If the chain is dry or dirty, it may require cleaning or degreasing. You’ll be happy to learn that basic chain care is worth the effort, surprisingly simple and neither time- nor money-consuming.

Have you ever ignored a dry, squeaking chain and ridden your bike for months while it chirped like a nest of hungry eaglets? You’ll be happy to learn that basic chain care is worth the effort, surprisingly simple, and neither time- nor money-consuming. Just a little work goes a long way towards improving your chain’s lifespan and performance.

Now you’re ready to get started!

Take a good chain lubricant for your riding environment and drip oil evenly over the chain. The easiest way to do this is to let the oil drip steadily onto a fixed point while backpedaling, so the entire chain gets saturated. Ideally, use a drip-type oil, and oil along the chain’s inner circumference – the part the gears penetrate.

Oiling your chain depends on the frequency and type of riding you do. If you ride a mountain bike, you’re bound to get more gunk. Do you use a road bike as your primary form of transportation? You’ll probably want to check your chain at least once a month.

A good rule of thumb is to clean and lube your chain whenever the chain starts squeaking, or if it’s looking gunky. If you’re feeling super-thorough, you can periodically remove the chain from your bike using a chain tool or, if your chain has it, the “master link.” Clean it thoroughly with solvent, then re-oil it. Again, be sure you don’t leave excess lubrication on the chain, as it’ll pick up dirt and grit that’ll accelerate chain wear.

Wetter environments often require heavier oils and more frequent bike maintenance. Drier environments tend to need lighter oils that pick up less dust and grime. Biodegradable soy-based chain lubricants have received good reviews, too. Ask your local bike mechanic for advice on what’s best for your area. Be sure to use lube intended specifically for bicycle chains. Sheldon Brown’s website, an authoritative source of bicycle information, cautions against using automotive motor oil, household oil, such as 3-in-1, or WD-40.

The “factory” lube that your chain comes oiled with is often of a higher quality than what you’ll be able to purchase at many retail outlets. So don’t clean it off when you buy a new bike — wait until your chain is dry before applying new oil.

And that’s all there is to it! With just a few simple steps and a little practice, you can keep your bike in good working order for years of riding.

For more information on how to keep your bike in tip top shape, check out our Care & Maintain blog posts.