Bicycle Mechanics - A stupid question, maybe. About chains and lube.

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10ch
10-31-05, 01:38 PM
I am converting my dad's old 10 speed into a singlespeed (or fixed gear, I haven't decided). This is my first bike project (aside from very little & typical maintenance on my commuter).

I am currently making my way through rusted bolts and the like to get down to a bare frame and in doing that I removed the chain. Now, unlike nearly every other thing on this 20+ year-old bike, the chain is actually decent. Not a bit of rust. I imagine when my dad got a "tune-up" about 6 years ago, this was one of the things he did. I imagine the chain's been rode once.

So, I'm keeping it. But it'll be a while before I need it again, so do I just hang it out to dry or do I store it lubed?

Thanks.

same time
10-31-05, 02:18 PM
Why, there are no stupid questions.

Chains like to be lubed. Wipe it clean with a rag, put some fresh chain lube on it, roll it up and put it in a zip lock bag.
neil0502
10-31-05, 02:20 PM
You may want to measure the chain, too, just to be sure it really is new or next to new, rather than just old and clean.

http://sheldonbrown.com/chains.html

Good luck with your project. Sounds fun!

10ch
10-31-05, 03:31 PM
Chains like to be lubed. Wipe it clean with a rag, put some fresh chain lube on it, roll it up and put it in a zip lock bag.

Done! Thanks for the advice.