A lubricated chain prevents wear on the drivetrain and ensures smooth operation. But lubrication is not a one-time process, as you will need to lube the bike chain from time to time. The lubricant fades gradually, but the chain will show signs of dryness.
Knowing these signs can help you lube the chain on time. On the other hand, delaying lubrication can lead to costly damage later. In this guide, we'll discuss everything you need to know about lubricating your bike chain so you can keep its performance intact day after day.
Why Lubing Your Bike Chain Matters
A bike chain has dozens of tiny rollers and pins moving against each other during rides. Without lubrication, friction increases and wear on the chain accelerates. This directly impacts the quality of the ride.
E-bikes have a greater risk of failure when the chain is dry. Their motors place higher stress on the drivetrain. A dry chain cannot handle that stress and fails quickly. Lubrication minimises metal friction. It also prevents dirt and water contamination to avoid costly drivetrain replacements.
How Often Should You Lube Your Chain
There isn’t a fixed schedule for lubing a bike chain. It depends on how and where you ride. A light but frequent application is always better than a heavy, infrequent one.
To determine when your chain needs attention, try this simple check: A simple post-ride wipe-down can offer the best clue to the chain’s condition. Run a clean rag along the chain after a ride. If significant black grime comes off, the chain needs attention. Otherwise, there is no urgent need to lubricate.
Generally, a dry lube in a sunny climate can last up to 200 to 300 kilometres. It’s cleaner and doesn’t attract much dust, but because the coating is thinner, it needs to be applied more frequently to keep the chain running smoothly. While wet lubes hold longer, but need extra cleaning to prevent grit buildup.
Your ideal maintenance interval ultimately depends on your riding styles, environment, and lubricant type. So let’s look closely at the factors that influence lubricating frequency.
Factors That Affect Lubing Frequency
Several key factors contribute to your lubrication frequency. The first and most important factor is weather.
Rain washes the lube away and forces water into the chain's pins and rollers. In addition, wet roads spray a fine, abrasive mist onto the chain. This promotes rust development.
Dry, dusty conditions present a different problem. Dust clings to sticky lubricants to form a grinding paste that accelerates wear.
Riding style also matters. A rider who enjoys slow rides in a light gear stresses the chain less than a rider who is consistently pushing the bike to its limits.
The lubricant type itself is important as well. Dry lubes remain clean but wash off easily in wet conditions. Wet lubes are durable but attract more dirt.
All these factors combine to dictate the frequency of chain lubrication.
Signs Your Chain Needs Lubrication
Your bike shows signs when it is time to lube the bike chain. For instance, a persistent squeaking or creaking sound is a direct cry for lubrication. Besides, a dry chain appears dull and grey. You may also spot patches of surface rust after a wet ride.
You can check the chain’s condition by pedalling backwards slowly. Any hesitation or a gritty sensation in the drivetrain indicates internal friction and contamination due to dryness.
Tips to Clean and Lube a Bike Chain
Avoid applying new lube to a dirty chain. This traps grit inside and causes unnecessary wear on the chain.
Deep clean the chain first using a chain cleaning tool. Fill it with a biodegradable degreaser and clamp it onto the chain. Next, run the pedals backwards. The tool's brushes and fluid will flush out ingrained dirt.
For a quick clean, use a rag and degreaser. Hold the rag around the chain and pedal backwards to wipe the chain clean until you see bare metal on the chain links.
Let the chain dry completely. A wet chain prevents fresh lube from adhering properly. You can let it air dry for a few minutes or gently wipe it with a dry cloth.
Now, apply one drop of lubricant inside each roller link using a drip bottle. Slowly turn the cranks to cover the entire chain. Be patient here. Steady application ensures each link gets the right amount of lube.
Avoid over-applying because excess lube only attracts dirt. Let the lube penetrate for a few minutes. Then, take a clean rag and wipe every bit of external lubricant. The lube needs to be inside the chain, not on the outside.
Special Considerations for Electric Bikes
The best e-bikes demand more from their drivetrain than standard bicycles. A mid-drive motor can deliver up to 80Nm torque directly through the chain. This immense force stresses the chain with every start and every climb.
The ebike users should follow a strict maintenance schedule, where cleaning and lubrication happen at least 50% more often.
The best practice is to use a chain designed for e-bikes. These chains use special coatings to protect the drivetrain under relentless loads.
Conclusion
Chain maintenance requires constant awareness. It is about noticing the dirt on the chain after a ride. It is about feeling for that first hint of friction in the pedals. It is about listening for those unusual sounds that a dry chain produces. There is no single universal rule. The ideal time to lube the bike chain
is immediately after you notice any of the signs we mentioned above. Timely chain lubrication gives you thousands of smooth, reliable kilometres. Your bike will thank you for it.
FAQs
How to adjust the chain on a bicycle?
It depends on your bike type. Most multi-speed bikes with a rear derailleur automatically manage chain tension. You do not adjust it manually. For single-speed or many hub-motor ebikes, you manually set the tension.
Start by loosening nuts on the rear axle and pulling the wheel back. Aim for about half an inch of play.
Finally, tighten axle nuts securely back into their place.
Proper chain tension is important. Too tight causes drag and wear. Too loose risks the chain falling off.
How many chain links are on an ENGWE M20 ebike?
The ENGWE M20 ebike uses a multi-speed chain with 116 links. However, this is not the final number you will use. Chains are manufactured with extra links to fit different bikes. You must size it to your specific frame.
How to tighten a bicycle chain?
For horizontal dropouts, loosen the rear wheel nuts and pull the wheel backwards in dropouts. Adjust the chain to allow a small amount of play and tighten the axle nuts. Some frames need a separate chain tensioner if they have vertical dropouts.
