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Your answer to bike theft.
Join TempoThe frequency of cleaning and lubricating your bicycle's chain can vary. If you have any questions about your specific bike or chain, let us know in the chat in the Tempo app and we will try to help.
Regular Riding in Good Conditions: If you ride your bike regularly in relatively clean conditions (like on city roads or paved trails), aim to clean and lubricate the chain every 100-200 miles.
Harsh or Wet Conditions: If you frequently ride in wet, muddy, or very dusty conditions, you'll need to clean and lubricate the chain every 50-100 miles.
Seasonal or Occasional Riders: If you ride less frequently or seasonally, it's good practice to clean and lube your chain at the beginning and end of the season.
Check the chain
- If your chain appears dirty, gritty, has visible debris or rust, it likely needs cleaning and re-lubricating.
- If you chain looks fine, run your fingers along the chain (be careful not to hurt yourself on the sprockets, and be prepared to wash your hands). If it feels dry or gritty, it needs cleaning and lubrication.
- If it looks and feels fine, while you are riding, listen for any unusual sounds coming from the chain, like squeaking or grinding. These noises often indicate a dry or dirty chain.
- If your chain is making a weird noise or isn't shifting correctly, try manually moving the chain through a cycle and watch for links that don’t bend smoothly. Stiff links can cause skipping when pedaling or shifting and need cleaning or lubrication.
If your chain needs to be cleaned and lubed, here’s a simple guide to help you do it effectively. If this looks like a lot of work, or if you don’t have the tools, Tempo can help you find a local bike shop or mobile mechanic who can do it for you:
Clean the chain
- Place your bicycle in a stand or flip it upside down so it rests on the handlebars and seat.
- You will need a chain cleaner tool or a brush (like an old toothbrush), degreaser (or soapy water), rags you don't mind getting greasy, and gloves to protect your hands if you don't want to spend a few minutes washing them later.
- Apply the soapy water or degreaser to the chain using your brush or chain cleaning tool.
- Rotate the pedals backward, moving the chain through the cleaner tool or brushing along the chain’s length to remove dirt and grime.
- After thoroughly degreasing, rinse the chain with water to remove any remaining degreaser and loosened dirt.
- Thoroughly dry the chain using a clean rag. Make sure it’s completely dry before applying lubricant. If you haven't cleaned your chain in a while, or ever, you might need to repeat steps 3-6.
Lube the chain
- Select a lubricant appropriate for your riding conditions: wet lube for wet climates or dry lube for dry climates.
- Apply the lubricant to the inside of the chain, targeting each roller between each link. Turn the pedals backward to ensure even distribution.
- Allow the lubricant a few minutes to penetrate into the chain’s rollers.
- Wipe away excess lubricant with a clean rag by gently holding it around the chain and rotating the pedals. Excess lube can attract more dirt.
- Rotate the pedals and check the chain movement. It should move smoothly without noise.
Eventually even a well-maintained chain will need to be replaced. If in doubt, have a professional bike mechanic evaluate the chain. They can advise on cleaning, lubrication, or if it needs replacing. Tempo can help you find a local mechanic to check or replace your chain.
