Cycling Equipment · Public discussion

Chain / trouser protection?

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Cycling Equipment
Published
1 November 2007
Last activity
5 November 2007
Original author
Jose
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  1. Hi All,

    I'd like to be able to ride my bike without having to worry about my
    trousers getting from contact with the chain.

    I've seen several chain (plastic) protections, on new bikes, which
    cover the chainring area and go back to very close to the rear
    deraileur.
    Trouble is, I can't seem to find anyone that is either interested in
    or capable of, selling me one of those for mounting the I already have
    :-(

    Anyone knows where I can get one of these (preferably mail order)??

    Alternativelly, has anyone found a way to keep both your trousers
    clean and your chain lubed, without using the kind of protection above
    mentioned?

    I know I could try fastening the trouser tight to the leg, but I'd
    prefer something else, as I think that would only decrease the
    likelyhood of staining my trousers, and I'd prefer not having to worry
    about performing yet that extra step before being able to ride.

    TIA,
    Jose

  2. On Nov 1, 4:12 pm, [email hidden] (Jose) wrote:
    <snip>

    Quoted message said:

    I've seen several chain (plastic) protections, on new bikes, which
    cover the chainring area and go back to very close to the rear
    deraileur.
    Trouble is, I can't seem to find anyone that is either interested in
    or capable of, selling me one of those for mounting the I already have
    :-(

    Anyone knows where I can get one of these (preferably mail order)??


    <snip>

    Quoted message said:

    TIA,
    Jose

    One available here:

    http://www.roseversand.de/output/controller.aspx?cid=156&detail=10&detail2=7181

    desicribed as suitable for a triple chainring.

    I've purchased stuff mail order from these guys before - good service
    so far.

    hth,

    bookieb.

  3. Jose said:

    I know I could try fastening the trouser tight to the leg, but I'd
    prefer something else, as I think that would only decrease the
    likelyhood of staining my trousers, and I'd prefer not having to worry
    about performing yet that extra step before being able to ride.

    I use velcro'd straps around both ankles, and it works well. They are
    reflective, which is also good. Keeping the pants away not just from
    the chain, but also (on the left side) keeping the pants from catching
    on the frame and/or wheel. I think they do more than a chainguard
    would, without the additional hassles involved in keeping the chainguard
    from rubbing or rattling, and getting it out of the way when changing a
    tire.

    --

    David L. Johnson

    It doesn't get any easier, you just go faster.
    --Greg LeMond

  4. (Jose) said:

    Hi All,

    I'd like to be able to ride my bike without having to worry about my
    trousers getting from contact with the chain.

    I've seen several chain (plastic) protections, on new bikes, which
    cover the chainring area and go back to very close to the rear
    deraileur.
    Trouble is, I can't seem to find anyone that is either interested in
    or capable of, selling me one of those for mounting the I already have
    :-(

    Anyone knows where I can get one of these (preferably mail order)??

    Alternativelly, has anyone found a way to keep both your trousers
    clean and your chain lubed, without using the kind of protection above
    mentioned?

    I know I could try fastening the trouser tight to the leg, but I'd
    prefer something else, as I think that would only decrease the
    likelyhood of staining my trousers, and I'd prefer not having to worry
    about performing yet that extra step before being able to ride.

    TIA,
    Jose

    Aha! You must be inquiring about my ingenious invention called Le
    Sock.

    Instructions:

    1. Put Le Sock on your foot.
    2. Pull pants over your legs.
    3. On drive side leg, roll the specially formulated ElastoCycleCuff of
    Le Sock down to your ankle.
    4. Fold the bottom of your pant leg into a pleat, tight around the
    ankle.
    5. Pull ElastoCycleCuff over pant leg.
    6. Repeat on non-drive side leg.
    7. Presto!

    Best of all, my distributor has Le Sock in just about any location you
    can think of, and in as many different styles as you can imagine.
    Email me a check for $20 and I'll tell you where you can find a pair.

    /s

  5. Per Jose:

    Quoted message said:

    Trouble is, I can't seem to find anyone that is either interested in
    or capable of, selling me one of those for mounting the I already have
    :-(

    Anyone knows where I can get one of these (preferably mail order)??

    Alternativelly, has anyone found a way to keep both your trousers
    clean and your chain lubed, without using the kind of protection above
    mentioned?

    11" black socks: tuck the pants into the sock.

    Chain guards are probably a good thing, but my experience is that
    an open cuff finds other ways to get dirty. Also, every so
    often, it catches on the crank arm.
    --
    PeteCresswell

  6. Jose said:

    Hi All,

    I'd like to be able to ride my bike without having to worry about my
    trousers getting from contact with the chain.

    I've seen several chain (plastic) protections, on new bikes, which
    cover the chainring area and go back to very close to the rear
    deraileur.
    Trouble is, I can't seem to find anyone that is either interested in
    or capable of, selling me one of those for mounting the I already have
    :-(

    Anyone knows where I can get one of these (preferably mail order)??

    Alternativelly, has anyone found a way to keep both your trousers
    clean and your chain lubed, without using the kind of protection above
    mentioned?

    I know I could try fastening the trouser tight to the leg, but I'd
    prefer something else, as I think that would only decrease the
    likelyhood of staining my trousers, and I'd prefer not having to worry
    about performing yet that extra step before being able to ride.

    Chain guards can be difficult to fit well, and they interfere with
    maintenance.

    They're of limited use anyway. Unfastened trouser bottoms get dirty even
    when the bike has a full chain guard - because the outside of the guard and
    cranks quickly get dirty from road dust and muck.

    Using clips or tucking trousers into socks might look silly but is not
    really much trouble. Plus your ankles will be warmer and more aerodynamic
    :-)

    ~PB

  7. Jose said:

    Hi All,

    I'd like to be able to ride my bike without having to worry about my
    trousers getting from contact with the chain.

    I've seen several chain (plastic) protections, on new bikes, which cover
    the chainring area and go back to very close to the rear deraileur.
    Trouble is, I can't seem to find anyone that is either interested in or
    capable of, selling me one of those for mounting the I already have :-(

    Anyone knows where I can get one of these (preferably mail order)??

    Alternativelly, has anyone found a way to keep both your trousers clean
    and your chain lubed, without using the kind of protection above
    mentioned?

    I know I could try fastening the trouser tight to the leg, but I'd
    prefer something else, as I think that would only decrease the
    likelyhood of staining my trousers, and I'd prefer not having to worry
    about performing yet that extra step before being able to ride.

    Jose,

    Good question about chainguards. I don't understand why no one is selling
    them, especially with new bikes made for commuting. There are dozens of
    bikes with internal gear hubs now, the whole point being that they can be
    used with chainguards -- yet they have no chainguards.

    I've never seen an add-on chainguard for sale in the US.

    Personally I use a safety pin to cinch down my trouser cuff, or a "slap
    bracelet" reflective ankle band that VDOT gives out for free. I still
    have the occasional mishap though.

    One of the best things about living in a college town is that no one cares
    what a dork you look like, with things wrapped around your ankle.

    Matt O.

  8. Quoted message said:

    I know I could try fastening the trouser tight to the leg, but I'd
    prefer something else, as I think that would only decrease the
    likelyhood of staining my trousers, and I'd prefer not having to worry
    about performing yet that extra step before being able to ride.


    Despite the sarcastic nature of the replies (what did you expect) the advice to fasten
    trousers is sound. If not, the bottom hem is rubbed against /something/ every revolution
    and frays.

    The second thing is /never/ to _oil_ the chain as this serves to pick up dirt as well of
    course spoil your apparel. Wax seems to work. There's no such thing as a clean chain but
    an _oily_ one will be filthy.

    Finally, your cycling gear is a badge that lets everyone know you are a care-naught, sleek
    street streaker and bit of mean muscle.

    --
    Peter Fox
    Beer, dancing, cycling and lots more at www.eminent.demon.co.uk

  9. "Jose" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    Alternativelly, has anyone found a way to keep both your trousers
    clean and your chain lubed, without using the kind of protection above
    mentioned?

    Long socks, or rolling the trousers up, works for me. Since my collection of
    the former has shrunk, I do the latter a lot more these days - but then I'm
    not terribly fashion conscious.

    cheers,
    clive

  10. Peter Fox said:
    Quoted message said:

    I know I could try fastening the trouser tight to the leg, but I'd
    prefer something else, as I think that would only decrease the
    likelyhood of staining my trousers, and I'd prefer not having to worry
    about performing yet that extra step before being able to ride.


    Despite the sarcastic nature of the replies (what did you expect) the
    advice to fasten trousers is sound. If not, the bottom hem is rubbed
    against /something/ every revolution and frays.

    The second thing is /never/ to _oil_ the chain as this serves to pick up
    dirt as well of course spoil your apparel. Wax seems to work. There's
    no such thing as a clean chain but an _oily_ one will be filthy.

    Yep this works - bicycle clips and wax on the chain.

    However wax is a [censored] lubricant so it is also a good idea to replace
    chains regularly.

    But with 8 speed chains at £4.00 (with powerlinks) it is so cheap and
    easy to replace a chain you may want to forget lubricating altogether
    and just change your chain every couple of months.

    Quoted message said:

    Finally, your cycling gear is a badge that lets everyone know you are a
    care-naught, sleek street streaker and bit of mean muscle.

  11. (Jose) said:

    Hi All,

    I'd like to be able to ride my bike without having to worry about my
    trousers getting from contact with the chain.

    I've seen several chain (plastic) protections, on new bikes, which
    cover the chainring area and go back to very close to the rear
    deraileur.
    Trouble is, I can't seem to find anyone that is either interested in
    or capable of, selling me one of those for mounting the I already have
    :-(

    Anyone knows where I can get one of these (preferably mail order)??

    Alternativelly, has anyone found a way to keep both your trousers
    clean and your chain lubed, without using the kind of protection above
    mentioned?

    I know I could try fastening the trouser tight to the leg, but I'd
    prefer something else, as I think that would only decrease the
    likelyhood of staining my trousers, and I'd prefer not having to worry
    about performing yet that extra step before being able to ride.

    TIA,
    Jose

    I use a rubber band on each cuff. The post office delivers mail to my
    employer using them to bundle, just the right size, 1/4 inch wide.

  12. Matt O'Toole said:

    One of the best things about living in a college town is that no one cares
    what a dork you look like, with things wrapped around your ankle.

    Matt O.

    Ah... we've been meaning to talk to you about that...

  13. (PeteCresswell) said:

    Per Jose:

    Quoted message said:

    Trouble is, I can't seem to find anyone that is either interested in
    or capable of, selling me one of those for mounting the I already have
    :-(

    Quoted message said:

    Anyone knows where I can get one of these (preferably mail order)??

    Quoted message said:

    Alternativelly, has anyone found a way to keep both your trousers
    clean and your chain lubed, without using the kind of protection above
    mentioned?

    11" black socks: tuck the pants into the sock.

    It has to be black ?!?

  14. Quoted message said:
    (PeteCresswell) said:

    Per Jose:

    Quoted message said:

    Trouble is, I can't seem to find anyone that is either interested in
    or capable of, selling me one of those for mounting the I already have
    :-(
    Anyone knows where I can get one of these (preferably mail order)??
    Alternativelly, has anyone found a way to keep both your trousers
    clean and your chain lubed, without using the kind of protection above
    mentioned?


    11" black socks: tuck the pants into the sock.

    It has to be black ?!?


    Of course, so that it doesn't show the chain stain !

  15. On Thu, 01 Nov 2007 09:19:15 -0700, bookieb <[email hidden]>

    Quoted message said:

    One available here:

    http://www.roseversand.de/output/controller.aspx?cid=156&detail=10&detail2=7181

    desicribed as suitable for a triple chainring.

    Thank you, this seems the kind of thing I'm looking for!

    Best,
    Jose

  16. Pete Biggs said:

    They're of limited use anyway. Unfastened trouser bottoms get dirty even
    when the bike has a full chain guard - because the outside of the guard and
    cranks quickly get dirty from road dust and muck.

    I still think that an oily chain is far, far worse - besides, I still
    haven't foiund a way to wash out a chain oil mark from trousers -
    short of using a pair of scisors, that is ;-P

    Quoted message said:

    Using clips or tucking trousers into socks might look silly but is not
    really much trouble. Plus your ankles will be warmer and more aerodynamic

    I've tried that before. Trouble is that clips or the velcro fasteners
    would only last 1 ride - after that I could never remember where I had
    stored them :-(

    Regards,
    Jose

  17. Peter Fox said:

    trousers is sound. If not, the bottom hem is rubbed against /something/ every revolution
    and frays.

    Well, I prefer frayed rather than chain oil tatued ;-)

    Quoted message said:

    The second thing is /never/ to _oil_ the chain as this serves to pick up dirt as well of
    course spoil your apparel. Wax seems to work. There's no such thing as a clean chain but
    an _oily_ one will be filthy.

    I still think that oil is a better lubrication solution than
    wax/grease, but when trouser staining comes into the equation, you
    might be right, and I might choose to replace my chains more often,
    and replace my trousers not so often .

    Thanks,
    Jose

  18. Clive George said:

    Long socks, or rolling the trousers up, works for me. Since my collection of

    Hey, rolling the trousers up seems like a good idea to me - efective,
    and kinda sexy too! ;-))

    How couldn't I think of that before?!

    Thanks!
    Jose

  19. Per [email hidden]:

    Quoted message said:

    It has to be black ?!?

    Actually mine are white.

    But they do get greasy.

    Also, wearing white sox to work may get one accused of
    impersonating an engineer.
    --
    PeteCresswell

  20. Jose said:
    Pete Biggs said:

    They're of limited use anyway. Unfastened trouser bottoms get dirty
    even when the bike has a full chain guard - because the outside of
    the guard and cranks quickly get dirty from road dust and muck.

    I still think that an oily chain is far, far worse - besides, I still
    haven't foiund a way to wash out a chain oil mark from trousers -
    short of using a pair of scisors, that is ;-P

    Of course oil is far worse, but you don't get any dirt at all from the bike
    on your trousers if they are fastened or tucked in.

    Personally, even if I didn't mind the dirt, I wouldn't like the
    flapping-around feeling and worry about the trousers getting caught in
    /something/ - on the left as well as right side.

    But if you don't care, good luck with your chainguard! Let us know how well
    it fits your bike and chainset.

    ~PB

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