Hostel Shoppe Recumbent Maintenance Series - Chain Line Clean & Lube

Hostel Shoppe lead mechanic, Scott Christophersen, shows how to clean your chain, derailleur pulleys, cassette and lube the chain. Visit us at hostelshoppe.com/

[@ThinkerThunker]

Good info, thanks! My wife and I bought a couple of Ice trikes from you guys. I oil the chains like you did here ever couple of weeks but still had a squeak in the back. I drop some oil on both sides of the axle and that seamed to take care of it. But it would be great to see a quick video on oiling and cleaning if need be, front and rear axles. Thanks.

[@hostelshoppe]

Glad you found the video helpful. Axle maintenance is a great suggestion for a future video.

[@The404169]

Good video - I like maintenance videos Thank you for sharing

[@hostelshoppe]

You're welcome!

[@jimdownie671]

Excellent video, very helpful. Thanks.

[@hostelshoppe]

You're welcome, JIm.

[@paulahavens2764]

without taking the chain tubes off how do you clean them, they are quite long and could get stuff in them? Find your videos great and really easy to follow. Thanks.

[@hostelshoppe]

Hi Paula, Unfortunately, you would have to take the chain tubes off to thoroughly clean out the inside, with a long thin brush and some degreaser. You would then have to thread the chain back through, which is tricky. Using a degreaser periodically will hopefully keep the gunk from building up in the tube.

[@Finnv893]

What about all the residue left inside the chain tube?

[@hostelshoppe]

If you don't over-lube, the chain tube should not get gummed up. If it does, you may want to replace it, or soak it in degreaser.

[@petervick4775]

You forgot to clean the front chain rings as well as the chain tubes and guide wheels!

[@hostelshoppe]

Yes, that should be done too!

[@larryk.8666]

Hello, thanks for the video. When I look at the chain on my recumbent trike, it partially lays sideways. Is this normal due to the length of the chain, or it too long? This is my first recumbent trike. Thanks in advance for the help.

[@hostelshoppe]

Hi Larry, I would take a look at our proper chain length adjustment help guide at cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0176/8531/5638/files/chain_length_adjustment.pdf?124 . If you think your chain is too long, have your local bike shop adjust it by removing a few links, so it matches the guide.

[@larryk.8666]

@@hostelshoppe thank you very much for the quick repsonse. I will do as you have suggested. Have a nice day!

[@hostelshoppe]

@@larryk.8666 You're welcome!

[@jacobsonralph]

Have ice trike. When pedal backwards chain does not always go backwards as shown in your video. How can I get the chain to engage when spinning pedals in opposite direction?

[@hostelshoppe]

We don't recommend pedaling backwards, as you are putting pressure on the chain and it will hang up and you can break something. In a repair stand, no pressure is being applied.

[@jacobsonralph]

@@hostelshoppe thanks but just referring to when I lube chain. Obviously no when riding. Just as you did in your video. Thanks.

[@hostelshoppe]

@@jacobsonralph When our trikes are on the repair stand the rear wheel does spin freely and we usually pedal forward, not backward. You're welcome.

[@rdkuless]

how do you clean the inside of those chain tubes out..? I have heard that the best way to clean is using unleaded gasoline in a jar and shake. Then dry and rinse with H20, then do the same with rubbing alcohol.. Make sure it is totally dry with a hair dryer. Once cleaned, melt paraffin wax in a crockpot and drop your freshly cleaned chain in the molten wax. Let it stay in the hot wax for 15-20 minutes and take it out and hang it up to cool/dry....then reinstall the chain. Nothing will stick to a waxed chain and the chain can be touched without getting grime on your hands. Paraffin / graphite combination has also been used as the most effective way to extend the life of your drive train. How about a video on that..? :) PEACE ride safely...!