How can I tell if my chain needs replacing?

It can be judged from the following points: 1. The speed change performance decreases during riding. 2. There is too much dust or sludge on the chain. 3. Noise is generated when the transmission system is running. 4. Cackling sound when pedaling due to dry chain. 5. Place it for a long time after being exposed to rain. 6. When driving on ordinary roads, maintenance is required at least every two weeks or every 200 kilometers. 7. In off-road conditions (what we commonly call uphill), clean and maintain at least every 100 kilometers. In even worse environments, it needs to be maintained every time you come back from riding.

Clean the chain after every ride, especially in rain and wet conditions. Be careful to use a dry cloth to wipe the chain and its accessories. If necessary, use an old toothbrush to clean the gaps between the chain pieces. Also don’t forget to clean the front derailleur and rear derailleur pulley. Use a brush to remove sand and dirt that has accumulated between the chains, and if necessary, use warm soapy water to assist. Do not use strong acid or alkaline cleaners (such as rust remover), as these chemicals will damage or even break the chain. Never use a chain washer with added solvents to clean your chain, this type of cleaning will definitely damage the chain. Avoid using organic solvents such as stain remover oil, which will not only damage the environment but also wash off the lubricating oil in the bearing parts.Be sure to lubricate your chain every time you clean, wipe, or solvent clean it. (It is not recommended to use organic solvents to clean the chain). Make sure the chain is dry before lubricating. Infiltrate the lubricating oil into the chain bearings, and then wait until it becomes viscous or dry. This will ensure that the parts of the chain that are prone to wear are lubricated. To make sure you are using the right lube, test by pouring some on your hand. A good lube will feel like water at first (penetration), but will become sticky or dry after a while (long-lasting lubrication).