Lube a Bike Chain
A rusty bike chain can literally slow you down and cause irritating noise. A properly lubed chain shifts better and extends chain life. Here's keep your links properly lubed and trouble-free.
Instructions
1. Place the bicycle over newspapers or in a place that can get dirty.
2. Lean the bike against something so that the pedals can still turn freely.
3. Hold a rag under the chain to prevent lube from dripping onto the wheel.
4. Using a bike specific lucbricant drip a drop on oil onto each roller of the chain. It is best to apply lube to the part of the chain that touches the gears. Avoid lubing the gears of the bike, they don't need it and excess lube can cause them to wear out quickly.
5. Slowly spin the pedal backwards while continuing to drip lube onto the chain.
6. Once the chain in covered entirely in a thin coating of lube stop lubing!
7. Grab the chain lightly with a rag and spin the pedals backwards. This removes excess lube that can attract dirt and wear out your chain.
8. Wipe any excess or splattered oil off the bike with a rag paying special attention to the rim.
Tips Warnings
Bicycle shops carry many different kinds of chain lubricants specifically designed for bikes. Some are made of wax or Teflon rather than grease, and will not leave stains when they touch clothing or skin. Everyone has opinions on which is best. Ask your mechanic.
Avoid thick axle grease. It clumps, picks up sand and dirt, and will leave stains all over you. Avoid WD-40 as it is not actually a lube and attracts lots of dirt.
If your bicycle is particularly dirty, clean it with a rag and degreaser before lubing.. If the chain is rusty, replace it.
