Originally Posted by
I-Like-To-Bike
I'd rather replace a $6 chain every month or so with 5 minutes labor, than go through such an obsessive cleaning/lubing procedure on a component that doesn't need it.
As it is, every month or so so, I squirt a little silicon spray on the chain of my IGH equipped bike. Replace it every 12-18 months (about 5000 miles). No problems.
No matter what,.....your chain NEEDS regular cleaning! (especially if you don't run fenders which keep the front tire kicking up abrasive grit directly onto the chain) That grit eats into your chainring and cog life as well,......so it's not just the chaing you are affecting by a lacking maintainence schedule.
Frankly,....i enjoy keeping my bike running at their bestand working on them is fun for me . Also, a clean and well lubricated chain is quiet and more efficient to pedal. Some folks just want to run an could care less about getting the most out of their bikes,.....i'm just not one of those folks :-)