Updated: 03/02/2021. Often asked question (and debate) among cyclists, whether beginners, or experienced: “What is the best bicycle chain lube?” Short answer: chainsaw bar oil, diluted with about 30 % of diesel (or odourless mineral spirits). For those prepared to re-apply lube more often, even during one long ride, wax based lubricants are also an … Read more
Updated: 05/01/2021. This post will give overview of bicycle driving chains standard dimensions. Each chain has three important dimensions: pitch, inner diameter and outer diameter. 1. Bicycle driving chain pitch Chain pitch is the distance at which the pins are placed. It is measured by measuring the distance between 3 links, then dividing it by … Read more
Updated: 10/10/2020. This post will explain how exactly a bicycle chain gets worn and what happens with it as it wears. First things explained will be the chain construction and chain pitch so that explanation of chain wear can more easily be understood. A separate post explains how to measure wear and when to replace … Read more
Updated: 27/01/2021. Eternal debate in the cycling world: how to lube and maintain a bicycle chain? There are those that seldom notice drive chain, until it starts creaking really loud, or breaks. There are also those that regularly clean and lubricate their chains. When it comes to those who do maintain their bicycle chains, there … Read more
Updated: 05/01/2021. This post explains bicycle chains compatibility – which chains can be combined with which number of “speeds”. First basic facts about chain will be explained. Then compatibility and possible mixing will be given per number of speeds a chain is designed for. From one to 12 speeds. Basic bicycle chains facts All the … Read more
Updated: 28/10/2020. This post explains when to replace a bicycle chain. For a detailed explanation of what exactly happens when a chain gets used and worn, look at this post: Bicycle chain wear (elongation) Contents:1. Chain design2. Chain wear – elongation3. When is the time to replace the chain on a bicycle?4. How to measure … Read more
Updated: 15/09/2020. It is often asked: what is an optimal chain length for a bicycle with derailleurs? Should a new chain be shortened and how much? That is answered in this post. For single speed bicycles (or bikes with internal gear hubs), see: Determining optimal single speed chain length. 1. Bicycle drive chain length A … Read more
Updated: 09/09/2020. How to determine an optimal single speed chain length? Why is it important? When explaining this, it is important to note that it goes for all the bicycles with only one chainring at the front and at the back, including bicycles with gear hubs (that have multiple gears built inside the rear hub … Read more
How to lock a bicycle – so that it is secure and is not easily stolen. Explanation of locking techniques that work best, making it very hard for the thieves
Updated: 23/01/2021. This post explains bicycle lock types, construction, and how to choose a good one for locking a bicycle. For instructions on “locking techniques”, i.e. how to properly lock a bicycle, read this post: Locking a bicycle. Contents:1. What makes a good bicycle lock?…1.1. Lock cylinder…1.2. Locking mechanism…1.3. Lock body2. Padlocks – size and … Read more
Updated: 16/11/2018. There’s been a long trend of ever increasing number of speeds on bicycles. From single speeds, “tenspeeds”, over 18 speeds (bicycles with 3×6 chainring setups), to modern “1X” trends with only one front chainring and 10 to 12 rear chainrings (“sprockets”). This post will try to answer the question: how many speeds are … Read more
Updated: 26/12/2020. This post will explain basic things about bicycle chain maintenance. First there will be a few words about chain function, as well as chain and chainring wear, then chain cleaning techniques, followed by chain lubrication methods. Finally it will give some rough recommendations of chain lubricants. For detailed explanation of various chain lubricant … Read more
