Do New Bike Chains Need To Be Oiled?
 The Short Answer is: |
New bike chains do not necessarily need to be oiled, as they often come pre-lubricated from the factory. However, it is recommended to clean and lube your bike chain regularly to maintain its performance and extend its lifespan. Lubricating your chain helps reduce friction, prevent corrosion, and minimize premature wear. |
When you buy a new bike chain, you might wonder whether it needs to be oiled or not. Some people believe that the factory lubricant on the chain is enough, while others think that adding extra oil is necessary.
In this article, we will explore the question, “Do New Bike Chains Need To Be Oiled” We will look at different opinions and sources to provide you with a comprehensive answer.
Table of Contents
The Role of Lubrication in Bike Chains
Lubrication plays a crucial role in the maintenance of bike chains. When a chain is not properly cleaned and lubricated, friction levels increase at the sliding surfaces of each chain link, which can cause damage to the chain over time.
The high number of links constantly articulating means that it is crucial to minimize friction within the links. Proper lubrication can help to reduce friction and wear and extend the life of the chain.
The proper way to lubricate a bicycle chain is to apply one drop of lubricant on each roller, on the inside, so that the lubricant can flow between the rollers and pins. It is important to use the right type of lubricant for the conditions in which you ride.
For example, a dry lubricant is best for dry conditions, while a wet lubricant is better for wet conditions. It is also important to avoid using too much lubricant, as this can attract dirt and debris, which can cause additional wear on the chain.
Instead, use a drip lube and apply only a small amount of lubricant to each roller. Regular chain maintenance, including cleaning and lubrication, is important to keep your bike running smoothly and extend the life of your chain.
Factory Lubrication vs. Aftermarket Lubrication
When it comes to lubricating a new bike chain, there is some debate about whether to remove the factory lube or leave it on. According to some experts, the factory lube is superior to anything that can be applied after it, so it is best to leave it on until it wears off or until the chain needs to be cleaned.
However, other experts, suggest that the factory lube may be sticky and attract dirt and grime, which can cause the chain to wear out faster. In addition, some factory lubes may not be as effective as aftermarket lubes at reducing friction and extending the life of the chain.
The decision to remove the factory lube or leave it on may depend on personal preference and the specific characteristics of the factory lube in question.
If the factory lube is causing the chain to attract dirt and grime, it may be best to remove it and apply an aftermarket lube.
However, if the factory lube is effective and not causing any issues, it may be best to leave it on until it wears off or until the chain needs to be cleaned.
Reasons for Lubricating a New Bike Chain
When you buy a new bike chain, it usually comes pre-lubricated with a coating of wax or grease. While this lubrication is sufficient for initial use, it is recommended to add additional lubrication to the chain to maintain its performance and longevity.
The reasons for lubricating a new bike chain include:
- Reducing friction: Lubrication helps to reduce friction between the chain and the gears, which can improve the efficiency of your pedaling and reduce wear on the chain and gears.
- Preventing rust: Without proper lubrication, the chain can rust and corrode over time, which can cause it to break or wear out faster.
- Protecting against dirt and debris: Lubrication can help to repel dirt and debris from the chain, which can help to keep it clean and functioning properly.
It is important to note that while the pre-lubrication on a new chain is sufficient for initial use, it is not a substitute for regular chain maintenance.
Over time, the lubrication on the chain will wear off and it will need to be cleaned and re-lubricated to maintain its performance and longevity.
How to Apply Lubrication to a New Bike Chain
When you buy a new bike chain, it usually comes with factory grease that is good for several hundred miles of service if the bike is not ridden in wet or dusty conditions.
However, it is generally recommended to apply lubrication to a new bike chain to increase its performance and decrease wear. Here are some steps to follow when applying lubrication to a new bike chain:
1. Clean the chain: Before applying lubrication, it is important to clean the chain to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on it. You can use a degreaser or a chain cleaner tool to do this.
2. Choose the right lubricant: There are different types of lubricants available for bike chains, such as wet and dry lubricants. Wet lubricants are better for wet conditions, while dry lubricants are better for dry conditions. You can also use wax-based lubricants, which are becoming increasingly popular.
3. Apply the lubricant: Apply a small amount of lubricant to each link of the chain, making sure to cover the entire length of the chain. Be careful not to apply too much lubricant, as this can attract dirt and grit that will increase friction and drivetrain wear.
4. Wipe off excess lubricant: After applying the lubricant, wipe off any excess with a clean rag. This will help prevent dirt and grit from sticking to the chain.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your new bike chain is properly lubricated and ready for use.
Over-Lubrication: A Common Pitfall to Avoid
Over-lubrication is a common pitfall that can lead to various issues in machinery and equipment. While proper lubrication is essential for ensuring smooth operation and preventing wear and tear, excessive lubrication can have detrimental effects.
Here are some of the problems that can arise from over-lubrication and how to avoid them:
1. Increased friction and heat: Over-lubrication can cause the lubricant to become too thick, leading to increased friction and heat generation. This can result in accelerated wear and damage to the components.
2. Contamination: Excess lubricant can attract and trap contaminants, such as dust and dirt, which can further contribute to component wear and damage.
3. Leakage and waste: Over-lubrication can cause the lubricant to leak out of the equipment, leading to unnecessary waste and potential environmental hazards.
To avoid over-lubrication, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for lubricant type and quantity.
Regular monitoring of the equipment’s lubrication levels and condition can also help identify and address any potential issues before they escalate.
Benefits of Properly Lubricated Bike Chains
Reduced friction and wear: A well-lubricated chain reduces the amount of metal-on-metal contact between the chain, cassette sprockets, and chainrings, leading to less friction and wear on these components. This helps maintain the overall efficiency of your bike and extends the lifespan of the drivetrain.
1. Improved shifting performance: Lubrication allows the chain to move freely and smoothly, resulting in better-shifting performance. A dry chain can cause the bike to shift poorly and make noise while riding.
2. Prevention of rust and corrosion: Lubrication creates a protective barrier that helps prevent the chain from rusting, especially in wet conditions. Rust can weaken the chain and potentially lead to a chain failure while riding.
3. Increased flexibility of chain links: Proper lubrication helps maintain the flexibility of the chain links, allowing them to articulate smoothly as you pedal. A dry chain may become stiff and less flexible, affecting the overall performance of your bike.
4. Minimized dirt accumulation: Using the right lubricant can help minimize the accumulation of dirt on the chain, as some lubricants have properties that repel dirt and debris. A clean chain is less likely to cause additional wear on the drivetrain components.
5. Extended chain life: Regularly lubricating your bike chain with the appropriate lubricant can help extend its lifespan by reducing wear and tear on the chain and other drivetrain components. A well-maintained chain is less likely to stretch and cause shifting issues.
Frequency of Chain Lubrication
The frequency of bike chain lubrication depends on various factors such as riding conditions, frequency of use, and type of lubricant used.
If you are a frequent rider, using your bike several times throughout the week, your bicycle will benefit from regular cleaning and lubrication of the drive chain.
For mostly dry riding on pavement, you can use oil-based lube and aim to clean your chain every two to three lubrication jobs.
If you are riding in wet, snowy, salty, conditions, or conditions where there’s more dirt and especially sand, you should lube and clean your chain after every ride.
The recommended care interval for road bikes is ideally after every ride, at the latest after 250 km, or at least once a month. It is important to use lubricants with high creep and pressure resistance and to lubricate only the moving parts of the chain.
The best way to go about it is to apply an even amount across the whole chain. Using the proper lubricant will ensure the chain works correctly and can help extend the life of the chain.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to the Topic:
Do bike chains come pre lubricated?
Yes, bike chains come pre-lubricated with a grease-type lubricant installed at the factory. This lubricant is an excellent lubricant and has good staying power.
However, some cyclists prefer to use their own lubricant or wax for various reasons, such as reducing friction and resisting contamination.
It is also important to note that even though chains come pre-lubricated, they still need to be properly maintained and lubricated throughout their lifespan to ensure optimal performance.
Do I need to clean and lube a new bike chain?
Some experts recommend cleaning a new chain before use, while others suggest that the factory lubricant on a new chain is usually good for several hundred miles of service.
The factory lubricant can be used for a while if the bike is not ridden in wet or dusty conditions. However, it is generally recommended to clean and lube the chain regularly to maintain optimal performance.
The frequency of cleaning and lubing depends on how often you ride and the conditions you ride in. It is suggested to clean and lube the chain anywhere from once a week to once a month to get maximum life. It is also important to reapply the grease bike chain following the cleaning procedure.
Conclusion on Do New Bike Chains Need To Be Oiled
In conclusion, the question of whether new bike chains need to be oiled is a topic of debate among cyclists. Some experts recommend cleaning a new chain before applying lubricant to ensure it sticks well and prevents dirt from sticking to it.
Others suggest that the factory lubricant on a new chain is usually good for several hundred miles of service if the bike is not ridden in wet or dusty conditions.
However, it is generally agreed that regular maintenance of the chain is important to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
This includes cleaning the chain after every ride, especially after riding in wet conditions, and lubricating only the moving parts of the chain with a high-quality lubricant that has good creep and pressure resistance.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to oil a new chain or not depends on personal preference and riding conditions.
