We met by chance, or so it seems. I suppose there really is no such thing as “chance”. I was ready for it, and it was there. I wasn’t really looking but, you see, it had been a while since I’d been happy. I’d even strayed about some, trying a bit of this and a bit of that, but nothing really filled the void I felt within. But Love is a real thing and it can belong to each of us; we just have to be willing to see and we need the courage to grasp it while we can.
My chain and I share a tumultuous relationship. Mostly, we get along just fine, but my demands are high and it is but a simple thing. There are times when it simply doesn’t behave as I’d like. Not only do I expect it to shift properly and propel my bike without impeding my forward progress more than I already do myself, but I expect it to be absolutely silent, only allowing it a triumphant chirp when coaxed onto an adjacent cog.
In my quest to observe the Principle of Silence, I tune my drivetrain and bike more often than is reasonable, often when it requires neither tuning nor cleaning. But I do it anyway, and it feels good. Few things delight me as much as hearing the hum of the back wheel as it spins on the stand, my left hand spinning the drive-side pedal while my right hand pushes the levers on the shifters while watching the chain skip flawlessly from one cog to the next. A daily ritual, I never – under any circumstances – throw my leg over a bike without first cleaning at least the chain. I find it is unbecoming of a Velominatus to ride a soiled machine; we are not barbarians, after all.
You need to know all this in order to understand what I will say next. I have experimented with synthetic lubes and with waxes, and none are the equal of an oil-based product. Sure, oil attracts more road grit, but for those of us who clean our chains every day, that hardly matters. More importantly, it’s lubricating qualities are far superior to the synthetics. As for providing a solid platform for the Principle of Silence, no product I’ve come across has managed to rival the noise-dampening qualities of Dumonde Tech BCL, made right here in Seattle, no less. All it requires is a single drop on each link and chain noise virtually disappears. If you are lucky enough to ride well-tuned Campagnolo mechs, you’ll find that the only sound you hear is the hiss of your wheels cutting through the breeze. And, in my case, that of belabored breathing.
When first we met, I was skeptical. I’d been hurt in the past and I needed assurances that it wouldn’t happen again. The bottle caught my eye as it stood coyly on its shelf. I picked it up and discretely read the label which said all the right things – a bit about low friction and a bit re-applying only when chain noise becomes audible. I took the first step, and it has rewarded me with silence.
And, dare I say, it smells strangely pleasant.
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A romance worthy of a Harlequin Novel!
I recently discovered I've neglected my chain and the 3,000 miles on it have left it old and saggy like a grandmother's breasts, so it's time to replace it with a perky virgin. I've decided to try an oil lube, Chain-L 5, for this chain. They claim up to 1,000 miles between applications, and the reviews in the RoadBikeRider newsletter were favorable. The Chain-L 5 is going to get a fresh application. I'll let you know how it holds up. I have high hopes.
Ah, a timely reminder to clean and lube my drivetrain! I was out for a ride this evening (in my new cycling cap, no less) and notice the chain starting to make noise, which annoys the crap out of me.
My shop recommends Dumonde Tech, so I guess they are really smart.
People, you shouldn't need reminding to look after your chain, after all that is where the first noises emanate from. Chaoins should never do over 1600km before they;re changed,
Dumonde Tech - maybe I'll give it a try. Then again, might be hard to sway me from Pedro's lube - been using it for years. It also makes a nice dessert topping.
I also clean my chains often. Though at times, with commuting, they stay nasty for days - waiting for the official Wash 'N' Lube action over the weekend.
As far as replacing chains - I don't. I go for the kill it all, replace it all, scenario. Cassette, chain, and chainrings all at once. Expensive? Yes. But probably no more then dumping $30 on a chain every 1000 miles or so. Plus no skipping or other chain/cassette incompatibility issues due to uneven wear. It all wears out together, no noise - until totally wasted. I get maybe 8000 - 10,000 miles out of it all.
Both my current road bikes are at that point. Two full sets of replacements. Double ouch.
Buying a chain wear indicator tool (will cost less than 10 bucks) is a far more accurate way to determine when to replace.
@Jarvis
The chain has been well-maintained and has stayed fairly clean. I tend to follow an every-other-ride or once-a-week lubing regiment depending on weather conditions. I don't have time for every ride like Frank. I just hadn't thought about the number of miles I'd put on it until the other day when I realized that it was a large number.
Replacing every 1,000 miles seems pretty frequent to me.
Not sure where to post this but this is the greatest cycling blog I have come across. You preach real world values that apply to more than just cycling. While I get to grips with THE RULES (money is an issue as I am a student...) I focus on training. Being new to the sport could you teach more about training? Or suggest elsewhere to look in regards to this?
@kishan
Welcome kishan, and thanks for the kind words. No, we can't teach you about training, but we can point you towards Rules 5, 6, 10 and 71 for starters. And when in doubt, always fall back on the words of our Prophet; "Ride Lots."
@frank
Yep. Though my ritual involves the clean and oil at the end of the ride (to get the grime off as soon as possible). Kneeling at the altar and giving thanks for a good ride while I wipe down the chain and apply the necessary lube. The pre-ride inspection is important, too.
@Collin @Jarvis
Most bike shops and chain instructions recommend changing the chain after 1600kms, though good care might be able to extend that a bit. Beyond that, even light wear can start to put strain on your other components and reduce their quality and effectiveness. Maybe insignificantly at first, but that can be a high price to pay if you're riding some top end stuff (I'm not, but would like to be considered worthy...).