Bikes are made up of hundreds of components, everyone being important in its own right. You wouldn’t be able to ride without pedals, handlebars, a stem or most other bike accessories for that matter. One element that is integral to the movement of the bike and the transition of power from the rider to the wheels is the chain. This incredible piece of engineering is utilized in equipment and machinery all over the world and is responsible for many different tasks. However, chains do break down and malfunction if not looked after properly. Here are the 3 main reasons why you need to give your chain some regular TLC.
Long life.Rust and corrosion is a common occurrence in chains due to their metal makeup. Bike chains are even more prone to this as they are often exposed the elements quite a lot. You should really clean the chain thoroughly after every use and then give it a good oiling with a suitable grade oil. This will prevent any corrosion taking place and should also prevent the chain from ceasing up. Once a couple of links do not move freely, the function of the chain is severely compromised.
Damage to bike. A whole host of other component can become damaged by a bike chain that is not being looked after. One component that works closely with the chain is the crankset and this can become burred and scared by a bad chain. Another part that can easily suffer harm is the derailleur, which is also in constant contact with the chain. Racing bikes are even more prone to this their mechanisms are very finely tuned.
Rider harm. A chain that is not in a good way will also pose a risk to whomever is riding the bike. If enough links cease up then the chain can jam and sometimes bring the wheels to an abrupt stop. If you are riding at any sort of speed this can cause the rider to be thrown from the bike and receive untold injuries, especially if you are wearing fragile cycle clothing
