“Re: RE: RE: Ride #36: Forty in the Rain”

And I know what you mean about time.

Honestly I don't know what would happen if I left my bike go these days. I do know that back when I started riding more seriouslt in the early '80's not keeping up with the maintainence would doom bearings and chains to an early death. I do it all more out of habit now than anything.

Basically, what happens in the rain, and to a lesser extent in the dry, is that grit gets into just about everything. That grit wears out moving parts. It can also add drag, but very minimally.

I know a lot of people that never clean anything and seem to have no problems. I also have seen peopel having to spend big bucks to replace the entire drivetrain due to excessive wear. I suppose as long as you monitor the wear and deal with it soon enough, you would be fine.

I just like to know that it is clean. Besides, if cleaning it all out is ensured for the Tour de France riders on a daily basis, it's good enough for me to do it every so often. Scott Parr wote a good book "Tales from the toolbox" about his experiences being a pro bike mechanic.

Chris