Bicycle Mechanics - chain chain chain!!!

ok, so i took upon the task of trying to clean my chain, and because I'm new at this i dont have a chain pin thingy. can i have my LBS do it for me? and if i upgrade my chain to an sram will i ever need a chain pin thing?

thanks

You do not need to break a chain to clean it. Simply remove the rear wheel, let the chain drop to the outside of the chainrings, and dangle it into a bath of solvent. After awhile, rotate the chain so that the other half of it receives the solvent treatment.

If you live in a dry climate, simply use a wax-based chain lube and replace the chain as soon as it has elongated by 0.5 percent.

1. chain pin thingy= chain tool
2. invest in one
3. learn to use one

Originally posted by George
1. chain pin thingy= chain tool
2. invest in one
3. learn to use one
George is right , they're not expensive (if I say that you know they're cheap :rolleyes: ) Practice on an old peice of chain till you're confident .


:beer:

You can get all the tools you need with the topeak alien..chain breaker,spoke wrenches,box wrenches,hex wrenches,tire levers
they even got a mini pedal wrench on the latest models,knife,screw driver etc. etc.
Check out your local library they might have a bicycle repair manual also?:)

Originally posted by chip
You can get all the tools you need with the topeak alien..chain breaker,spoke wrenches,box wrenches,hex wrenches,tire levers
they even got a mini pedal wrench on the latest models,knife,screw driver etc. etc.
Check out your local library they might have a bicycle repair manual also?:)

Mini tools are not designed to be used for regular maintance. They might not hold up to a lot of use.
They are made for emergency use.

i feel bad, if I had any foresight at all i would have brought the entire tool box from our club room, I'm sure we have one. but i should get one? ok, that will be my next purchase. Also .5% is when i need to replace the chain, how should i check that?

thanks
-Ross

yeah learn to use a chain tool, pop out the pin, and install an SRAM powerlink... I swear, it is the coolest, cheapest (around $4), easiest way to pop your chain off to clean it... you'll thank yourself later

Jeff

Chains can be cleaned in situ with a chain cleaning tool: a reservoir containing solvent of choice (1:1 simple green to water is my preference) and a bunch of brushes. Tool is clamped over chain in front of rear derailleur and bike pedaled in reverse. 30-50 revs, change solution and repeat. Result is very clean chain in 5 -10min with no greasy hands or chain breaking. Rinse thoroly, let dry and lube, though an intermediate step to reduce internal water in the chain with WD40 is helpful. Much easier though anathema to old school types who mutter about "grit in the rollers" though what the swish and swirl or shake and bake approach logically does to improve that is opaque. A pressure washer might do. I strongly concur with the Powerlink though, never again messing with Shimano pins.... Parks chain cleaner is very nice, about $20. Steve

....Chain of fools.

Sorry I couldn't resist
Also can't get the song outta my head now.


Marty