New Bike - Two Quick Questions

Curran

Hi folks,

New about these parts....picked up a Giant Defy 1 and Im really happy with it! 160km in 5 outings so far, including a spin up Howth hill (45km total), which nearly killed me!

Question 1
When I got in the other day and I got off the bike with the chain on the large chainring and on the large gear on the cassette....resulting in the rear derailleur being horizontal, parallel with the frame of the bike. Thought to myself it could be putting a spring under quite a bit of tension, so dropped the chain onto the smaller chain ring.
When not using the bike, is there a recommended gear to leave the bike in?

Question 2
Are these type of things any use or recommened - Chain Cleaner - obviously the chain needs a drop of lubricant after?

chakattack

I wouldn't worry about what gear you park your bike in. That combo is not good to cycle in however.

Chain cleaner tools are ok. Just use a rag and wipe your chain before or after each spin or every few spins to get the crap off, then add a drop of lubricant to each link and wipe it all off. Rub the rear derailleur pulleys and chain rings too. The chain shouldn't look greasy after this. Extra lube just attracts road grit.

Curran

chakattack wrote: »

That combo is not good to cycle in however.

Kinda feared that too - will avoid in future....what is an "acceptable" gear to cycle on when on the large chain ring?
3rd / 4th from largest on the cassette?

chakattack

Curran wrote: »

Kinda feared that too - will avoid in future....what is an "acceptable" gear to cycle on when on the large chain ring?
3rd / 4th from largest on the cassette?

That's acceptable for going up howth

4th largest or so is ok, you should be in the small ring otherwise

PoleStar

Hi

Just got this same bike too and loving it!

I had the same questions actually!

By the way what lubricant would you recommend?

Also in terms of gearing combo's (front and rear) I assume each bike is different and it a matter of listening and feel to see if the derailleur is grinding a bit or not? I have found that If I am on the large char in ring at the front I I have to be in a very high gear at the back.

Curran

PoleStar wrote: »

Hi

Just got this same bike too and loving it!

I had the same questions actually!

By the way what lubricant would you recommend?

Also in terms of gearing combo's (front and rear) I assume each bike is different and it a matter of listening and feel to see if the derailleur is grinding a bit or not? I have found that If I am on the large char in ring at the front I I have to be in a very high gear at the back.

Nudge your front derailleur another click with the shifter and it should stop the grinding of the chain

Also curious about that, the recommended oil is for the chain....as with a car, they all do a similar job, but was wondering the go to oil for cyclists

PoleStar

Thanks

If you hear about the go to oil let me know!

eddiem74

Dave,

You might want to consider this: http://www.wheelworx.ie/class_signup

Learn how to fix a puncture, maintain your bike, clean your chain and cassette properly and a whole lot more.

I have it on the long finger myself to attend as a newbie getting back into it.

Eddie