How To... Look After Your Bike Chain

Your bike chain works hard every time you ride. It transfers power from your pedals to the rear wheel, shifts across the gears and deals with everything British roads and trails can throw at it, from rain and grit to mud and winter grime.

Giving your chain a little regular attention can make a noticeable difference to how smoothly your bike runs. It can also extend the life of your chain, cassette and chainrings and help you spot problems before they turn into more expensive repairs.

At Bike Hero, we are cyclists as well as expert bike mechanics, so we know how frustrating a noisy, slipping or unreliable bike can be.

So, how do you know when your chain needs some attention, and what can you do to look after it?

Here are seven signs to watch for, followed by some simple tips for checking, cleaning and lubricating your chain.

1. Your bike chain keeps slipping

If the gears jump or the chain slips when you put pressure on the pedals, your chain or other drivetrain components may be worn.

If it happens regularly, particularly when climbing or accelerating, it is worth getting your bike checked by a bicycle mechanic.

2. Your chain is making unusual noises

Clicking, grinding, rattling or squeaking usually means something needs attention.

Your chain may simply need cleaning and lubrication, but persistent noises can also point to wear or poor gear adjustment.

3. Your chain looks rusty or heavily corroded

British weather is not always kind to bikes. Water, road salt and grime can quickly take their toll, particularly if you ride throughout winter.

Surface rust may be manageable with some TLC, but a badly corroded chain may need replacing.

4. Your gears aren't changing smoothly

If gear changes are slow, hesitant or jumpy, your drivetrain needs attention.

The chain isn't always to blame – gear adjustment, cables, the derailleur or cassette can also affect shifting.

5. Your chain is worn

Chains don't technically 'stretch'. Wear between their components gradually increases the effective length of the chain.

A worn chain can accelerate wear to your cassette and chainrings, so catching it early can save you money. We'll show you how to check yours below.

6. You can see damaged or stiff links

Slowly rotate the pedals and look closely at the chain. Bent, damaged or stiff links can cause clicking, poor shifting and an uneven feeling through the pedals.

If you spot physical damage, get the chain checked before your next big ride.

7. You can't remember the last time your chain was checked

How quickly a chain wears depends on your mileage, riding conditions and maintenance.

Rather than relying on a fixed mileage, check your chain regularly. It's a quick job that could help protect the rest of your drivetrain.

How to check your Shimano chain for wear

You don't necessarily need to visit a workshop to keep an eye on chain wear. A chain checker is a small, simple tool that allows you to quickly check your chain at home.

If you're running a Shimano drivetrain, Shimano's chain wear indicator gives you an easy way to check whether your chain has reached the point where replacement is recommended.

And here's the good bit: we have free Shimano chain checker tools available on request. If your bike is in with Bike Hero for a service, just ask us and, subject to availability, we can send one back with your bike so you can keep an eye on chain wear at home. If you run Sram or Campag gears you would need to source the correct checker.

To use the Shimano tool, place the end with the narrower end between the rollers of the chain as pictured, then lower the other end onto the chain without forcing it.

If the indicator does not fully drop into the chain, the chain is still within Shimano's acceptable wear range. If it drops fully into place, it's time to replace the chain. The chain in the picture is brand new, so the tool does not drop in at all.

It's worth checking in a few different places along the chain rather than relying on a single measurement.

Checking regularly means you have a much better chance of replacing the chain before excessive wear starts damaging the cassette and chainrings – and potentially saving yourself a more expensive repair later.

How to clean your bike chain

A clean chain isn't just about making your bike look good. Dirt and grit mix with chain lubricant to create an abrasive paste that can accelerate drivetrain wear.

For a routine clean, apply a suitable bike drivetrain degreaser to the chain and use a brush or cloth to work away the old lubricant and dirt. Rotating the pedals backwards can make it easier to work your way around the entire chain.

For a deeper clean, a dedicated chain-cleaning tool can make the job easier and help get into the rollers and links.

Once you're happy that the grime has been removed, wipe the chain thoroughly and allow it to dry before applying fresh lubricant.

One important point: avoid getting degreaser or lubricant on your brake discs or braking surfaces. Contamination can seriously affect braking performance.

How to lubricate your bike chain

More lubricant isn't necessarily better.

Start with a clean, dry chain and choose a bicycle chain lubricant suitable for the conditions you ride in. Wet lubes generally offer more staying power in wet weather, while dry lubes tend to attract less dirt in drier conditions. There are plenty of other options too, including wax-based lubricants.

Apply a small amount of lubricant to each roller while slowly turning the pedals backwards. The aim is to get lubricant where the chain actually needs it – inside the rollers – rather than coating the outside of the chain.

Give the lubricant time to work its way in, following the instructions on the product you're using. Then take a clean cloth, hold it around the chain and rotate the pedals to wipe away the excess.

It might feel counterintuitive to wipe off the lubricant you've just applied, but excess lubricant on the outside of the chain simply attracts more dirt.

Repair or replace your bike chain?

Good chain care can extend the life of your drivetrain, but no chain lasts forever.

A dirty, dry or poorly lubricated chain may simply need some attention. A worn, damaged or badly corroded chain is a different story. It is also important to check the cassette and chainrings because fitting a new chain to a heavily worn drivetrain may not solve the underlying problem.

The best approach is prevention: keep your chain reasonably clean, lubricate it when required and check its wear periodically. A few minutes of maintenance can save you money and keep your bike shifting smoothly.

That is where professional bike servicing can help.

At Bike Hero, we have the expertise and know-how to tackle every type of bike service or repair, from a quick fix to a full strip down. All bikes are welcome.

We have years of industry experience between us, but most importantly, we are cyclists and love bikes. Our expert bike mechanics provide convenient bike servicing and bike repair across much of London, Surrey and Berkshire, so you'll never need to struggle to get your bike to a workshop again!

Need your chain checked or your bike running smoothly again? Book your Bike Hero service online today. We'll collect your bike at a convenient time, carry out the work it needs and deliver it back to you, with bikes returned in as little as 48 hours.