Originally Posted by
intransit1217
No I did not as Mr. Brown is so often linked/ quoted that I assumed him to be serious here as well. Especially since he referred to me as "Lazy" and "Careless".
Perhaps I'm a bit wound too tight and should have known something was amiss considering the "clean room" shot and a $300.00 cleaning "kit". But then again, my chain is the one thing I am easily the most ocd about. To the point of frowning at my fellow riders if their chain gives even a solo squeak, or sounds "dry". Maybe I need a therapist?
When I worked in a shop people would ask about maintenance and how to lube their chain when they bought a new bike. I told them to lube it when it squeaks and not before. If there was one thing they should be concerned about it was pumping out their tires. You wouldn't believe the number of people who came in for tune ups or with pinch flats with 20 psi in their tires. Basically there are people out there who just ride till they get a flat and then pump up their tires. I think they would save more money in the long run (and not risk damaging their rims) if they checked their tire pressure once a week. I told them by comparison lubing the chain was insignificant. This was amazing to many people.
If you do one thing to maintain your bike it should be put air in the tires. A flat change costs $15, A basic chain costs $10+$5 to put on. The same price. lubing your chain regularly vs. not lubing at all on a basic commuter might save you $5 a year by extending the life by a few months. Keeping your tires inflated could save you $100 a year if you weren't otherwise doing it.
My point? Cleaning and lubing your chain is the most over rated part of bicycle maintenance.
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1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear