Chain reaction

**Jantar** · 20th October 2013, 19:10

Originally Posted by Floppy disk

So, it seems it doesn't matter if it is a new or an old chain, Lubing is to be done at high frequency (roughly every 300km, or 2 weeks). That's a bit surprising, because I would have thought a new chain would require less attention than an old chain, basically just like most new things vs old things

Lubing a chain isn't so much to get lube into the rollers, but to lube the contact point between chain and sprockets. A worn sprocket will damage a chain faster than anything.

**george formby** · 20th October 2013, 19:11

I have studied this for decades. Crossed wide oceans, climbed the highest peaks, sought sage words of wisdom from smelly bald men in caves, forded raging torrents etc.

I clean it when it's dirty & oil it when it needs oiling.

If my rollers are beginning to look less than oily, that is.

The only time I adjust my chain on the road bike is when new tires are fitted.

Scottoilers are betterer but a paddock stand is cheaper & does more than one job.

**AllanB** · 20th October 2013, 20:03

Originally Posted by george formby

Scottoilers are betterer but a paddock stand is cheaper & does more than one job.

Agree with that. Given there is not a shit lot keeping you on the road on a bike a quick look over on a frequent basis is worth it.

How often do you check tyre pressures .........oil level...........air filter ...........brake fluid levels ............... lights...............

**tigertim20** · 20th October 2013, 21:20

haha this is bound to turn into a conversation with a hundred different opinions . . .
I read a thread a while ago by a bloke that had actually done a fairly thorough test on the o-rings out of a chain, tested about 8-10 different products that people commonly use on their chain to test deterioration and other affects. was a good read but fucked if I can find it now, was on some adventure forum I think

**gammaguy** · 20th October 2013, 21:30

im too fucking busy enjoying the shit out of my TDR to worry abot such stuff

BTW I lube my chain after avery 300km or so when its hot after a ride.Rock Oil Chain wax for those that care

off for a ride...see yez...

**swbarnett** · 21st October 2013, 09:13

Originally Posted by Moi

Do you expect to find a nuclear physicist on this forum??

Actually, I know someone with a Masters degree in Nuclear and Particle Physics that's a member.

**f2dz** · 21st October 2013, 09:16

Every 600km as per the service manual.

**F5 Dave** · 21st October 2013, 11:19

and to harp on,

with fingers out of the way

& never with bike in gear idling

**Erelyes** · 21st October 2013, 11:50

Depends on the bike...
And the weather...
And the product you use...
And whether your chain's adjusted...
And whether you do town riding (50k's) or open road (100k's) or hypervelocity...

With my wee bike and mixed town / 100kph riding, I lube it about half as often as I fill the tank. And clean it half as often again. Sometimes I'll give it a quick spray after a long wet ride. I use Castrol spraycan chain lube, it's OK I guess, it was all they had at ripco.

I check chain tension everytime I clean it (you're there anyway). Haven't needed to adjust it yet. If I ever find myself having to adjust it every clean I presume that'll be a good indicator that it's time for renewal.

**Banditbandit** · 21st October 2013, 11:55

Originally Posted by rustyrobot

My chain is made by Regina, so I'm happy to follow their advice on the matter:
http://www.reginachain.it/eng/use_an..._to03.shtml#02

Far out ...

What flavour is it ?

How often do you replace it ???

Does it melt when it rains ??

**Maha** · 21st October 2013, 12:23

Originally Posted by swbarnett

Actually, I know someone with a Masters degree in Nuclear and Particle Physics that's a member.

It was hard road but I got there in the end

**swbarnett** · 21st October 2013, 12:57

Originally Posted by Maha

It was hard road but I got there in the end

You know who I mean...

**Grubber** · 21st October 2013, 13:11

Every 300 - 500 k's for me.
This is dependant on the weather and the temperature.
always do it when it's hot after a ride.
I have not yet replaced a chain in all my years riding, except when my chain flew off on my race bike. That wasnt real pretty.
Generally speaking i do good miles on my chains.
Current bike has done roughly 42000 and chain is good as new.

**Flip** · 22nd October 2013, 08:25

Its water and corrosion that kills road bike chains.

On my T1200 the first chain lasted 16k then i fitted a scott oiler the 2nd one was going strong when I sold the bike at 90k. In 74k I only adjusted it twice.

A little oil often is the secret, the more often the better.