Lafree twist chain/maintenance issues

[mikeymike]

I recently bought a late 2005 Giant Twist Comfort on eBay. I'm starting to get to grips with the maintenance, but I'm struggling because of the lack of a decent manual.

The chain seems to be badly worn, but I can't work out what size to buy. The back sprocket is labelled 1/2 inch, and the existing chain seems to be 3/32 inch x 1/2 inch x 118 links but the 3/32 inch x 1/2 inch chain that I bought from the local bike shop won't go onto the main chainwheel - it's as though the chainwheel is a shade bigger than 1/2 inch pitch.

Does anyone know what the correct chain size is?

Thanks

Mike

 

[flecc]

You've got the correct chain Mike, but it seems the chainwheel has worn to the old chain's stretched and slack profile so is effectively incorrect now. If you can get the plastic cowling off on that side, you'll probably find the wear is quite obvious from the lopsided shape of the teeth.

This is very unusual though, especially for a 2005 bike, it's normally the small motor sprocket and the rear sprocket that go first due to their smaller size, and if they are fitting the new chain correctly, they've probably already been replaced. That will mean a new chainwheel is due now, also indicating the bike has done a very high mileage.

Can you say if the new chain does in fact fit the two smaller sprockets ok?
.

 

[mikeymike]

chain size

Thanks for the reply. The old chain is quite badly worn, but I don't think the bike has done a very high mileage. It looks more like a poor maintenance schedule. The chain seems to have been lubricated with an SAE30 oil, but never cleaned. It was clogged up with big "dollops" of black gunge. When I cleaned it in white spirit it took 3 changes of fluid to get it clean, and only then was the wear apparent. In fact it was so apparent that the chain came off on a couple of occasions, which is why I decided to fit a new one.

I've had all 3 of the covers off; I removed both sprockets on the motor unit to clean them and there is no apparent hooking or other wear. I've also changed the rear sprocket to a 16T one - standard is 17T - (but that was after the chain shedding experiences).

Perhaps there's a preservative coating on the new chain that's causing the problem - I'll maybe soak it in paraffin & have another go.

Mike

 

[Flying Kiwi]

Chain issues

the chain came off on a couple of occasions, which is why I decided to fit a new one.

I've had all 3 of the covers off; I removed both sprockets on the motor unit to clean them and there is no apparent hooking or other wear. I've also changed the rear sprocket to a 16T one - standard is 17T - (but that was after the chain shedding experiences).

Perhaps there's a preservative coating on the new chain that's causing the problem - I'll maybe soak it in paraffin & have another go.

Mike

Well what do you know. I've got a spare 118 link new KMC 1/8 x 1/2 chain (thats the correct size to replace the original KMC Z410RB chain fitted) yet to be fitted. When I get the time I'm going to give my chain a good clean in kero and then my ultrasonic cleaner (very good at getting into nooks and crannys) and relube it by soaking it in this Putoline chain wax Putoline - detail page - should make it good as new. I got a joining link installed in the chain also for easier maintenance (no need now to use a chain splitter tool).

If you do want a new chain in the correct size Amba Marketing have a few Z1XRB chains that are 118 links long (this model supercedes the original model) make sure you specify you want the spring clip type joining link or you'll get the other sort.

 

[mikeymike]

Please confirm that chain size

Thanks for the reply - you say that the correct size is 1/8 x 1/2. Are you sure about that, because the rear sprocket is definitely for a 3/32 wide chain, and the motor and idler sprockets seem to be happy with the 3/32 I bought.

Mike

 

[flecc]

I've checked my Twist Mike, and the 1/8" is correct as Flying Kiwi said, not as that rear sprocket etc which I went by before. That's not a problem though, as the 1/8" chain should fit on the other two sprockets without any problem. That should solve your problem.

 

[shm]

Twist lite chain cover

The chain on my Twist Lite is extremely clogged and I would like to remove it for cleaning. However I cant remove the cover off the bike as one of the brackets fouls the cover. Do I need to remove the crank before I remove the cover? After that , to remove the chain for cleaning, do I take out a link or is there a better way of removing the chain. Any advice would be very welcome as I am a novice to Twist Lite maintenance!

 

[flecc]

It's best to remove the crank to get the cover off. For that you'll need a crank extractor tool from any good cycle shop.

You will need to "break" the chain to get it off, by removing a link, and I'd advise you to get a quick detach link for rejoining it, again from a cycle shop.

There's another popular way of dealing with this though, as long as the old sprockets are not badly worn. Buy a new 1/8th chain, they aren't expensive, and also the chain separator tool if you haven't got one, plus the 1/8th quick detach link.

Then separate the old chain, link the new one to one end and just wind it through until the old one is right out. Then you can leave the new one in place, shortening it as necessary, and joining with the QD link.

Then the old chain can be cleaned thoroughly at leisure and be ready for next time. That way the casings and crank don't have to be removed at all.
.

 

[shm]

Thanks very much for the advice - I will have a go at connecting the new chain to the old as I would prefer not to disturb the crank.

 

[Tintaglia]

I had to buy a crank puller for mine (£8.99 at the local bike shop) but I'm fairly sure before that point I had managed to get the the chain guard off by taking off the pedal and threadling it down the crank.

I did notice that there appears to be no wear on my chain or chain ring at 4 years old so with low mileage. I think flecc's guess of highish mileage on yours might be right.

Because it never really looked like it needed it, I haven't even lubricated the chain on mine and it still feels and looks good. All I have had to do is adjust the brakes and that's about it apart from my recent motor bearing problem of course!

I think the lafree is very well made, I'd like the 5 gear conversion though

 

[JohnInStockie]

Tintaglia - I agree, they are very well made, as Flecc said in one of his prior posts, they were 'over-engineered'.

I can see the day coming very soon when I am going to need these tool too. I already have a lot of general tools (socket sets and spanners and the like), but I dont have many bike specific tools.

What do people think of this set from Wiggle, is it a good buy (I am just worried I will end up paying more than this buying each tool as needed)?

John

 

[Ian]

Seems a good buy John, but probably has a lot of stuff that'll be no use on your bike. Would make sense if you're thinking of owning other bikes in the future.

If you do buy, opt for free postage, chances are you'll get it next day anyway.
And then there's the 10% discount over £50 tempting you to buy something else

 

[flecc]

As Ian says, much in there you won't use on your Lafree, as it hasn't got many of the cycle parts the tools are for, e.g. a bottom bracket, or uses for most of the allen keys, the torx heads, or chain whip.

Price is good though, and I share Ian's experience of the free delivery service being just as good from Wiggle.
.

 

[JohnInStockie]

Cool, I suppose the only problem is then knowing what they are for. Place what is a 'Bottom bracket'?

 

[Flying Kiwi]

A bottom bracket is what would normally be where the motor is on a Twist and it's the assembly which includes bearings and the shaft between pedal cranks. Personally, because there's more tools there than needed for the Twist and I'm in no hurry, I'm going to wait for the Lidl Bike 35 piece Toolkit to come around next time. They had them for sale a few moths ago for about £18 and the reviews from users I've read are surprisingly good. It also has unwanted extras such as bottom bracket tools but at only £18 who cares! Be aware that when they do go on sale (and you can monitor their website to know when that'll be), you have to be fast - I got there at 2 pm and was told they were all gone by lunchtime (at least last year - this year I was working far away from a Lidl that day so couldn't make it).

 

[JohnInStockie]

I'll bear that in mind. We have an Aldi as well and they often do bits and bobs like that. Thanks Kiwi.

 

[allotmenteer]

I've found the Park Tool range of bike tools to be very good. They are a bit more pricey than say Halfords own brand but I have yet to round off / snap bits off which is more than I can say for Halfords tools. My experience has been to buy Halfords tools and when they break go do what I should have done in the first place and buy decent quality tools.