Newbie maintenance question...

I feel like I should know the answer to this, but I don't. My new bike has about 200 miles or so on it and I haven't degreased or lubed or wiped down or toothbrushed or anything my chain or cables at all. I think I'm starting to hear my chain. Is it time and how thorough should I be this soon. Any advice... thanks.

Spend a bit of time searching and you'll find oodles of sound advice.

I use motorcycle chain lube.Its thin and last long time.I have a motocycle so I use it on both chains.Just don't put thick grease on the chain since all the dirt will get stuck to it. 200 miles is nothing for the bike.Just lube the chain and you should be fine.

For the chain, I use Prolink Gold. Just wipe the chain after every ride and relube it after every 150 - 200 miles. During the spring tuneup I like to remove the chain and completely clean it if I'm not replacing it at that time.

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Scrub the chain with soap and water to get the dirt and grime off. I use a cloth to floss between the gears on the cassette. Then put lube to chain, applying it so the part of the chain that contacts the gears get lubed. You might just apply it to the top part of the chain if you don't think about it.

Don't forget to floss between the links.....I just made it up and liked it so.....