Wednesday, 12 December 2007

Drivetrain maintenance tips


I would be rich if I had a dollar for every person that had a failed drivetrain. That has got to be one of the more important parts of your bike. You have to make sure that the parts used in the drivetrain are not worn out. Get a good freewheel for starters. A brand like the one pictured above will last some time but may be a bit hard to get. But get a new one preferably.

Another thing you should check is your chain. The chain can stretch and can break if not checked for periodic wear and tear. Always degrease your chain every 6 months. Degrease it in diesel and after that, lubricate it well with an oil like Singer which is relatively easy to get and rather cheap at a dollar a bottle.

Don't forget to check your chainrings too, or sprockets if you would like to call them that. And also make sure that the chain alignment is spot on. I will say it again...your drivetrain is very important. Constant checks will lead to many hours of enjoyment instead of hours walking home if the drivetrain fails.

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