12.4 cleaning

Chain Lubrication

Chain Lubrication. Step-by-step procedure for bike maintenance — tools, time, and what to watch out for.

Difficulty ★☆☆ easy
Time ~5 min
Applies to All bikes (with chain — i.e. not belt-drive)

Tools

  • Standard workshop tools

Procedure

  1. Make sure the chain is clean and dry

    before lubing.

  2. Position the bike

    so the chain runs over the cassette.

  3. Apply one drop of lube to the top of each link

    — between the inner and outer plates, on the rollers. Pedal backward slowly and apply systematically around the entire chain (about 110+ links).

  4. Pedal backward for 10–15 rotations

    to let the lube penetrate the rollers and pins.

  5. Wait a few minutes

    for the lube to seep in.

  6. Wipe excess lube off with a rag

    — pinch the chain in the rag and pedal backward through it. Lube should be inside the rollers, not coating the outside (where it just attracts dirt).

Wax-based lubes have a different process: apply, let dry, optionally re-apply for first treatment.