Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - is it safe to ride new bike without grease a few miles?

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dan1234
09-14-10, 08:56 AM
I want to ride my bike a few miles today and didn't have time to go to LBS and gease it.
it came without it from bikesdirect.
is there a risk in doing it? it's only a few miles.
Thanks!
Scrodzilla
09-14-10, 09:01 AM
You'll most likely explode.
I wouldn't do it, but I don't think anything catastrophic will occur. A crucial thing is whether or not you properly tightened your cog/lockring though.
R.I.P Dan1234
2010-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBFr43vQiSM
hairnet
09-14-10, 09:12 AM
grease your bike, bro
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1080/1433090066_bad7b8f272_m.jpg
If you just got it from bikes direct, make sure that everything is adjusted properly before riding. Check: headset/stem, crank/bb, pedals, hubs, chain tension, seat clamp, seatpost clam, and for the love of all things holy, cog and lockring.
dan1234
09-14-10, 09:24 AM
thank you guys.
how do I know if the tension is ok? also, should i oil the chain (DW40)?
how to check the cog and lockring (and what is a lockring)?
hairnet
09-14-10, 09:27 AM
1)don't use WD40, get real chain lube.
2) if you don't know these things then take your bike to a shop and have them assemble it for you, it will save you money in the long run
3) start doing some research so you know how to maintain your bike
Wanderer
09-14-10, 09:28 AM
Don't ride it - let someone competent go over everything..............
WoundedKnee
09-14-10, 09:28 AM
Whoa there buddy ^
TejanoTrackie
09-14-10, 09:30 AM
thank you guys.
how do I know if the tension is ok? also, should i oil the chain (DW40)?
how to check the cog and lockring (and what is a lockring)?
No, do NOT use WD40 on your chain. It is a solvent, not a lubricant. Based on your extreme lack of knowledge, do NOT ride your bike any more, until you take it to your lbs for a complete adjustment and tightening. Have them explain everything to you and get the proper tools so that you can maintain your bike yourself.
seau grateau
09-14-10, 09:33 AM
Better play it safe and just stay inside for a couple days.
WoundedKnee
09-14-10, 09:35 AM
No, do NOT use WD40 on your chain. It is a solvent, not a lubricant.
Why did everyone make fun of me when I said this months ago?
thank you guys.
how do I know if the tension is ok? also, should i oil the chain (DW40)?
how to check the cog and lockring (and what is a lockring)?
The cog and lockring don't come tightened, if you run it that way, you will ruin your hub.
http://spicercycles.com/merchant/545/images/large/18729.jpg
Lockring holds ^^^^ on.
http://www.getprice.com.au/images/uploadimg/767/350__1_surly-track-lring-med.jpg
Why did everyone make fun of me when I said this months ago?
I don't believe this ever happened.
WD40 being the opposite of lubricant is pretty basic, basic knowledge...
mihlbach
09-14-10, 11:23 AM
No, do NOT use WD40 on your chain. It is a solvent, not a lubricant.
It is both. This is a common misunderstanding. Its not the best chain lube, but it will work on a pinch, and its not going to hurt your chain or anything else if you spray it on your bike.
http://www.wd40.com/faqs/
"What does WD-40 do?
WD-40 fulfills five basic functions:
1. CLEANS: WD-40 gets under dirt, grime and grease to clean. It also dissolves adhesives, allowing easy removal of labels, tape and excess bonding material.
2. DISPLACES MOISTURE: Because WD-40 displaces moisture, it quickly dries out electrical systems to eliminate moisture-induced short circuits.
3. PENETRATES: WD-40 loosens rust-to-metal bonds and frees stuck, frozen or rusted metal parts.
4. LUBRICATES: WD-40's lubricating ingredients are widely dispersed and tenaciously held to all moving parts.
5. PROTECTS: WD-40 protects metal surfaces with corrosion-resistant ingredients to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements."
JohnDThompson
09-14-10, 11:28 AM
thank you guys.
how do I know if the tension is ok? also, should i oil the chain (DW40)?
If this is a new chain, the factory lube will be fine until it's time to clean the chain. After cleaning you'll need to apply chain lube.
how to check the cog and lockring (and what is a lockring)?
Chain whip (or stand on the pedals) to tighten the cog; lockring pliers or hooked spanner to ensure the lockring is tight. Don't skip this -- riding with a loose lockring can ruin your hub.
Scrodzilla
09-14-10, 11:29 AM
Not true, dude. Stop trying to kill people.
BD bikes ? Don't they use sealed bearing cartridges for the most part ? Google/research the bottom bracket and hubs that came with your bike. Even if they aren't sealed bearing systems, even the Vilano I bought was greased, although it needed to be properly adjusted. If the assembler failed to grease it, that would be the only instance where I could see an issue with a new bike ? That or the manufacturer didn't grease the sealed system before assembling that ?
TejanoTrackie
09-14-10, 11:48 AM
Wut we hav heah is a failyah tah comunikate.
BTW, WD-40, I don't like that stuff for constantly moving parts. It's great to lubricate the internal tumblers of locks for a door or bike lock that doesn't really generate the same friction a chain would. But for chain-like friction, I prefer a heavier viscosity oil lubricant. Oil displaces water for the most part when it's sprayed under pressure. Wal-Mart carries Rem-Oil or even CRC Teflon lubricants for about what WD-40 goes for.
xavier853
09-14-10, 01:33 PM
I need to grease my chain, it just slips my mind. its not bad, just due for reapplication
jtgotsjets
09-14-10, 03:35 PM
It is both. This is a common misunderstanding. Its not the best chain lube, but it will work on a pinch, and its not going to hurt your chain or anything else if you spray it on your bike.
http://www.wd40.com/faqs/
"What does WD-40 do?
WD-40 fulfills five basic functions:
1. CLEANS: WD-40 gets under dirt, grime and grease to clean. It also dissolves adhesives, allowing easy removal of labels, tape and excess bonding material.
2. DISPLACES MOISTURE: Because WD-40 displaces moisture, it quickly dries out electrical systems to eliminate moisture-induced short circuits.
3. PENETRATES: WD-40 loosens rust-to-metal bonds and frees stuck, frozen or rusted metal parts.
4. LUBRICATES: WD-40's lubricating ingredients are widely dispersed and tenaciously held to all moving parts.
5. PROTECTS: WD-40 protects metal surfaces with corrosion-resistant ingredients to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements."
Ok, we're getting closer, but you're still wrong.
WD-40 acts as a lubricant, but only a light lubricant. It is not appropriate for bike chains, bearings or other high-load or constantly moving parts.
Why? Not only is it not a great lubricant, but it will wash away any "good" lubricants like your grease. In other words, things will feel good for a little while but will quickly get worse as the WD-40 evaporates, leaving you with an unlubricated system. If you want your parts to last a long time do not spray them with WD-40 and call it good.
What is WD-40 good for on bikes? Cleaning.
Feel free to wipe down your frame with a WD-40 soaked rag. It will sparkle. If you're overhauling your bearings anyway, you can clean out surfaces with WD-40, just so long as you regrease them afterward. Use it to clean gunk out of derailleurs (not that that's an issue here). It's good for reviving old, nasty chains—drop the chain in soda bottle, fill with some WD-40, shake and let soak. Just remember to relubricate afterward with a real lubricant.
Like someone else mentioned, it's also great for bringing stuck locks back to life.
Capocaccia
09-14-10, 03:59 PM
Wut we hav heah is a failyah tah comunikate.
http://www.nerditry.com/images/major-payne.jpg
Wounded Knee: Why did everyone make fun of me when I said this months ago?
Pics or it didnt happen.
mihlbach
09-14-10, 04:28 PM
Ok, we're getting closer, but you're still wrong.
I'm not wrong and I'm not "still wrong" since you were responding to my first post. All I did was post info from WD40's FAQ. Also, everything you just debated is either consistent with what the FAQ says or your opinion. Think before you attempt to school someone.
Stop talking about WD-40. Grease is the word.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFmkM6YXOqo
Bent Life
09-14-10, 05:22 PM
http://www.nerditry.com/images/major-payne.jpg
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kNyl6gXLMLQ/0.jpg
squeegeesunny
09-14-10, 05:42 PM
http://socialitelife.celebuzz.com/bfm_gallery/2010/04/jared_leto_takes_a_bike_ride_with_his_brother_shannon_backstage_at_the_fillmore_miami_beach_-_04272010/gallery_main/gallery_main-jared-leto-bike-riding-photos-04282010-28.jpg
Jared Leto approves!
evilcryalotmore
09-14-10, 06:46 PM
Why did everyone make fun of me when I said this months ago?
TT is just too cool.
Squirrelli
09-14-10, 07:57 PM
Y'all need to stop riden yor bikezz.
aerodave
09-15-10, 07:30 AM
I'm not wrong and I'm not "still wrong" since you were responding to my first post. All I did was post info from WD40's FAQ. Also, everything you just debated is either consistent with what the FAQ says or your opinion. Think before you attempt to school someone.
You may have been quoting from WD40's FAQ, but it's not that simple. It's true that, according to the manufacturer, WD40 is a lubricant. But so what? That doesn't mean it's the right kind of lubricant for your bike chain. Not all lubricants are the same...different tools for different applications. Fill your car's engine with WD40 instead of your typical lubricant (motor oil) and see how far you get. Or whip out a can of the stuff in the bedroom and see if your significant other will go along.
mihlbach
09-15-10, 06:27 PM
You may have been quoting from WD40's FAQ, but it's not that simple. It's true that, according to the manufacturer, WD40 is a lubricant. But so what? That doesn't mean it's the right kind of lubricant for your bike chain. Not all lubricants are the same...different tools for different applications. Fill your car's engine with WD40 instead of your typical lubricant (motor oil) and see how far you get. Or whip out a can of the stuff in the bedroom and see if your significant other will go along.
Jesus Christ people...read before you respond.
Squirrelli
09-15-10, 06:32 PM
:lol:
Tell that to this guy.
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?680534-This-got-me-wondering
Scrodzilla
09-16-10, 05:09 AM
Jesus Christ people...read before you respond.
Or at least think and not respond.
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