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2manyoranges":1sgz053m said:
Indeed
Appears there really is no such thing as a new idea - just lots of people with short memories!
Ultra-clean chain - necessity or myth?
- Thread starter Splatter Paint
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Indeed
Appears there really is no such thing as a new idea - just lots of people with short memories!
Splatter Paint
Retrobike Rider
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Re:
My Dad did chain waxing in the 70s and always had three chains on the go at any one time.
You could do this with 6-10 speed chains, but it’d cost a fortune with 11 speed as quick links are non-resuable. I do take my chains off to clean them.
I’ve started using Finish Line Ceramic which seems OK.
SP
My Dad did chain waxing in the 70s and always had three chains on the go at any one time.
You could do this with 6-10 speed chains, but it’d cost a fortune with 11 speed as quick links are non-resuable. I do take my chains off to clean them.
I’ve started using Finish Line Ceramic which seems OK.
SP
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I've just replaced a Taya chain that I fitted new in 2006 
The chain on my summer bike is a Rohloff SLT99, running on Dura-Ace 9 speed (7700) components.
I think I have got my chain lube routine correct when you consider the following...
Being installed on a summer bike, it is fair to say that the chain has never been subject to salt etc, perhaps the odd wet ride, however the bike was my good weather training bike when I raced; I stopped in 2016. The bike has been used in hill climbs and subject to other extreme high level efforts, so it is not as if it has had an easy life. One training ride I did, which was totally insane, and undoubtedly put huge strain on the chain was riding up a local 1 in 10 hill in 53x13 at around 15rpm!
The chain is probably about ten years old, at guess that would equate to around 40,000 miles.
The chain is now showing a slight amount of stretch, I think it will be good for around another 20,000 miles, which apparently is quite a lot for a bike chain, but actually quite normal for these chains, which if you know your chains are regarded as one of the best chains ever made.
However, I think part of the reason why it has lasted so long is down to my maintenance routine.
What I do is when I clean the bike, the chain gets completely and totally cleaned to the point that there is no residue on it; i.e. I can run the chain through a clenched fist and there is virtually no oil on my hand at all.
I use the Rohloff chain lube which seems perfect for the chain. I apply this lube very carefully, ensuring it only goes on the rollers.
I think I have got my chain lube routine correct when you consider the following...
Being installed on a summer bike, it is fair to say that the chain has never been subject to salt etc, perhaps the odd wet ride, however the bike was my good weather training bike when I raced; I stopped in 2016. The bike has been used in hill climbs and subject to other extreme high level efforts, so it is not as if it has had an easy life. One training ride I did, which was totally insane, and undoubtedly put huge strain on the chain was riding up a local 1 in 10 hill in 53x13 at around 15rpm!
The chain is probably about ten years old, at guess that would equate to around 40,000 miles.
The chain is now showing a slight amount of stretch, I think it will be good for around another 20,000 miles, which apparently is quite a lot for a bike chain, but actually quite normal for these chains, which if you know your chains are regarded as one of the best chains ever made.
However, I think part of the reason why it has lasted so long is down to my maintenance routine.
What I do is when I clean the bike, the chain gets completely and totally cleaned to the point that there is no residue on it; i.e. I can run the chain through a clenched fist and there is virtually no oil on my hand at all.
I use the Rohloff chain lube which seems perfect for the chain. I apply this lube very carefully, ensuring it only goes on the rollers.
I've had commuter/shopping bikes where I've run everything into the ground with a quick coating of 3 in 1 and other posher bikes where I've diligently cleaned them after almost every ride (and replaced the chain when the wear indicators told me to). I've never had anything above Deore XT/SRAM GX.
My observations: with some care in replacing chains - you can make the rest of the drivetrain last around four chains. That's worth it if your drivetrain costs a lot/difficult to find replacements for.
Occasional cleaning helps, but frequent and deep cleaning less so than I'd hope. It may not be worth it for cheap components depending how you value your time/flush you are with cash.
I've got an old Marin I use as the 2-3 times weekly shopper so it does 20-30 miles/week laden up with shopping/firewood in a hilly area. I've been running the same drivetrain for five years and it wasn't new then (its a mix of 90s 21 spd components, but stays in the middle ring). Chain gets oiled regularly and no other maintenance.
I've got a rather newer 2016 mountain bike running 11spd SRAM GX. Bike and drivechain cleaned, but not spotless, at least every couple of rides (does 10 -20 miles a week). Still on first chain.
My observations: with some care in replacing chains - you can make the rest of the drivetrain last around four chains. That's worth it if your drivetrain costs a lot/difficult to find replacements for.
Occasional cleaning helps, but frequent and deep cleaning less so than I'd hope. It may not be worth it for cheap components depending how you value your time/flush you are with cash.
I've got an old Marin I use as the 2-3 times weekly shopper so it does 20-30 miles/week laden up with shopping/firewood in a hilly area. I've been running the same drivetrain for five years and it wasn't new then (its a mix of 90s 21 spd components, but stays in the middle ring). Chain gets oiled regularly and no other maintenance.
I've got a rather newer 2016 mountain bike running 11spd SRAM GX. Bike and drivechain cleaned, but not spotless, at least every couple of rides (does 10 -20 miles a week). Still on first chain.
