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Tension and lubrication, the two points to check

Alignment should pose no problem if the tension is correct, so the two points to check are the tension and lubrication.

A chain is composed of links connected to one another and in case of harsh acceleration or gear changes, they are briefly subjected to a tension which gradually stretches the chain….So adjustments are required

When to change them

Immense progress has been made in chains over the last few years, and they last longer, up to 30 000 km, the figure having tripled in twenty years.
But the chain does need to be changed.
The complete kit must be changed: gearbox output sprocket, chain, rear sprocket.

 As for lubrication, the usual way: with the gearbox output sprocket and the drive sprocket mounted on the rear wheel, the chain is working in a metal-to-metal environment.
It is therefore essential to regularly clean the chain and lubricate it, using chain paste (a highly water-repellant grease, for extreme conditions) or a spray (easy to use for optimum lubrication… which is most often used).

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