Smooth rides start here
OUT on the trail or weaving through city streets, the bicycle chain is the unsung hero of every ride.
Strip it away and the bike becomes little more than a fancy sculpture.
But give it some care and it will return the favour with smooth and efficient rides for years to come.
The trick here is to keep it clean after each adventure; whether a muddy off-road romp or a sweaty urban sprint, give the bike a quick rinse.
Focus on the chain; that is where the grime builds up.
Use a proper chain cleaner and a decent degreasing solution, as this matters when it comes to gunk-fighting power.
Applying dry lubricant to the chain after a clean-up.
A good chain brush will help scrub off oil, mud and whatever else the road throws at you.
The bristles snake between the links, hitting every greasy crevice.
For those who live for the details, there's a mechanical chain cleaner, a nifty device that clamps onto your chain.
Just crank the pedals and let the machine work its magic.
A humble old toothbrush does the job just fine if you're trying to watch your budget.
Once the muck is gone, let the chain dry out to be lubricated.
There are two types of lubricants: wax-based and oil-based.
Wax lube is cleaner. It sheds dirt naturally once it dries.
Oil lube, while effective, can turn your calves into a Jackson Pollock painting if you go overboard.
For the gearheads and meticulous riders, there's a growing ecosystem of chain-care products.
'You can get chain lubricants to complete care kits for between RM59 and RM499.
'The most basic lube should last you four to six months, depending on how often you ride,' said USJ Cycles Lifestyle Boutique's assistant manager, Muhammad Rusyduddin Rosli.
A clean, well-lubricated chain doesn't just run better – it lasts longer.
Muhammad Rusyduddin notes that chains typically need replacing every 2,000km, depending on terrain and usage.
A reputable chain can cost anywhere between RM35 and RM170, depending on the brand, material and the number of gears your drivetrain supports.
So next time, after your next ride, don't just lean the bike against the wall and call it a day.
Give the chain a little TLC.
It's a small habit that guarantees a big return, especially when you're halfway up a hill, the sun is setting and everything's working like clockwork.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
KDEB Waste Management pledges to improve service delivery in Kajang
PETALING JAYA: KDEB Waste Management (KDEBWM) has pledged to improve its service delivery in Kajang after being fined RM35,000 by the local authority. Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) president Nazli Md Taib had announced the fine during the council's full board meeting on Thursday (July 24), citing a number of factors, including damaged roll-on, roll-off (Ro-Ro) bins and malfunctioning lorry compactors. KDEBWM, in a statement, acknowledged the ongoing disruptions to the collection schedule. Managing director Datuk Ramli Mohd Tahir also expressed his appreciation to the residents of Kajang for their patience at this challenging time. 'The primary issue stems from our ageing fleet, as most lorries have reached the end of their operational lifespan after nearly seven years of continuous service since our contract with MPKj started in July 2018. "The current state of the fleet has led to frequent breakdowns and mechanical issues, further compounding delays,' he said. To mitigate the impact, Rami said several short-term solutions have been implemented. 'We have engaged additional backup compactor lorries, though availability remains insufficient to fully cover the gaps. We are also deploying backup Ro-Ro lorries to supplement collection efforts. We will be actively seeking more backup resources to improve coverage in the interim,' he said. For a permanent resolution, KDEBWM will introduce 92 new compactor lorries, significantly expanding its capacity by Sept 1 to service 92 zones, which is an increase from the current 59. At the same time, KDEBWM voiced concerns on the poor road conditions at Jalan Langat Lestari, the main access road leading to the Tanjung Duabelas Sanitary Landfill in Kuala Langat. Ownership of the 11km stretch of road leading to the landfill is shared between Worldwide Holdings Bhd and Selangor Public Works Department (JKR). While the final 3km leading to the landfill has been kept in good condition, the remaining 8km stretch is filled with numerous craters and potholes, making for a rough ride for KDEBWM's lorries during its daily trips. Nazli, during the council meeting, did not discount that bad road conditions near Tanjung Dua Belas Sanitary Landfill were a contributing factor. 'However, malfunctioning compactor trucks will cease to be an issue after Aug 1 as we have entered into a new interim agreement with KDEB where their contractors will have to acquire new compactors,' he said.
Rakyat Post
16-07-2025
- Rakyat Post
Malaysian Discovers RM7,944 Road Tax Bill After Buying Second-Hand Lexus
Subscribe to our FREE A Malaysian man received a shock when he discovered that the annual road tax for his 2004 Lexus LS 430 costs RM7,944 – nearly a year after purchasing the car. The man paid RM35,000 for the second-hand luxury sedan last year. The dealer told him the price was 'all-inclusive,' covering insurance, road tax, and inspection fees. Only when renewing his road tax did he discover the true cost. He initially thought the government website had made an error, expecting to pay around RM790 instead of nearly RM8,000. The high road tax is due to the car's large V8 engine. The 2004 Lexus LS 430 features a 4.3-litre engine that produces 290 horsepower. Why Bigger Engines Mean Bigger Bills Social media users had varied responses to the story: Some joked that paying traffic fines would be cheaper than the road tax Others criticised the car dealer for not disclosing the road tax amount upfront Many advised checking the engine capacity before buying used cars Some compared Malaysia's road tax rates unfavorably to those of other countries In Malaysia, road tax rates increase with engine displacement. Larger engines mean higher annual fees; hence, the Lexus's 4.3-litre V8 engine puts it in a high tax bracket. Car buyers are advised to Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
The Sun
16-07-2025
- The Sun
M'sian shocked by RM7.9k road tax after buying RM35k Lexus without proper research
ONE Malaysian recently learnt a valuable lesson after purchasing a RM35,000 used Lexus last year — only to be hit with a hefty road tax during renewal. According to a post on Threads by @lanuntech, his friend had allegedly paid for the car with cash without asking about the cost of the annual road tax, which was later estimated at nearly RM8,000 'Buying a car isn't just about paying the monthly instalment, guys,' he said in his post. In a screenshot attached to the post, the young man pointed out to his friend that the Lexus engine, said to be 4.3CC, would naturally incur a higher road tax — after the friend expressed disbelief over the charge. The post underscored the importance of doing proper research before purchasing a vehicle. Most netizens were baffled as to why the buyer had not done his homework, while others responded with amusement. 'Buying a car without knowing about road tax costs can be tough too. It's such a basic thing — but it's okay, let it be a lesson,' one user remarked. 'It's true. The bigger the engine capacity (CC), the more expensive it gets. And that's just the road tax. Not to mention insurance, maintenance, tyres, brake pads, and so on,' noted another.
