Cleaning the chain...

[gummibear]

And my balls.

 

 

You a pornstar by any chance?

[TNT1]

You a pornstar by any chance?

 

Nah, just own and operate a ball shaving shack.

[Lamber]

it's a link that you can remove and refit as many times as you like if its a 9spd cluster

 

Why only 9 speed cluster?

 

And if the chain breaks during a race, can you fit a 2nd one? Do you need a chain breaker to pop out the existing pin in the chain on the side that didn't break?

 

Sorry for all the Q's, but if not here then at the LBS

[Lamber]

First item on page two when searchin "clean chain"

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/85825-noob-question-how-often-and-how-to-clean-your-mtb-chain/page__hl__clean+chain

 

I found several threads that give the same info as this.

 

See previous post pls

[rouxtjie]

Why only 9 speed cluster?

 

And if the chain breaks during a race, can you fit a 2nd one? Do you need a chain breaker to pop out the existing pin in the chain on the side that didn't break?

 

Sorry for all the Q's, but if not here then at the LBS

No problem man...

 

The 10spd one is a blixem to take off(fits very tight), some okes do it but you will need pliers and a bit of patience...defnitely not a trailside solution.

 

If your chain breaks or a plate get damaged and it starts skipping on the cassette you simply pop the 2 pins out of the link that is giving the issues, and yes a chain will work with a second link, not ideal but you will finish. It's quite important for your multi-tool to have a chainbreaker cause you will need it to install a powerlink. Also this is one moerse messy job, so I also carry one of those pills that grows into a wetwipe once water gets on it. You normally get them in your goodie bags at races...

[AndreZA]

Why only 9 speed cluster?

 

And if the chain breaks during a race, can you fit a 2nd one? Do you need a chain breaker to pop out the existing pin in the chain on the side that didn't break?

 

Sorry for all the Q's, but if not here then at the LBS

 

It's only 9spd because Sram has only made 9spd once. Their 10spd ones need some tools. BUT other manufacturers have 10spd ones. I've been using a YBN one for a few years now on my road bike.

 

Yes you do need to carry a chain tool to remove the broken link and you can fit as many to the chain as you like. But I would say after the second break you need to replace your chain.

[tombeej]

Ja, installing a powerlink on your chain makes a huge difference to your life. And as someone said earlier, keep a second one in your toolkit in case (I keep the spare in a little ziplock sandwich bag, otherwise they have a tendency to end up like socks, you somehow end up with one and not the pair).

[FC&P2C]

Red Hot Chain and Cassette cleaner. 'nuff said.

just spray it on your chain and cassette. Wait 2 minutes and hose it down with water. Nuff said

[Lamber]

Thanks for all the input Rouxtjie and Mampara.

 

Just a little nervous for a chain break in this weekend's Lion Man. Will sort out all the spares before then

[Cassie]

Guys, guys.....what is all this idle chat about broken chains?? IF you know how to ride properly...then chances are that you'll NEVER break a chain...EVER!!

 

I still have these recurring nightmares from the ARGUS about cyclists crunching & creeking & gnashing their gears on Boyes Drive....Man, I had to reprimand serveral dudes & dudettes for messing up their shifting....not too mention MTB races!! Slight little incline and crunch crunch...I cannot get that sound out of my head!! Then thwey wonder why their chains are breaking and their casettes are worn....BAD shifting!!

 

Baaad sheeep!!

Back to cleaning chains....there is no easy solution to a clean chain...i've taken notice of the Red stuff being mentioned and will test it out.

 

But best solution is still to remove chain and clean independently using you fav solution...and don't forget the casette, else it is futile!!

 

It can easliy be done in under 10min...

[MrJacques]

If I remove the chain to clean it does 'wear direction' matter? Usually a chain and cassette wear together, so will taking a chain off and putting it back on, possibly not in the same direction it was on previously make a difference?

[Cassie]

If I remove the chain to clean it does 'wear direction' matter? Usually a chain and cassette wear together, so will taking a chain off and putting it back on, possibly not in the same direction it was on previously make a difference?

Nope! it's the rollers & pins that wear thinner...so to speak...so direction does not play a role. On the casette - one side wears out due to the power / force of the chain in that particular slot....

 

My 2c worth in laymans terms

[jarek.pski]

just spray it on your chain and cassette. Wait 2 minutes and hose it down with water. Nuff said

 

 

Can confirm on that, I use a pink liquid called 'dirt nurse' or something, comes in a 1l bottle with a sprayer. Cost R60 or so, does wonders

[rouxtjie]

Guys, guys.....what is all this idle chat about broken chains?? IF you know how to ride properly...then chances are that you'll NEVER break a chain...EVER!!

 

snip snip snip

 

The thing is just that if it goes, you are deep in the dwang if you are alone, in a race somebody might offer a link to you. I have never "snapped" a chain myself or even seen one break in half but... I have had one of the plates on a link bend badly due to shifting under load. Yes I know it was because of my lack of talent but nevertheless I would have been stuck. This caused the chain to skip on the cassette when it goes over that particular link making it jump around even when applying min power down. BTW it was a XTR chain.

 

The following are essentials to take with you in my opinion:

 

Spare Tube + Tyre levers

Bomb + Inflator

Multitool + Powerlink

 

But back to the topic...you are right, this is quick job....10 min max

Edited May 10, 2011 by rouxtjie

[Let's Ride]

lbs has a tool which fits over the chain and then you pour in some cleaning solution and back peddle.

 

I bought one yesterday as my chain was very dirty. Used this and it worked very well. I then cleaned the other components that were dirty and full of grime and re greased my chain and back peddled and then removed the excess grease/oil.

 

With this tool I can now clean my chain much more often and also help save me some money. Without it I wouldn't clean my chain but rather take it to the lbs once shifting gets really bad.

 

I suggest you maybe read the instructions on the tool as it really did work for me. Maybe use petrol and then rinse the chain with some car wash liquid?

[Lamber]

lbs has a tool which fits over the chain and then you pour in some cleaning solution and back peddle.

 

I bought one yesterday as my chain was very dirty. Used this and it worked very well. I then cleaned the other components that were dirty and full of grime and re greased my chain and back peddled and then removed the excess grease/oil.

 

With this tool I can now clean my chain much more often and also help save me some money. Without it I wouldn't clean my chain but rather take it to the lbs once shifting gets really bad.

 

I suggest you maybe read the instructions on the tool as it really did work for me. Maybe use petrol and then rinse the chain with some car wash liquid?

 

This is a great tool to use for maintenance and for the easier stuff- but believe me- after a seriously muddy ride (as mentioned- the Fountains trip) the rollers and brushes can't get into that little spaces. Tried and tested! Found wanting.