rapattack

I noticed when i ride there is a sound that i can't describe and then when i had a closer look i saw there is a joined that doesn't look right. Not sure what this means or what to do. Up until a couple of months ago i hadn't ridden for 20 years so would appreciate some advice

FBinNY 

This is a classic stiff link. The most common cause is dirt or rust because of a failure to lubricate properly. The photo seems to bear this out. Oil your chain (if you don't know what you should use, ask your local shop, or search the forum or internet for "chain lube" and prepare for lots of interesting reading). Once you've oiled the chain flex the link between your fingers until it moves fairly freely. You don't have to get it perfect, only so it runs fairly smoothly, it'll loosen the rest of the way as you ride the first 1/4 mile.

rapattack

I did attend a free bike maintenance course recently put on by the Sydney council and also posted up the question of what lube to use on this forum. I understand what your saying as it did open up a 'whole can of worms' lol. OK will just go to the local bike ship and get some so i can find out for myself....thanks so much!!!
Your right about the dirt/dust. I live in Sydney and i get the worst black soot coming from the street onto the porch where the bike sits. I have started covering the bike with a car cover!

FBinNY 

If that red stuff is dirt and not rust, you'll have to clean the chain before lubing.

rapattack

It's very low level rust to me but the place i did the bike maintenance course recently the guy didn't say anything. There were so many questions i just never got to it. I bought the bike as an ex rental. Should i give it a scour with a wire brush?

FBinNY 

Don't bother, that'll just loosen it and turn it into dust which lube will carry into the chain.

Minor surface rust on the outside of a chain is about as important as rust on railroad tracks, meaning it isn't at all. The problem is that you also have some rust on the inside where parts move with respect to each other and that's why it's stiff. Oiling, and some massage will free the link, and if maintained prevent future problems.

rapattack

OK thanks so much. Glad i asked as i wasn't sure

Al1943

It is very important to eliminate the tight link problem. When a tight link reaches the rear dérailleur it can cause extensive damage to the derailleur and even the bike's frame. Work the link until the plates move around the pin as well as all other links.

You don't need a lot of oil you need to lubricate more often.

rapattack

OK thanks i haven't got any lube so i don't know when i will have time to get it. I do have sewing machine oil but i was told at that course not to use it.
In the course they didn't say how often i should lube. I guess that depends on how much riding.

BCRider

ANY oil is better than no oil if your chain is rusty like it appears and if you have a sticking link. Even sewing machine oil will act to go in and at least get started on loosening the rust or grit in that sticky link. Do you want to use it for long term? No, your course instructor was right on that count. But if you will use your bike to ride to some outlet to buy some better oil then oiling the chain in total and working that link free with some sewing machine oil would be well advised over riding with it dry and sticking like it is now.

A lot of folks tend to become fanatical when the topic of chain oiling comes up. But in reality there's a wide range of oils that will work just fine. Granted some will work better than others but it isn't the sort of rocket science that some would believe. For example a liter of 20-50 motorcycle engine oil is thick enough to coat the chain well and not run off too easily. And a liter of the stuff will last a typical one bike owner for years of oiling duties.

A bicycle chain is an external lubricated power transmission device. Because it is exposed to the elements it will pick up grit and require fairly frequent cleanings to remove that grit. So whatever oil you use is only on it for relatively short times in any event.

rapattack

Great information. OK will oil before i hit the road today!!!! At least if i can get the kink out it will tide me over til i have time to get to the bike store :0)

rapattack

Well the oil and massaging the chain took the kink out that day.
I got some lube today from the local bike store and gave the chain a good clean before lubing as instructed during that course i did. I noticed that the surface rust is gone from the chain too which is good.
My neighbours nephew also told me to use silicone spray on whatever rusty bits that are around so i am hoping that that will fix that. Now i am wrapping the bike in the car cover that i have to reduce the dust and dirt that the bike is exposed to while on the porch. I live is a very sooty/dusty part of town.
Thanks :0)

davidad

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/chain-care.html

redtires

Just to make clear the point of "flexing the link"...after you clean and lube, the actual "flexing" is done laterally...almost like your trying to bend the chain sideways. This will loosen it right up!

rapattack

Thanks Davidad i will give that a read properly when i have time. I do know about the oil issue. It was urgent i do something and i had nothing else on hand. The bike was to be ridden and there was no other choice. Anyway now it has been cleaned. Doing the best i can.

redtires-Um so your saying i bend the chain away from it's natural movement?