Chain Maintenance is important. There are more moving parts in a chain than in any part on a bike. 544, I think. Keep your chain clean.http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html Also, If you're riding in the cold stuff with lots of salt or sand on the road, it a good idea to do a bike-wash. I take a jug of hot water and sponge and do a quick cleaning of the frame, fenders, and rims. I was reading on the 'net to put a drop of cycling oil on the ferrules of the spoke to keep them from rusting. Makes sense to me