The bicycle chain keeps your bike in motion, so it’s essential for the entire drive train to be kept in good working condition. It’s usually unnecessary to take the chain off for regular maintenance, but you will need to invest in a bike maintenance kit. The kit contains a cleaner, degreaser, chain lubricant, and a brush used to keep the freewheel and cassette gears free of gunk. Jim's Bike & Key Shop in Columbia, MO, has over 40 years of experience in the bike repair business, and the bike shop team can perform regular chain cleaning and maintenance. 

5 Reasons to Perform Regular Bicycle Chain Cleaning & Maintenance

1. It’s Good for Performance

Keeping your bicycle parts clean will help to ensure the bike runs smoothly. Cleaning the chain will keep oil, dust, and dirt from collecting and prevent rust corrosion from forming. Lubrication prevents excessive wear on the chain and other moving parts of the bike.

2. Protect Your Investment

Buying a bicycle can be an expensive endeavor. Protecting the bike by following a thorough maintenance schedule will enhance its longevity and in turn, make your investment money well spent.

3. Safety

All of the bike parts should be checked and maintained to reduce the risk of malfunctions when you’re on a ride. A breakdown can leave you on the side of the road, which is a risk to your safety.

4. Catch Damage Early

If there is damage done to the bike, problems can be caught quickly. Whether it’s a tire issue or grinding gears, the condition can be diagnosed and repaired faster than if the bike were to sit around unchecked.

5. Encourage Young Cyclists

Keeping your bike well maintained will help to promote the practice and encourage young or inexperienced riders to follow similar steps to keep their bikes in optimal condition.

Bicycle maintenance should be a part of your routine. Contact the specialists at Jim's Bike & Key Shop in Columbia to schedule a professional tuneup or bike repair. Call (573) 442-7011 to speak with a member of the expert staff, and visit them online for more details regarding the services available.