The drivetrain is the mechanical heart of your machine, and the area of the bike which needs particular care and attention – not just at the start of the season but through the year.

This is a good opportunity to check your chain for wear and replace it if necessary. The most accurate way to do this is with a chain checker, but you can also check manually by lifting the chain from a section of the chainring and checking how many teeth it exposes. Three or four suggests excessive wear.

Maintenance: chain checking and replacement

When cleaning the bike, it is the drivetrain which is going to swallow up most of your time. A chain cleaner, like Muc-Off’s X3 Dirty Chain Machine, can save time, while if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty then you can use a rag to wipe away the build-up of dirt and grime on your chain, derailleurs, jockey wheels and chainrings, before setting to them with a degreaser and stiff brush (an old toothbrush will work).

Choosing a summer lube

Once everything’s sparkling clean, rinse away with fresh water and dry with a clean cloth. Then select a lube suitable for summer riding, apply to the chain and enjoy hit the road safe in the knowledge that you’ll have a clean, quiet and free-running drivetrain!