Bicycle Mechanics - Protect my chain?

Before I take my good bikes out, I wanted to try and protect them from the sand and grit that inevitably gets all over my chain and in the cassettes and such. This one guy mentioned that he put some kind of chain cover around his chain so it would be more protected against sand and dirt, but he didn't elaborate. Does anyone know about this, and is there anything I can do to protect my chain and components now?

Thanks.

Koffee

Something like this: http://lioncycles.com/chaincover.htm

I did a search and mostly just found sites originating in taiwan...

My grandmother's bike had a chain guard like that. It was only meant to keep her long skirts from getting oiled by the chain - it also had a protector to keep her skirts out of the rear wheel. The chain guard was open on the back side, so dirt could still get onto the chain. I think the best approach is to use a non-sticky lubricant like White Lightning.

I may try that White Lightning... that chain guard thing just doesn't look visually pleasing. :eek:

Thanks for the help!

Koffee

When my parents were in china, they said their bikes had this fully enclosed guard around their single speed chains that completely enclosed their chainring, chain, and rear cog. The only hole was one on the top to pour lubricating oil and the thing would be filled with it.

they still have those crazy bikes! *gasp* I tried one out and they weighed a ton. Imagine riding with an iron park tool washer clamped on your bike filled with motor oil. jeff

Although not for the chain (I don't really think those protectors work very well anyways, you might want to look into Lizard Skins Grunge Guards (http://www.lizardskins.com/grunge.html) for derailleur protection. These are particularly popular amongst us Pacific Northwest cyclists... especially during the winters.

Other than routine maintenance there isnt much you can do. Fenders are always a good start. If you dont like having them you could try one of the smaller ones for the front.

clean the build-up off your rear cogs, derailleur pully's anf front chainrings on a regular basis. DO NOT over lube your chain. DO NOT clean it to often. If you can see the lettering on it it doesnt need cleaning.

I follow the above have yet to clean the chain on my MTB in over a year.

Good luck
Jim

Thanks to everyone for their advice. I believe I'll be taking my new racing bike out for a spin this weekend (assuming I'll be getting the time to do so since I'll be doing a whole lot of volunteer work on Saturday and Sunday) now that I have it insured, and I think I would have a heart attack if I wore this bike down like my old beater bike!

Koffee