Saving chain wear

Always Keep Your Chain Lubricated

If your bike squeaks when you're pedalling it usually means your chain is dry. If your chain looks bright and shiny, you need to add lube to it. Having a dry chain causes unnecessary wear and tear on your drivetrain. If you remember to always keep a thin film of lube on the chain it will help to prevent rust, squeaks, poor shifting and also premature wear of the drivetrain.

Avoid Crossover Gears

Bikes with derailleur gears (multiple sprockets on the front and sometimes also the back) have two gears that you should use sparingly, if at all. They are called "crossover gears", because when you put the bike in these gears the chain will cross over from the far left or right on the front to the far left or right on the rear. In these positions the chain is most likely to wear the back cogs and front chainrings, and it's also most likely to miss-shift. So pay attention to your gear shifts and try not to shift into the large chainring/large cog and the small chainring/small cog combinations.

Shifting gears properly

Knowing when and how to shift gears saves your energy and makes your rides more enjoyable, but it takes practise.

Most people find that 60 to 90 rpm is about the right revolutions per minute for their pedal. Find what feels good for you and only shift when it becomes too hard or too easy to pedal. When you need to shift gears, use the right level for small adjustments and the left for major changes in ease of pedalling.

Shifting works best when you apply only light pressure to the pedals - so it's best to shift before the hill gets too steep. Never stomp on the pedals until the shift has taken place as this places unnecessary pressure on the bike's gears.

Gears for Off-Road Riding

When you're off-road or on bumpy pavement, your ride will be smoother and more comfortable if you ride in larger gears than usual. The larger gears allow you to support more of your weight on the pedals rather than the seat, so that you can float above the seat letting your legs absorb the impact of ruts and bumps.