Tech Tip

I. How To Maintain Your Drivetrain
A. Cleaning and lube chain ( Tri-Flow Lube/ White Lightening Lube)

1. You’ll need a clean towel or rag, lube and/or degreaser(WrenchForce )
2. On drive side of bicycle, turn crank counter-clockwise 3 times while applying lube or degreaser to chain ( Park Tool Chaingang )
3. Repeat process with towel/rag in hand to remove dirt and grime
4. Repeat cleaning process once more
5. Apply lube to clean chain, one drop per link on chain (side plate to side plate)
6. Let sit (15 minutes ) and remove any excess lube with clean towel/rag
7. Clean and lube every two weeks or 10 hours of riding

B. Check chain, cassette and chainrings for wear
1. Check chain wear

a. Also called “stretching”, chain doesn’t actually lengthen – the pins and bushings wear away, increasing the distance between the pins. This causes the chain to not site properly on the cog and the chainring teeth...

b. Signs of a worn chain are slow shifts, noisy operation and rough pedaling

c. Ways to check for a worn chain
1. Special chain checker tool ( Park Tool CC-3 )
2. Ruler – 12 full links (from pin to pin) measure exactly 12 inches long, if 12 links measure 12 1/8 inches or more, replace chain

d. Check chain wear every 500 miles

2. Checking cassette and Chainring wear
a. Shift to the middle (on triple-ring bikes) or small (on double- ring bikes) ring. Hold the rear wheel stationary. Apply load to the right pedal with one hand. If chain floats above the teeth rather than directly contacting it, it’s time for new chain, cassette and chain rings.


Cleaning your bike

1. When using a hose do not spray directly in the bottom bracket area, hubs or seat post.
2. Use light water pressure and spray not stream the water.
3. Use a bike wash such as Finishline BikeWash.
4. Use brushes for degreasing drivetrain. (Park Tool Bike Clean Brushes)
5. Remove seat from seat tube and turn upside down on handle bars to dry
6. Once dry- wipe down frame with Wrench Force Bike Polish.
7. Clean braking surface of wheels with Wrench Force Metal Prep.
(can be used to remove tar also)
8. Apply lube to chain, cables and all pivot points of the derailleurs