Cleaning and maintaining chain on eBike

[Artmuzz]

I recently bought myself a new eBike to replace my old Carrera Crossfire E. The bike I bought is a Giant Fathom E+ 3 and it’s a joy to ride and I am very pleased with it. However for my new eBike to last long I will obviously need to clean and maintain it. However, there is a problem when cleaning the chain because on the Giant eBikes when I turn the pedals backwards the chain doesn’t move like it does on other bikes and eBikes.

I was going to turn my eBike upside down to turn the pedals forward to clean the chain but have read and been told that it is bad for the bike if I do that. Please advise.

 

[Benjahmin]

Why doesn't the chain/transmission turn backwards? Seems to be a standard deraileur set up. Are you sure the indexing is set up properly?
With hydraulic brakes you should be alright inverting the bike so long as you don't activate the brake lever whilst inverted, Once upright, if there is a problem with the brakes, it will likely be air. Pull the lever in and hold it, overnight, with an elastic band or similar. This often sorts it without having to bleed the brakes.

 

[Andy-Mat]

I recently bought myself a new eBike to replace my old Carrera Crossfire E. The bike I bought is a Giant Fathom E+ 3 and it’s a joy to ride and I am very pleased with it. However for my new eBike to last long I will obviously need to clean and maintain it. However, there is a problem when cleaning the chain because on the Giant eBikes when I turn the pedals backwards the chain doesn’t move like it does on other bikes and eBikes.

I was going to turn my eBike upside down to turn the pedals forward to clean the chain but have read and been told that it is bad for the bike if I do that. Please advise.

Pictures or a video might help further.
Maybe the deraluere (Spelling?) spring is not set up strong enough? Or it needs oiling...
regards
Andy

 

[Artmuzz]

I took my Giant Fathom E+ back to the bike shop I bought it from and explained to the manager that when I move or pedal backwards the chain doesn’t move and he told me that it is normal on the Giant eBikes. It would be great if anyone on this forum who has a Giant eBike too can confirm this.

 

[Artmuzz]

Pictures or a video might help further.
Maybe the deraluere (Spelling?) spring is not set up strong enough? Or it needs oiling...
regards
Andy

What I mean is when I turn the crank backwards the chain and chainset doesn’t move. Only the crank moves backwards. The chain and chainset only moves when I am peddling or turning the crank forward.

 

[mike killay]

Probably like my TONARO.
I am guessing that you have a crank drive motor?

 

[Artmuzz]

Probably like my TONARO.
I am guessing that you have a crank drive motor?

Yes, the motor is in the centre of the bike where the crank is. On my old eBike the motor was on the back wheel.

 

[mike killay]

Yes, the motor is in the centre of the bike where the crank is. On my old eBike the motor was on the back wheel.

Then the new bike is normal.
What happens is that the pedals are connected to the chain wheel by a dog clutch (sort of glorified ratchet), so that when you pedal, the chain wheels turns, but if you stop pedalling, the clutch opens. Back pedalling when stationary has the same effect.
The electric motor is also connected to the chain wheel by a dog clutch, so that if you have a throttle, the motor can turn the chain wheel without causing the pedals to turn.

 

[Andy-Mat]

Yes, the motor is in the centre of the bike where the crank is. On my old eBike the motor was on the back wheel.

AHHH!!
There are lube units that you sit on the chain, fill with oil,raise the rear wheel and move the chain in a forwards direction.....
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bicycle-Chain-Cleaner-Bike-Maintenance-Tools-Lubrication-Cleaning-Wheel-Wash/322937428741?hash=item4b30921b05:g:-koAAOSwDEtaMNae
Regards
Andy

 

[Artmuzz]

AHHH!!
There are lube units that you sit on the chain, fill with oil,raise the rear wheel and move the chain in a forwards direction.....
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bicycle-Chain-Cleaner-Bike-Maintenance-Tools-Lubrication-Cleaning-Wheel-Wash/322937428741?hash=item4b30921b05:g:-koAAOSwDEtaMNae
Regards
Andy

Thanks. However, I will need to buy a stand to raise the rear wheel because the bike is too heavy to lift with one hand with it being an eBike. I could turn the eBike upside down but I read it’s bad for the eBike

 

[Andy-Mat]

Thanks. However, I will need to buy a stand to raise the rear wheel because the bike is too heavy to lift with one hand with it being an eBike. I could turn the eBike upside down but I read it’s bad for the eBike

Every bike owner needs a stand, for safety and ease of working. They do not even cost much nowadays.....I do believe I paid 30 UK Pounds for mine about 8 years ago.....
They fold up relatively small too!
I have the middle one with 4 legs, not shown fully "out" in this photo though!! They are cheaper than when I bought mine too!!
regards
Andy
PS. I do not think anyone can work on any bike, electric or not, without one.....its part of owning and using a bike......

 

[soundwave]

was less than 20 for mine just look on ebay

 

[daveboy]

You can reverse the chain by putting something like a stick or bolt into the crank.

Or this

 

[D C]

I could turn the eBike upside down but I read it’s bad for the eBike

What reasons where given for that? I don't think it should be a problem (see Benjahmin's post #2). If, or rather when, you need to repair a puncture whilst out and about you'll struggle unless you can upend the bike.
Dave.

 

[soundwave]

if it has hydraulic brakes then its not a good idea and avoid if possible.

 

[D C]

if it has hydraulic brakes then its not a good idea and avoid if possible.

I've done it loads of times with hydraulics and never had a problem, Benjahmin's tip really does work.
Maybe some makes of brakes suffer more than others or maybe it's a problem if you leave the bike upside down for hours but a puncture is only a few minutes.
Dave.

 

[soundwave]

I've done it loads of times with hydraulics and never had a problem, Benjahmin's tip really does work.
Maybe some makes of brakes suffer more than others or maybe it's a problem if you leave the bike upside down for hours but a puncture is only a few minutes.
Dave.

https://bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/18691/is-it-harmful-for-a-hydraulic-brakes-bike-to-be-put-upside-down

 

[Fat Rat]

if it has hydraulic brakes then its not a good idea and avoid if possible.

You should buy some good brakes then
I quite often flip my bikes upside down with absolutely no issues
being doing it for years and will continue to
Some jobs are just quicker and easier with an upside down bike

 

[Fat Rat]

https://bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/18691/is-it-harmful-for-a-hydraulic-brakes-bike-to-be-put-upside-down

Pub talk lol
What a load of crap
If the air bubble went up to the caliper it would return when put back the correct way
Also if your reservoirs are leaking on a bike you need to get that sorted
Ive only had one type of brake leak from the reservoirs and they were hope ones they make great hubs but crap brakes

 

[soundwave]

well just back from a ride and guess what 1 of my rear pivot bolts has half undone it self and was making a right bloody noise so good job i left the cable ties there as id be down 40 quid if i lost one of those.

and i would still not work on a bike upside down only for a quick fix on the road and get it back home and on the work stand