WORKSHOP
away from the rear sprocket, spin the wheel again while giving the chain a gentle wipe. Same again with a loosely held rag.
• Repeat the above step, but this time with your chain lube. I like to start from on top of the bottom run of the chain, aiming down at the pins between the plates. The theory being that as the chain makes that turn around the sprocket lube gets forced outward, through the pins to the other side of the chain. It’ s important to make sure that you are SPRAYING AWAY FROM THE REAR TYRE. Lubed rubber doesn’ t grip well on tar-seal. There are a huge range of chain lubes available. Try to do the job after a ride when the chain is warmer and do not put on excessive amounts. Most chains have O-rings to seal the links, so a light film of lube is all that is needed.
• Spray CRC on the rear rim and give it a wipe down to remove any over-spray( the‘ sticky’ agent in chain lube is a magnet for dirt) and you’ re back in business.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE The key is to do this regularly. To do that of course you want to make it as easy as possible. Regular maintenance trumps a comprehensive job every time – just spray the sprocket with lube after each ride, you will get much better chain life. We’ d advise against it but if you do opt to leave the engine running with the wheel spinning on a bike stand, make damned sure your fingers, kids and pets don’ t get anywhere near. A new set of chain and sprockets could look cheap very quickly. And while down there... you may as well check your tyre pressures.
OTHER OPTIONS If you can’ t be bothered or prefer not to get your hands dirty there are self oiling systems such as the Scott Oiler. If you are a commuter or a tourer then this system might just be for you. Spend the money now( basic system $ 239, distributed by Eurobike Wholesale) and start making the most of your current chain and reduce the hassles of lubing. You will at least half the amount of chain adjustments you have to make as well. Doubling chain life is relatively easy( if you haven’ t been lubing the chain at all) so with these systems it will have paid for it by the time you have used a set of sprockets and a chain. Not as cheap as doing the job yourself regularly but if you really don’ t like dirty fingers. In fact, the Editor Ben reckoned his old Aprilia SL1000 Falco was still on the standard chain and sprockets fitted when new after 15 years and over 50,000km thanks to a Scottoiler.
68 KIWI RIDER