Lock the crank to lube chain - tool

[m@Robertson]

... I'd like to watch someone lube their chain while rotating the crank forward without one.

I didn't video it but I can describe an entirely different, but mind-numbingly simple process:

I sit on a park bench and don't always have that great big cargo bike with the dual leg kickstand. But I still do my chain maintenance - with zero tools to move the chain. I am still using the simple Rock and Roll+towel method described earlier.

1. Sit on the park bench, facing the bike which is pulled up right next to said bench, lengthwise. the drivetrain is facing me and the kickstand is on the side of the bike opposite me.
2. Position the chain so the master link is right at the top rear of the chainring. This is my stopping point once it comes around again.
3. Clean the length of chain between the top of the chainring and the gear cluster, and the bottom of the chainring and derailleur.
4. Grab the handlebars and saddle and hand-roll the bike forward a foot or so. Now roll it back about two feet. Forward a foot again and stop. Bike is now in the same spot in front of you with an additional foot of uncleaned chain in front of you (rolling the bike backwards engages the motor and rotates the front chainring backwards... i.e. it moves the chain).
5. Clean that new segment of chain per Step 3.
6. repeat Steps 4 and 5 until the master link comes around again.

This procedure actually cleans most of the chain twice since I am working the top and the bottom. When I am rolling the bike back/forth I am not really paying attention to distance i.e. that 1-ft/2-ft description. I am watching the chain travel and when it gets to the point where I am comfortable wiping it down without my fingers hitting the rear cogs, I stop.

It takes no measurable time to do this manually. The whole job is something like 10 minutes. No tools of any kind necessary except for the towel and the Rock And Roll, which being a combined solvent and lube is pretty handy stuff.

 

[Calcoaster]

I didn't video it but I can describe an entirely different, but mind-numbingly simple process:

I sit on a park bench and don't always have that great big cargo bike with the dual leg kickstand. But I still do my chain maintenance - with zero tools to move the chain. I am still using the simple Rock and Roll+towel method described earlier.

1. Sit on the park bench, facing the bike which is pulled up right next to said bench, lengthwise. the drivetrain is facing me and the kickstand is on the side of the bike opposite me.
2. Position the chain so the master link is right at the top rear of the chainring. This is my stopping point once it comes around again.
3. Clean the length of chain between the top of the chainring and the gear cluster, and the bottom of the chainring and derailleur.
4. Grab the handlebars and saddle and hand-roll the bike forward a foot or so. Now roll it back about two feet. Forward a foot again and stop. Bike is now in the same spot in front of you with an additional foot of uncleaned chain in front of you (rolling the bike backwards engages the motor and rotates the front chainring backwards... i.e. it moves the chain).
5. Clean that new segment of chain per Step 3.
6. repeat Steps 4 and 5 until the master link comes around again.

This procedure actually cleans most of the chain twice since I am working the top and the bottom. When I am rolling the bike back/forth I am not really paying attention to distance i.e. that 1-ft/2-ft description. I am watching the chain travel and when it gets to the point where I am comfortable wiping it down without my fingers hitting the rear cogs, I stop.

It takes no measurable time to do this manually. The whole job is something like 10 minutes. No tools of any kind necessary except for the towel and the Rock And Roll, which being a combined solvent and lube is pretty handy stuff.
View attachment 128697

Ok, where’s that park bench? If that was on my route I’d be stopping to lube my chain every day.

 

[kahn]

Ok, where’s that park bench? If that was on my route I’d be stopping to lube my chain every day.

I think that's the Mississippi River!

 

[mschwett]

Not everyone has a bike stand. But I'd like to watch someone lube their chain while rotating the crank forward without one.

i don't typically use my stand to lube my chain, on either my creo or "acoustic" road bike. cleaning it with the park tool thingie, different story. but daily lube? apply drop to each visible roller. lift seat and turn crank. repeat?

 

[Alaskan]

I think that's the Mississippi River!

Don't your think his handle "Calcoaster" gives a hint as to the location of that photo? I'll go with the easy and obvious, California Coast either that or the Black Sea

 

[m@Robertson]

I remember reading a post from Mr. Robertson.
He has two places of residence in CA. I think he keeps that titanium bike in Moterey Bay.
That is a beautiful view just to stop to inspect your chain and or just a relaxing break

Yes exactly! Here is the street view. Hard to see the bench but its there. This path goes along the shore, thru Cannery Row and out to the downtown area. Take it far enough and it goes almost to Watsonville if you are willing to go crosstown for a bit.

Sadly the ti bike is down and out. The front motor took a dump on me and I have yet to figure out a replacement or solution.

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

www.google.com

 

[m@Robertson]

Ok, where’s that park bench? If that was on my route I’d be stopping to lube my chain every day.

Or just riding it. I do try and do that every day I'm there. This was the same spot, with fresh pastry in the little box on the back (Coffee in the thermos on the front fork). Right about at dawn. I try to never take the view or the location for granted.

 

[kahn]

Don't your think his handle "Calcoaster" gives a hint as to the location of that photo? I'll go with the easy and obvious, California Coast either that or the Black Sea

Calcoaster is the one that asked about the location.

 

[kahn]

Yes exactly! Here is the street view. Hard to see the bench but its there. This path goes along the shore, thru Cannery Row and out to the downtown area. Take it far enough and it goes almost to Watsonville if you are willing to go crosstown for a bit.

Sadly the ti bike is down and out. The front motor took a dump on me and I have yet to figure out a replacement or solution.

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

www.google.com

What a poor excuse for a view! Gads! My Ti has a front wheel hub motor now. But it is definitely more squirrelly then my Creo

 

[Alaskan]

Or just riding it. I do try and do that every day I'm there. This was the same spot, with fresh pastry in the little box on the back (Coffee in the thermos on the front fork). Right about at dawn. I try to never take the view or the location for granted.
View attachment 128718

Great neck of the woods! Some of the best bike rides anywhere. Monterrey Bay, epic climbs through redwoods, Carmel, 17 (or is it 18) mile drive, great weather and fabulous food. Obviously, I love that area.

 

[kahn]

Or just riding it. I do try and do that every day I'm there. This was the same spot, with fresh pastry in the little box on the back (Coffee in the thermos on the front fork). Right about at dawn. I try to never take the view or the location for granted

Oh, now it is just getting boring!

 

[BioWheel]

i don't typically use my stand to lube my chain, on either my creo or "acoustic" road bike. cleaning it with the park tool thingie, different story. but daily lube? apply drop to each visible roller. lift seat and turn crank. repeat?

I just have to say a bike is a bike - not acoustic or anything else. And an eBike is an eBike. That's it.

 

[DaveMatthews]

I just have to say a bike is a bike - not acoustic or anything else. And an eBike is an eBike. That's it.

Like a guitar is a guitar? No consideration between acoustic and eguitar?

 

[BioWheel]

Like a guitar is a guitar? No consideration between acoustic and eguitar?

No - nothing like a guitar. It's a bike - it doesn't need an adjective for people to understand what you're talking about.

 

[mschwett]

No - nothing like a guitar. It's a bike - it doesn't need an adjective for people to understand what you're talking about.

i would say on “electricbikereview.com” it’s useful to specify!

 

[DaveMatthews]

No - nothing like a guitar. It's a bike - it doesn't need an adjective for people to understand what you're talking about.

OK buddy. All good.
I prefer to make and consider the distinction. You of course can call it whatever you want.

 

[kahn]

I just have to say a bike is a bike - not acoustic or anything else. And an eBike is an eBike. That's it.

Oh, it's kind of like veggies. They are either organic or INorganic!

 

[PedalUma]

I have a chain malfunction this morning.
The master link fall off
I'm going to need to fix this today.

Do you keep a couple of spares?

 

[PedalUma]

I like my chains fresh.

 

[rainking]

This posted yet?

Cheers