prompter: How do I oil a bike chain? How often should I be doing it?

assistant: Oiling a bike chain is an important part of maintaining your bike and ensuring smooth, efficient operation. Here's how to oil a bike chain:

1. Clean the chain: Use a clean cloth to wipe down the chain, removing any dirt or debris that may have accumulated.

2. Apply oil to the chain: You can use a specialized bike chain oil or a lightweight motor oil. Hold the oil bottle so that the tip is directly over a link and squeeze a drop of oil onto it. Move the chain around so that the oil gets onto each link.

3. Wipe off excess oil: Use a clean cloth to wipe off any excess oil that may have accumulated on the chain.

4. Repeat the process: Repeat the process until you have applied oil to the entire chain.

As for how often you should oil your bike chain, it depends on a few factors, such as the type of oil you use and the conditions you ride in. A general rule of thumb is to oil your chain every 100-200 miles, or more frequently if you are riding in wet or dirty conditions.

It's important to keep your bike chain well-oiled to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth, efficient operation. By following these steps, you can keep your bike chain in good condition and extend its lifespan.

prompter: Thanks, but i think i overapplied the oiling step, now each chain is bathed in oil, am afraid that during ride it might spread some of the oil in my shirt, pant or a pillion in the back, what should I do to reduce it.

assistant: Oil outside the chain tends to collect dirt and does not serve a functional purpose. Since it can be complicated for oil to reach deeper into the chain, it is common to apply too much oil to the chain. After you apply the oil, wipe the outside of it well. Wait a few minutes for some oil to ooze out from the inside of a chain, and wipe again. This will ensure that the internal mechanism of the chain is well-oiled, while the outside is clean, ensuring ease of use and durability.

assistant: Oiling a bike chain is a simple process and should be done regularly to keep your bike running smoothly. Here are the steps to follow:

    Clean the chain: Use a degreaser to remove any dirt, grime, or old lubricant from the chain.

    Apply oil: Hold the oil container above the chain and squirt oil onto the top of the chain, then use a rag to work the oil into the chain by running the rag along the chain in a back-and-forth motion.

    Wipe off excess oil: Use a clean, dry rag to wipe off any excess oil from the chain and surrounding areas to prevent attracting dirt and grime.

As for frequency, it is recommended to oil your bike chain every 100–150 miles, or at least once a month if you don't ride that often. If you notice any squeaking or friction while riding, it's a sign that it's time to oil your chain. Keep in mind that the frequency can vary depending on the type of riding you do, the weather conditions, and how well you clean and maintain your bike.

Note: It is important to use the right type of lubricant for your bike chain, as some lubricants can damage or attract dirt to the chain. Check your bike's manual or consult with a bike mechanic for the best recommendation.

prompter: Thank you.

assistant: You're welcome! Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Have a wheely good day!

assistant: You're welcome! Is there anything else I can help you with?

assistant: You're welcome.  I can discuss other bike or machinery maintenance topics like lubricant types, techniques, signs of trouble, or other topics related to biking or sports.

assistant: Feel free to send me another message at any time.

prompter: Should I also oil the suspension of my bike?

assistant: How often you should oil a bicycle chain depends mainly on the kilometres ridden and the weather. A good rule of thumb is to oil the bicycle chain every 1 to 2 months or every 100 kilometres. After cleaning the bicycle chain, it must always be oiled because the protective oil layer is removed during cleaning.

This is how you proceed when lubricating the chain:

1. Shift the bicycle chain to the middle chainring at the front and to the middle sprocket at the rear so that the chain runs as "straight" as possible.

2. Now turn the pedals backwards (i.e. freewheel) by hand and spray or drip the chain lubricant onto the individual chain links bit by bit while slowly moving the chain backwards.

3. Continue to move the chain with the pedal for at least one minute. This distributes the oil well.

4. If you have put too much oil or lubricant on the chain, so that it even drips, then you should run the chain lightly through a dry cloth.

5. Then ride the bicycle a short distance and shift the gears up and down at the front and back so that the oil is distributed evenly over the sprockets and toothed wheels.

prompter: I live in the US, how far is that in miles instead?