BIKE AND KIT
Drivetrain care
Keep chain, cassette, chainring and derailleur working quietly without shortening their life through excess lubricant.
Reviewed · General UK planning guidance · Check current operator and manufacturer information
Routine care
Use lubricant matched to conditions and follow its instructions.
- Wipe dirt from the chain before applying fresh lubricant.
- Apply to the rollers, allow it to penetrate, then remove excess from the outside.
- Never contaminate brake pads or rotors while cleaning.
Wear checks
A chain-wear tool is more reliable than appearance alone.
- Measure at regular intervals and use the drivetrain maker’s replacement threshold.
- Inspect teeth, jockey wheels and chain links after impacts or chain drops.
- Persistent skipping under load may indicate combined chain and cassette wear.
Trail faults
Bent parts can move the derailleur into the spokes.
- Stop after a drive-side impact and inspect hanger alignment visually.
- Use only gears that run safely if a temporary adjustment is necessary to exit.
- End the ride for cracked links, damaged cranks or unsafe derailleur movement.
Useful official guidance
Rules, conditions and services change. Use these sources and the relevant venue’s current information before relying on a plan.
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