of your bike, you wouldn’t be able to get very far without them. The chain is one of the most important components of your bike, and as such should be properly maintained to ensure that you get the most out of it, and subsequently out of your entire bike. Your bicycle parts doctor in Boca Raton, FL is here to help explain just how critical regular maintenance of your bike chain is, as well as offer a few tips on how you can make sure you are doing your part to keep it in good shape.

The importance of chain maintenance

If the condition of your bicycle chain is deteriorating, the performance of your bike will suffer as well, which is why it is vital that you check frequently to see how worn your chain is. With all of the rigorous movement that your chain endures every time you ride, the link rollers will gradually wear down and stretch and lengthen the chain over time. When this stretching occurs, the spaces between the chain links will no longer fit in the designated tooth grooves of your bicycle’s gears, which could ultimately wear down your gears faster than normal.

Caked-up grease on the chain can also present problems for your bicycle, as it can turn into a paste when it is past its prime and cause key components such as the pins and rollers to stick and wear down prematurely. When all is said and done, you could end up spending hundreds of dollars for new gears or chain rings, when a relatively inexpensive cleaning or chain replacement could have prevented major damage.

How to maintain your chain

The best way to keep your bike from accumulating layers of grease and grit over time is to wipe it down after each ride. Even with this consistent cleaning, though, it is likely that at some point your bike will need a good cleaning to rid the chain of all the excess grime. If washing your chain with soap and water doesn’t do the trick, you can always bring your bike in to the bicycle parts shop for a cleaning and lubricating done with professional equipment to ensure that your chain is ready for action.

Depending on how often you ride your bike and what type of riding you do, it is recommended that your chain be replaced every 2,000 to 3,000 miles. Our team at Bicycle Doctor Inc. – House Calls has been servicing bikes of all kinds since 1972, and our number one goal is to make sure that your bicycle is preserved well enough for you to ride it comfortably for the foreseeable future, and that starts with regular maintenance on your bicycle chain. To make sure you are able to get the most out of your bike, call your bicycle parts doctor in Boca Raton, FL today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you enjoy your bike to the fullest!

Categorised in: Bike Parts

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