Reducing Maintenance $$$ - longer lasting chains & emtb tires?

[bob armani]

Chain wear and cassette wear go hand in hand.
10 speed Deore cassette's are cheap ($35). So, I just run both the chain and cassette upto 3500 miles and at that point replace both.
Of course, chain cleaning happens every ~250 miles but I don't have to worry about replacing chains every 1000 miles.

I have been doing my chain cleans approx every 100miles along with pulley wheels and cassettes. Seems like it could be overkill, however, it is easier cleaning at that frequency IMO. Have not had to replace chains or cassettes with currently 1800 miles on them. Great to know you are getting 3500 miles out of yours. I'll use that as a ballpark figure for future replacements.

 

[Bigal1463]

Let me ask, how many miles should a chain last? It would seem to me that unless your putting lots of stress on it in high speeds and generally not using your PAS, then sure, the chain life would be shorter than someone using frequent PAS or throttle. If I’m wrong then, I stand to be corrected.

 

[indianajo]

Let me ask, how many miles should a chain last?

7-8 speed KMC chain with hub motor, 5000 miles. 11 speed chain with mid drive 1000 reported, one high speed commuter was getting 500 miles. Road bike pedalers (the lycra people) are getting 1000 miles on 11 speed chain.
BTW I never clean my chain, except to fish johnson grass or string out of it. I clean the oily dirt from the derailleur takeup wheels whenever the bike is upside down - say twice a year? Oiling biweekly with real oil moves dirt to the takeup wheel.

 

[bob armani]

7-8 speed KMC chain with hub motor, 5000 miles. 11 speed chain with mid drive 1000 reported, one high speed commuter was getting 500 miles. Road bike pedalers (the lycra people) are getting 1000 miles on 11 speed chain.
BTW I never clean my chain, except to fish johnson grass or string out of it. I clean the oily dirt from the derailleur takeup wheels whenever the bike is upside down - say twice a year? Oiling biweekly with real oil moves dirt to the takeup wheel.

I have been experimenting with Finish-Line Chain Cleaning kit, then follow up with WD-40. So far, my shifting is flawless and seems to be doing the job. The water-displacement properties also work well and the chain has stayed cleaner, longer. I then just spray the WD-40 on a rag and rotate between cleanings to keep it lubricated. I also plan on using a dry-lube for further testing.

 

[Johnny]

I have been experimenting with Finish-Line Chain Cleaning kit, then follow up with WD-40. So far, my shifting is flawless and seems to be doing the job. The water-displacement properties also work well and the chain has stayed cleaner, longer. I then just spray the WD-40 on a rag and rotate between cleanings to keep it lubricated. I also plan on using a dry-lube for further testing.

His experience may not match yours. 7-8 speed chains are stronger than 10+ speed counterparts and hub motors are very easy on the chains.
I believe wd 40 is not a degreaser. It should be good for getting rid of dirt and water from the chain.



Does anyone know a good, safe degreaser to strip the factory lube from the chain. I don't want to use mineral spirits/kerosene/fuel etc. I had good success with Finish Line citrus degreaser but it is a bit too costly for soaking parts in regularly (It works great diluted on the drive-train though ).

 

[bob armani]

His experience may not match yours. 7-8 speed chains are stronger than 10+ speed counterparts and hub motors are very easy on the chains.
I believe wd 40 is not a degreaser. It should be good for getting rid of dirt and water from the chain.



Does anyone know a good, safe degreaser to strip the factory lube from the chain. I don't want to use mineral spirits/kerosene/fuel etc. I had good success with Finish Line citrus degreaser but it is a bit too costly for soaking parts in regularly (It works great diluted on the drive-train though ).

Simple Green can be purchased @ HD or Menards in gallon size bottles. I have seen it on sale for approx $6-8 dollars per. It will last quite a long time. My understanding is you could even dilute to 50/50 parts if you are worried about using full strength. I always followup with a 100% H2o bath afterwards to strip it, then with WD-40. The chain has virtually no residue left on it when finished. JMHO!

 

[bob armani]

Question: I currently have COGSETSunRace CSMS2, 11-40 teeth on my Haibike. Can I switch it out to SHIMANO (CS-HG50-10) 10-Speed 11-36T MTB Cassette Sprocket without issue? Want to make sure they are fully compatible.

 

[FlatSix911]

Question: I currently have COGSETSunRace CSMS2, 11-40 teeth on my Haibike.
Can I switch it out to SHIMANO (CS-HG50-10) 10-Speed 11-36T MTB Cassette Sprocket without issue? Want to make sure they are fully compatible.

Yes, they should be compatible with your existing hub and chain. Are you sure you want a smaller 36T top gear for climbing?

 

[Johnny]

Simple Green can be purchased @ HD or Menards in gallon size bottles. I have seen it on sale for approx $6-8 dollars per. It will last quite a long time. My understanding is you could even dilute to 50/50 parts if you are worried about using full strength. I always followup with a 100% H2o bath afterwards to strip it, then with WD-40. The chain has virtually no residue left on it when finished. JMHO!

I have simple green but it is not as effective as Finish line's citrus degreaser. It should be good for cleaning drivetrain on the bike if rinsed properly but doesn't seem to be safe for soaking parts for long time and it may etch aluminum/paint if let dry without rinsing.

There seems to be an Extreme version for aircraft and that one seems to be formulated to be safe on aluminum, carbon etc which should be a good cleaner for bikes, drivetrain etc however I have no experience with it. Maybe someone can chime in.

I need a degreaser that can strip chain lube effectively while being safe for health and the bike.

 

[bob armani]

Yes, they should be compatible with your existing hub and chain. Are you sure you want a smaller 36T top gear for climbing?

Thanks for your answer. I think I can get by. When I climb, I very seldom have to switch to the 40T. I would be willing to take a chance with it and see how it works out. Good point though.

 

[bob armani]

I have simple green but it is not as effective as Finish line's citrus degreaser. It should be good for cleaning drivetrain on the bike if rinsed properly but doesn't seem to be safe for soaking parts for long time and it may etch aluminum/paint if let dry without rinsing.

There seems to be an Extreme version for aircraft and that one seems to be formulated to be safe on aluminum, carbon etc which should be a good cleaner for bikes, drivetrain etc however I have no experience with it. Maybe someone can chime in.

I need a degreaser that can strip chain lube effectively while being safe for health and the bike.

Ahh okay, then I will proceed with caution. Anytime I apply it, I usually do not give it time to dry. I rinse immediately.

BTW-Today I washed down the cassettes using a garden sprayer with 50/50 dish soap and light bristle brushes and I was impressed with the results. The rest of the bike also was sprayed down and rinsed immediately. I can see your point regarding damage to aluminum/decals etc.

 

[tomjasz]

Simple Green and Aluminum!

When used with caution and according to the instructions, Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner has been safely and successfully used to clean aluminum. Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner, Crystal Simple Green Industrial Cleaner & Degreaser, and Simple Green Pressure Washer Concentrates have been used on aircraft, automotive, industrial and consumer aluminum items for over 20 years. However, caution and common sense must be used: aluminum is a soft metal that easily corrodes with unprotected exposure to water. The aqueous-base and alkalinity of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner can accelerate the corrosion process.

 

[Johnny]

I think I can get by. When I climb, I very seldom have to switch to the 40T.

HG500 10 speed has a very nice 11/42T, you really may need the largest cog, I had 11 36 and not happy with it when I climbed steep hills, 42 makes a big difference.

BTW-Today I washed down the cassettes using a garden sprayer with 50/50 dish soap and light bristle brushes and I was impressed with the results.

I agree that sg can be very good at cleaning drivetrain on the bike and probably safe as long as rinsed. But there is an aircraft version which is safe and just a bit more expensive so I may go for this for general cleaning for peace of mind.

https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Green-Extreme-Aircraft-Precision/dp/B081D5R6T9

My problem is stripping the chain from all the lube efficiently for waxing and I am not sure if this will work for that purpose.

Edit: I should also mention I tried regular Simple Green to strip the chain of factory lube but unfortunately it didn't work while Finish line worked well. On the other hand for getting rid of grease/grime on the chain, cogs etc. simple green worked very well on an old chain. (So the extreme version can be a great budget and safe cleaner for most people's needs).

 

[FlatSix911]

I use White Lightning with the integrated chain cleaning tool... no mess or overspray.

Amazon.com : White Lightning Trigger Bicycle Chain Cleaner with 12-Ounce Clean Streak : Bike Cleaners : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : White Lightning Trigger Bicycle Chain Cleaner with 12-Ounce Clean Streak : Bike Cleaners : Sports & Outdoors

smile.amazon.com

 

[bob armani]

HG500 10 speed has a very nice 11/42T, you really may need the largest cog, I had 11 36 and not happy with it when I climbed steep hills, 42 makes a big difference.



I agree that sg can be very good at cleaning drivetrain on the bike and probably safe as long as rinsed. But there is an aircraft version which is safe and just a bit more expensive so I may go for this for general cleaning for peace of mind.

https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Green-Extreme-Aircraft-Precision/dp/B081D5R6T9

My problem is stripping the chain from all the lube efficiently for waxing and I am not sure if this will work for that purpose.

Edit: I should also mention I tried regular Simple Green to strip the chain of factory lube but unfortunately it didn't work while Finish line worked well. On the other hand for getting rid of grease/grime on the chain, cogs etc. simple green worked very well on an old chain. (So the extreme version can be a great budget and safe cleaner for most people's needs).

Good points on the SG extreme. Was not aware of this product. Looks like a thorough cleaning with this kind would only take a single use, opposed to 2 or 3 passes after rinsing. Probably worth the few extra dollars than the regular SG detergent. The 36t cog may be a bit off. I just searched for the 42T cassette and they are not that much more for what you can gain from it. I'll consider that and probably scrap the 36t version.

 

[ruffruff]

I put a 11-40 Sunrace Mx30 cassette on my Bh Rebel. So far it's been working really well.

Sunrace MX30 Speed Cassette | Jenson USA

www.jensonusa.com

 

[ruffruff]

in terms of a tire. I ride a Nobby Nic on the rear of my bike.
That's a fairly aggressive tire for tar and gravel roads but if you want something less aggresive and easier rolling there is the Continental Speed King.

 

[bob armani]

I put a 11-40 Sunrace Mx30 cassette on my Bh Rebel. So far it's been working really well.

Sunrace MX30 Speed Cassette | Jenson USA

www.jensonusa.com

Yeah, I can say the same for mine as well. Sunrace (CSMS2) 11-40t that came stock on my bike. Shifting is smooth indexed very nicely.

 

[pmcdonald]

I finally found stock of the KMC e10 that fits my bike. During the swap took the opportunity to give the drivetrain a thorough going over. Problem is I don't really know what I'm looking for in terms of wear! Here's a photo. Any red flags there? It's done about 1700 km with one chain. I try and be gentle on it.

 

[Johnny]

I finally found stock of the KMC e10 that fits my bike. During the swap took the opportunity to give the drivetrain a thorough going over. Problem is I don't really know what I'm looking for in terms of wear! Here's a photo. Any red flags there? It's done about 1700 km with one chain. I try and be gentle on it.

View attachment 64554

If previous chain was not skipping and below 0.75 wear your cassette is probably fine, 1700km is not much. It is hard to accurately measure cassette wear. Are you using gears 3to6 more than others?