How often should I clean my drive train?
Brought to you by our good friends and partners at Leland House / Lola’s
Although all riding conditions and riders are different here are some general rules to follow so that you can avoid mechanical breakdowns, reduce your bike maintenance costs, and enjoy your riding worry free.
The frequency of lubricating your mountain bike chain depends on various factors, including the type of terrain you ride on, weather conditions, and your personal riding style. Generally, it’s recommended to lubricate your mountain bike chain every 100-200 miles (160-320 kilometers) of riding, or when the chain appears dry or starts making noise. Pedal Durango recommends more frequent chain inspections, cleaning and lubrication. We clean our drive trains after 2-3 rides under normal conditions.
Here are a few guidelines to help you determine when to lubricate your mountain bike chain:
Dry and Dusty Conditions: If you often ride in dry and dusty conditions, your chain may require more frequent lubrication. Dust and dirt can accelerate chain wear and reduce its lifespan. In such conditions, you might need to lubricate your chain every 100 miles (160 kilometers) or even more frequently.
Wet and Muddy Conditions: Riding in wet and muddy conditions can wash away lubrication and promote rust on your chain. In these conditions, you might need to clean and lubricate your chain after every ride.
Moderate Conditions: If you’re riding in moderate and relatively clean conditions, you can stick to lubricating your chain every 150-200 miles (240-320 kilometers).
Remember that proper chain maintenance involves more than just lubrication. It’s important to keep your chain clean and free from dirt and debris. Here’s a basic maintenance routine to follow:
Clean the Chain: Before applying new lubricant, clean your chain thoroughly. You can use a chain cleaning tool, a rag, and a degreaser to remove dirt and old lubricant. A clean chain will allow the new lubricant to work more effectively.
Apply Lubricant: After cleaning, apply a moderate amount of bike-specific chain lubricant to each chain link while rotating the pedals backward. Be sure not to over-lubricate, as excess lubricant can attract dirt.
Wipe Off Excess: After applying the lubricant, use a clean rag to wipe off any excess. The lubricant needs to penetrate the chain’s internals, and excess lubricant on the outer surface can attract dirt and grime.
Allow Time to Dry: Let the lubricant dry and penetrate the chain’s components for a few minutes before riding. Cleaning you drivetrain the night before a ride allows the lubricant to penetrate the drive train components even more.
Regular Inspections: Periodically check your chain for wear using a chain wear indicator tool. If the chain starts to show significant wear, it may be time to replace it.
Remember that proper maintenance not only extends the life of your chain but also improves your bike’s overall performance and reduces the likelihood of drivetrain issues. Adjust your lubrication schedule based on the conditions you ride in and the recommendations of your bike’s manufacturer.
Pedal Durango is Proud to Announce Our Newest Partner SKA Brewing Check out their awesome summer SKA-BQ schedule!
FREE Live music, fresh craft beer + food specials! With tons of space to spread out you can throw down a blanket or a lawn chair, relax, and enjoy the show. It’s SKA-BQ & we’re saving you a spot in the beer garden
Free live show in the beer garden Fresh craft beer, straight from the source Food specials Let’s go!
The Durango Derby is at the end of September and it will be one epic event for even the most experienced of riders.Durango Derby is the next evolution of MTB racing. Showcasing 36 miles of Durango’s premium in-town single track with 12 miles of untimed transfers, racers will compete in four unique stages, in one day, on Saturday, September 23rd.
Hardened and professional riders will take on all four stages alone, battling over 50miles to stake their claim in Durango MTB history.
For riders looking for some friendly (or serious) competition amongst friends and families, the Durango Derby will also have 2-person and 4-person team categories.
Pedal Durango is Proud to Announce Our Newest Partner Durango Hot Springs
Following more than a century of evolution, Durango Hot Springs Resort and Spa, Southwest Colorado’s premier mineral soaking facility and wellness resort, has ushered in a new era for Durango’s historic hot springs. Formally known as Trimble Hot Springs, Durango Hot Springs Resort and Spa was purchased by Bryan Yearout, Dan Carter and Kurt Carter and rebranded in August 2019. Over the last three years, more than $10 million in capital improvements have been made to illuminate the natural characteristics of Durango Hot Springs: relaxing, unpretentious and youthful in spirit. Today the resort
boasts 40 water features, including 32 hot springs mineral pools, two cold plunge pools, a 25-meter swimming pool, and 5 private cedar Ofuro tubs; plus a full-service day spa, bathhouses, saunas, casual dining, live music,
events, botanic gardens, and more. For more information please visit: https://durangohotspringsresortandspa.com
Blaze On!
Join us October 7 for the 2023 Durango Fall Blaze Bicycle Celebration. We are returning with your favorite road and gravel rides, fully stocked aid stations, and the always memorable post-ride celebration with great food and local brews.
All net funds and donations from the Blaze go directly to the Dave Hagen Cycling Excellence Fund. If you’re not up for the in-person event, but still wish to participate, join in on the donor campaign.
Be sure to check out this months very busy event calendar at https://pedaldurango.com/events/ for more information on all the cycling events in Durango!
Be part of our growing partner network and promote your business on Pedal Durango. Contact us at pedaldurango@gmail.com or at: https://pedaldurango.com/contact/
Free live show in the beer garden
Fresh craft beer, straight from the source
Food specials
Let’s go!
