Step by step
A simple routine for everyday chain care.
Remove loose dirt
Brush off heavy soiling then wipe the chain clean with a dry rag while rotating the cranks backwards. If the chain is heavily contaminated, clean it first using the method recommended by the bicycle or drivetrain manufacturer and allow it to dry.
Apply lubricant sparingly
Place a small amount of Bike Chain & Multi-Purpose Lube onto the chain while slowly rotating the drivetrain backwards. Aim for the rollers and link interfaces rather than coating the side plates.
Work it through the drivetrain
Continue rotating the cranks so the lubricant is distributed around the full chain and through the moving interfaces. Shift through the gears if appropriate to distribute a light film across the sprockets.
Allow the film to settle
Give the lubricant time to move into the chain rather than immediately adding more. A chain does not need to look wet on the outside to be lubricated internally.
Wipe away the excess
Hold a clean rag gently around the lower run of chain and rotate the cranks backwards. Wipe until the outside of the chain feels clean rather than oily.
Check after the first ride
After riding, wipe away any excess that has migrated to the outside. Reapply when the chain becomes noticeably dry, noisy, or after conditions that have washed contamination through the drivetrain.
The result
A lubricated chain with a comparatively clean exterior.
The working surfaces retain the lubricating film while less excess remains available to trap dirt. That helps support smooth shifting and makes routine cleaning easier.