How to Maintain a Clean and Efficient Bike Drivetrain
- 1). Determine what kind of riding you do most. If you ride in the dirt, you should clean and re-lube your chain after every ride. If you ride on the road, you should clean and relube your chain at least once every three or four rides, depending on the conditions (rain, excessive road grit, etc.).
- 2). Select a chain lube that is appropriate for the type of riding you do and the area you ride in. If you ride in the dirt, you may want a heavier lube. If you ride on the road, you may want a lighter lube. Check with your local bike shop for recommendations.
- 3). Run the chain backwards through a clean cotton rag until the chain is fairly clean and dry. Lube the chain with your favorite lube, making sure that some lube gets on each link. Run chain back through the rag once more to remove excess lube.
- 4). Remove the rear wheel from time to time to clean the cassette or freewheel. You can "floss" the cassette or freewheel with a clean rag to remove built up gunk. If it is really dirty, you may want to scrub the cassette or freewheel cogs with an old toothbrush and a solvent like WD40.
- 5). Wipe off your front and rear derailleur. Afterwards, spray the derailleur pivots with a light, penetrating lube.
- 6). Wipe off your chainrings from time to time with a clean rag. If they are really dirty, you may want to scrub them with an old toothbrush and a solvent like WD40.
- 7). Clean the rear derailleur jockey wheels from time to time with clean rag to prevent a build up of gunk.