Bikes

[ironman]

How many KM can you put on a bike before the chain needs replacing?  How often should it get oiled?

[Newt]

G'day

I change the chain on the road bike at the beginning of every season, on the mountain bike 2-3 times. You can buy a chain gauge that will let you know when it's time to change. As far a oiling the chain it really depends on the weather you're riding in and the conditions you are riding in. Regardless you should always ride with a clean chain, if you don't you'll prematurely wear out the rest of the drivetrain which will get expensive. Generally on a road bike wiping the chain down well and running some chain lube through it and then wiping it down again is all you need to do. Usually once or twice a week unless you are riding in the rain then it should be done every ride.

Hope this helps

Peace
Peter

[ironman]

Thanks Peter
Im new to this game.  So is this the same for riding indoors on trainer?  Should I be oiling it once a week?  If so im way behind.  863km behind........lol

[Sandy]

When Peter mentions chain lube he is talking about a silicone based product NOT an oil based product.  The grime that is picked up by the silicone will slide off while the oil will hold it and drag it through the drive train.  You are not picking up the same grime obviously riding indoors that you would be outside so once a week may be overkill, just keep an eye on it.  If it's not shifting as smoothly or gets very noisy you will want to lube.

Peter will let you know if he follows a differnt protocol.

[Newt]

Sandys right, I haven't used "oil" on my bicycle chain since I stopped riding my bicycle with raised bars, banana seat and cards in the spokes. As far as lubing the chain when on the trainer, I usually with do it once or twice a winter, or if the chain starts to get particularily noisy. I'm usually riding 4-5 times a week.

Peace
Peter