Very basic chain lube question.

[Mag7C]

I've never owned a chain drive before. I bought some spray on stuff at the local bike shop. So...

How often do you usually apply it and how much?

Also, how will I know when the chain needs tightening? Or is that something that's good to do on a regular basis.

[TechTMW]

You apply lube as needed. It's a personal thing and depends on where you ride. Once a week is a good interval for regular riding, but some people do more (some Dirbikers clean and lube after every ride), some people less...

Your manual will tell you how to see if the chain has stretched - basically, you measure the amount of sag in the chain and compare it to spec.

[Mag7C]

Alright, thank you.

I guess I'll just check the measurements each time I spray it then.

[NorthernPete]

You apply lube as needed. It's a personal thing and depends on where you ride.

good lord..Im a sick puppy....

[ejshotgun]

You apply lube as needed. It's a personal thing and depends on where you ride.

good lord..Im a sick puppy....

[Skier]

I've never owned a chain drive before. I bought some spray on stuff at the local bike shop. So...

How often do you usually apply it and how much?

Also, how will I know when the chain needs tightening? Or is that something that's good to do on a regular basis.

The owner's manual should give information about how often to apply chain lube. On all the bikes I've owned I've always used 300 miles or a week, whichever came first (usually miles).

As for tightening, once again, the owner's manual will tell you how to test how much play the chain has and acceptable ranges. I give it a ballpark check with my boot every time I get on the bike and if it looks a bit loose, I'll break out the ruler once I'm home again.

[Sev]

I also got to meet Andrew, the guy who sold KC her bike. Nice guy, offered some wrenching suggestions and also suggested we try Echo Cycle for a manual. On our way out some guy wandered out behind us. We'd both geared up while talking to Andrew so we WERE ready to roll.

Over my shoulder I hear, "whose ------ is ----- llow ----- 99."

*feminine voice* "His."

"You ride that Yellow one?"

Well, "yes I do."

"Want me to lube it?"

*Mentally*"WTF?"

Outloud, "sorry, what?"

This big guy holds up a can of spray lube and says, "want me to lube your chain?"

"Uh no thanks."

"Do you want to do it?"

Now, I'll admit it's been a while since I've, "lubed my own chain." But I sure as hell didn't want some strange fat man doing it. And it isn't really something I wanted to do in public either. "No thanks, she's good."

We did chat about my bike a bit, what colors it comes in, and what years it was made. That sort of thing. I was actually rather thankful when KC backed out of the stall and it was my turn. Guy has a habit of standing a little to close when he talked, that plus the lube talk... I dunno, glad to be gone.