Zero Friction Chain Wax

Hi Charles, Smokey here

I'm in the process of teaching my 50th course here on Quadra Island.

I was looking at various items on your site today. And the last was the chain cleaning bit.

Please take some time to study Alex's Zero Friction Cycling site in Australia. 

He's the man who's tested chains and lubes empirically for hundred of thousands of kms. He shows that famous lubes like Mac Off are total crap. He shows you how to remove the factory-applied grease. And finally how waxed chains save the life of the chain as well as all the other drive train components. Huge money savings!

Once you learn the technique, waxing saves time as well.

https://zerofrictioncycling.com.au

He will revolutionize your winter riding if you try wax.

Best wishes,

Smokey

 

 

Hey Smokey!

I posted your email here:

https://bicyclemechanic.blogspot.com/2024/10/zero-friction-chain-wax.html

I am currently in college being trained as a home inspector so that I can work in the real estate industry. Hence the lack of recent posts on my Bicycle Mechanic blog since I've been so busy.

Arthur and Richard are getting bigger and bigger. They're now 2 and 7.

Do you have any idea how hard it is to get two boys to smile and look at the camera at the same time???

The photo below is a bleeding miracle.

 

How to Increase Chain Efficiency on a Bicycle

Increasing chain efficiency on a bicycle can significantly improve your overall cycling experience and performance. Here are some tips to help you increase chain efficiency:

1. Keep the chain clean: Regularly clean and lubricate your chain to remove dirt, grime, and old lubricant. A clean chain reduces friction and allows for smoother pedaling. Use a degreaser and a brush to clean the chain thoroughly, and then apply a quality bicycle chain lubricant.

2. Lubricate the chain properly: Applying lubricant to the chain is essential to reduce friction and prevent premature wear. Apply a small amount of lubricant to each individual link, and wipe off any excess to prevent attracting dirt and debris. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific lubricant you are using.

3. Ensure proper chain tension: Check your chain tension regularly. A loose chain can cause skipping or slipping, while an overly tight chain can increase resistance and strain on the drivetrain. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the appropriate tension for your specific bicycle and drivetrain.

4. Replace worn-out components: As your chain ages, it stretches and wears out. It is essential to replace the chain before it becomes too worn, as a stretched chain can cause poor shifting and increased wear on other drivetrain components like the cassette and chainrings. A chain checker tool can help you determine when it's time for a replacement.

5. Maintain proper shifting technique: Smooth and precise shifting can reduce unnecessary strain on the chain. Anticipate gear changes, ease off the pedal pressure slightly, and shift gears smoothly to avoid putting excessive stress on the chain.

6. Optimize gear selection: Choosing the right gear ratio for the terrain and your riding style can improve chain efficiency. Use a lower gear when climbing or starting from a stop, and shift to higher gears for flats or descents. Avoid "cross-chaining" by using extreme gear combinations, such as the big chainring with the largest cassette cog or the small chainring with the smallest cassette cog. Cross-chaining can increase chain wear and reduce efficiency.

7. Maintain other drivetrain components: Check the condition of your cassette, chainrings, and jockey wheels regularly. Worn-out or damaged components can lead to poor chain performance. If you notice any signs of wear, consider replacing the affected parts.

8. Pedal technique: Developing a smooth and efficient pedaling technique can reduce stress on the chain. Aim for a circular motion with consistent force throughout the pedal stroke rather than relying heavily on downstrokes. Practice pedaling drills and focus on maintaining a smooth rhythm.

Remember that chain efficiency is just one aspect of overall cycling performance. It is essential to consider other factors like bike fit, aerodynamics, and overall fitness level to maximize your riding experience.

How to Diagnose and Fix a Squeaky Chain

A squeaky chain is a common problem for bike owners, but fortunately, it's usually an easy fix. Here's how to diagnose and fix a squeaky chain:

Diagnosis:

1. Check for dirt and debris: Dirt, grime, and debris can accumulate on the chain and cause it to squeak. Use a degreaser and a brush to clean the chain and see if the squeaking stops.

2. Check for worn or damaged chain: Over time, chains can stretch and wear down, causing them to squeak. Check the chain for signs of wear, such as rust, corrosion, or elongation. If the chain is worn, it will need to be replaced.

3. Check for misaligned chain or gears: A misaligned chain or gears can cause the chain to rub against the derailleur or other components, resulting in a squeaking sound. Check the chain and gears to make sure they are properly aligned.

4. Check for loose bolts: Loose bolts on the chainring, derailleur, or other components can cause the chain to rattle or vibrate, resulting in a squeaking sound. Check all the bolts on your bike and tighten them as needed.

Fix:

1. Clean and lubricate the chain: If the chain is dirty or dry, clean it with a degreaser and lubricate it with a chain lubricant. Apply the lubricant to each link of the chain and wipe off any excess.

2. Replace the chain: If the chain is worn or damaged, it will need to be replaced. Chains are relatively inexpensive and can be easily replaced by a professional bicycle mechanic.

3. Adjust chain and gears: If the chain or gears are misaligned, they will need to be adjusted. This can be done by a professional bicycle mechanic or by following a step-by-step guide or video tutorial.

4. Tighten bolts: If loose bolts are causing the squeaking sound, tighten them with a wrench or allen key. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage the threads or components.

In summary, a squeaky chain can be caused by several factors, including dirt and debris, worn or damaged chain, misaligned chain or gears, or loose bolts. By diagnosing the cause of the squeaking and addressing it with proper maintenance or repairs, you can keep your bike running smoothly and quietly.

Degreasing your Bicycle Chain

Bicycle chains turn black over time as the chain lube collects dirt and grit while riding or locked up outside. This is unfortunate and affects the performance of your bicycle. Grit stuck to your chain wears down your drive train parts and needs to be cleaned once or twice a year.

Without maintenance you will begin to notice your bicycle doesn't shift gears properly, pedalling is sluggish, you have to work harder and you may have to replace parts faster due to wear. Thus yearly maintenance of both the chain and gear cassettes is a necessity, especially if you're storing your bicycle outside where its more likely to collect extra grit.

THE QUICK WAY

STEP ONE

Even if you're not meticulous about the maintenance of your bicycle, you will know when it is time to degrease the chain and clean the drive train. The speed of your bicycle will be affected, and you will hear grit grinding on metal. Ignore the warning signs and you will have to replace everything that makes your bicycle move -- the chain, chain rings, cassette and rear derailleur. All of that is completely avoidable.

At least once a year, and in some cases twice, you should remove all of the parts from the bicycle for a complete cleaning (or have a mechanic do it). You can get by with a quick degreasing a few times a year if needed.

STEP TWO

A quick degreasing of the drive train entails using a chain scrubber, a degreasing solution and a cassette brush. The chain scrubber will have a reservoir in the bottom. Fill the reservoir with degreasing solution and close the chain in the tool. The tool rests on bicycle's chain stay as the chain moves through it.

The brushes (and, in some cases, brushes and sponges) will pick up the solution from the reservoir and use to scrub the chain as it runs through the tool. The grit will fall to the bottom of the reservoir as the chain is cleaned.

STEP THREE

When the chain appears to be nearly clean, remove it from the tool. Take the cassette brush and run it through the cassette as the free wheel turns. This will loosen grit and grime in the cassette. Take a clean towel or rag and run the chain through the rag to remove the degreaser and grime. You could and should take a towel and wipe the chain rings of excess grit and grime.

The last step is to apply a light Teflon-based oil or lubricant to the chain. Run the chain as you apply the lube. Remove any excess with a towel. The chain should be very lightly oiled; anything other than that makes for grit and dirt.

THE PROPER THOROUGH WAY

STEP ONE

The first process is to use a chain breaker and remove it from the bicycle. Soak the chain in degreaser for a short period of time. Use a cassette brush to scrub the grit and grime that has not come off in the degreaser. Run through clean water to remove the grit and degreaser. Degrease and scrub again if needed. Dry with a clean towel to remove the water when complete.

STEP TWO

Next remove the wheel and cassette. This is accomplished with a cassette locking tool and chain whip. The links of the chain whip are threaded into the cassette to use as resistance so the cassette locking tool can remove the cassette. Once the cassette is removed, it should be soaked in degreaser for a short period of time The cassette should then be scrubbed, washed in watter and dried like the chain. Return the cassette to the free wheel hub, but apply a light amount of grease to the hub. Reverse the process with the cassette locking tool and wrench.

STEP THREE

You can manage the chain rings one of two ways: First, you can use degreaser and a towel and clean the teeth until you're satisfied. Or you can remove the crank, soak the chain rings and then clean them. This is the same process employed in removal and reassembly, but you will need to use a lock ring wrench or bottom bracket tool to remove the crank.


STEP FOUR

The last step is to reattach the chain, or to install a new one. Reattaching is simply threading the chain through cogs and deraileurs before using the chain breaker to join the two ends. Installing a new chain involves measuring the chain and cutting it to the correct size.

NOTE: Some cyclists like to keep an extra chain or two in degreasing solution ready to go whenever they want to swap out chains.

Bicycle Grease, Oils, Cleansers and Polishes

Some greases and oils aren't meant for bicycles. Indeed, they can even damage your bicycle. Proper maintenance, cleaning and polishing your bicycle are trickier than you'd think.

BICYCLE GREASE

Bicycle grease is used for the bottom bracket and the head set (see Bicycle Parts Terminology).

Bicycle grease is meant to be used in low temperatures. With few moving parts bicycles don't have a lot of heat friction, and thus automotive grease (which is meant to be used on hot engines/etc) is not suitable for bicycles. Its too thick and can jam up or damage your bicycle.

If you have suspensions or shocks on your bicycle, there is also a specific kind of grease for use on those.

For cyclists its best to pick a grease that is made for bicycles, because it will last longer and won't damage it.

New bicycles aren't greased very well usually, so don't expect it to be perfect from the start. Especially cheap bicycles. Its up to the new owner to add grease and perform regular maintenance every 2 or 3 years.

Don't use open tubs of grease. Squeeze tubes or grease guns are best so contaminants don't get in the grease.

Use an ample amount. Remember to wipe away excess grease after you are done.

Avoid using your bare hands (grease is harmful to your health) and clean your hands immediately after. DO NOT PRETEND TO BE ALL MANLY AND USE YOUR GREASE-COVERED-HANDS TO EAT A FOOT-LONG SUB.

Think of grease as a dirty prostitute. Wear protection and keep it away from your orifices. Grease can be absorbed through the skin... its best to avoid contact with your skin and clean up immediately afterwards.

BICYCLE OILS

Oils are essential for threads, derailleurs, brakes, levers, the bicycle chain, the freewheel and internal gear hubs... but like grease, not all oils are suitable for bicycles.

Bicycle oil is resistant to dirt, the elements and is light enough in viscosity to penetrate between the moving bicycle parts.

Do not use... WD40, 3-in-1 oil, motor oil, sewing machine oil or gun oil.

Avoid using aerosol cans (they spray too much on) unless they are designed to 'dry' within minutes. Drip applicators are best.

Its best to drip small amounts of bicycle oil, sparingly to avoid dripping, and wipe away excess amounts. A little amount does a lot.

Internal gear hubs often have specific oils they require. I recommend sticking to the oil recommended by the manufacturer or researching/finding the closest facsimile.

Like grease, avoid extended contact with oil. Oil can be absorbed through the skin and causes a variety of health problems.

BICYCLE CLEANSERS

When cleaning your bicycle try ammonia and water or a household cleaner like Fantastik or Windex. Avoid ones that leave soap on the surface unless you're prepared to rinse it off.

Mineral spirits is best for cleaning ball bearings and anything that is greased or oily. There is also gasoline, kerosene or citrus-based solvents you can use. Remember to use rubber gloves, eye protection and work in a ventilated area with some of these chemicals.

Acetone or cleaning alcohol may be needed for more heavy duty jobs. Beware of open flames.

If you're concerned about the environment, avoid washing away the excess chemicals into the storm sewer. That water goes into lakes and rivers, the oils float on the surface and children swim in them... if its not safe for your skin, its definitely not safe for children to swim in.

Dispose of dirty rags/etc in a firesafe bucket.

BICYCLE POLISHES

Waxes and polishes can give your bicycle a nice look, improving its sale value and just plain looks nice. Apply wax to clean surfaces only, rub lightly, wait to dry and then wipe off with a Kleanex or soft cloth.

Check the label on the wax or polish to make sure its safe to use on your bicycle. I recommend testing products you're not sure about on an older (crappier) bicycle before trying it on your favourite.