New chain

**Gubb** · 23rd August 2008, 10:35

I had a new chain put on my bike yesterday, and i'm not sure of a few things.

-How often should I lube the chain?
-How often should I check the tension?
-How much slack should be in the chain?
-Should I check the tension while sitting on the bike (not me obviously, maybe someone else) , or just on it's stand?

Cheers.

**James Deuce** · 23rd August 2008, 10:40

1. Every 600kms or so.
2. Whenever you lube the chain. Also check for tight spots. This means other bits of the chain have stretched and gone loose.
3. About 25mm
4. With you on the bike. If you use someone else, make sure they weigh the same as you. It is preferable for you to have both feet off the ground so all the static suspension travel is used up.

**Gubb** · 23rd August 2008, 10:43

Champion. Cheers mate.

I owe you a delicious frothy beverage.

**Owl** · 23rd August 2008, 10:49

This should be good!

**James Deuce** · 23rd August 2008, 10:50

I used to use Maxima Racing Oils chain wax.

I've since changed to Motul's new formulation. You don't need to use much, and it lasts for ages.

Lube the inside of the chain, and remember that you are lubing the bit betwixt endplate and roller. If you have a service stand (race stand - whatever you want to call it. I don't race, so it's a service stand) spin the back wheel with the nozzle against the rear sprocket (Use the thin tube so it doesn't go everywhere. I have a rough cut piece of cardboard to stop the lube going all over the tyre) on both sides for a couple of revolutions while delivering the lube. This guy doesn't use cardboard. Look at the mess on the tyre. Use cardboard.

Wipe off the excess. Give it at least an hour before riding so it can soak in and for the Motul stuff so the solvent that keeps it fluid can evaporate. That will minimise your "fling off" and reduce cleaning time.

You'll note that the guy in video only does one side. I do the other side as well to ensure both sets of endplates get the same amount of lube.

**James Deuce** · 23rd August 2008, 10:51

Originally Posted by Ferris

This should be good!

Why? What have I done now?

**Owl** · 23rd August 2008, 10:54

Originally Posted by James Deuce

Why? What have I done now?

Nothing dude, but I want to see some of the replies that come in!

**Gubb** · 23rd August 2008, 10:55

Sweet as, i've got a 'service-stand', so i'll just make a cardboard template to protect the tyre.

Good idea.

I've got a can of 'blue label' chain lube, i'll see how it goes before I switch to something else. No point in buying more stuff........

**James Deuce** · 23rd August 2008, 10:58

Originally Posted by Ferris

Nothing dude, but I want to see some of the replies that come in!

Sorry, defense mode kicked in!

**Grumpy** · 23rd August 2008, 11:00

Good idea to lube it after a ride while the chain is still warm. Helps the lube to penatrate.

**stevewederell** · 23rd August 2008, 22:47

Just got myself some of that there fancy Maxima Chain Wax, bloody great stuff. Reckon it will last longer than the bike.

**CB ARGH** · 23rd August 2008, 22:51

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Good idea to lube it after a ride while the chain is still warm. Helps the lube to penatrate.

Does the chain really heat up that much? I'd only imagine it would heat up heaps if there was gritty crap in it or poorly lubed?

**xwhatsit** · 23rd August 2008, 23:11

Originally Posted by James Deuce

I used to use Maxima Racing Oils chain wax.

I've since changed to Motul's new formulation. You don't need to use much, and it lasts for ages.

That was the name of the stuff I was trying to remember the other day. I remember you and a couple of others giving a good review of it.

Last can of Motul I used was rubbish. Didn't stick to the chain at all. But that might've been the old formula.

Nothing beats taking the chain off, and leaving it over night in a ice-cream container of your freshly-drained toasty-warm oil from the oil change you just did.