My mornings are typically rushed, and I time my morning routine and commute to get to the office at least 15 minutes before my first meeting. I just gather my belongings, roll Clarice outside, unfold her into the rideable form, and get on with the commute.
There is a tricky part about the unfolding maneuver–the unhooking of the front wheel from the chainstay. When performed too hastily, there is a tendency for the hook to grab the chain, and cause the chain to drop off the chain-ring. In my morning haste, this happens quite frequently, and given my rushed state of affairs, I just grab the chain with my bare hands, put it back on, and subsequently find myself regretting the whole experience, as I look down at my grease-stained hands.
Most recently, I was lucky, in that I was wearing a black/dark gray outfit. Had my hand grazed my clothes ever so slightly, the grease stain would have blended in just fine.
However, the weather is getting quite warm in Phoenix. The mornings touch 80 degrees, and the evenings sometimes get into the 90s. I therefore cannot continue to wear such dark colors if I want to survive without getting a heat-stroke. As I begin to choose lighter colored options to counter the beating sun, I need to be more prepared for dealing with greasy hands.
How do you deal with this chain drop aftermath while you’re on-the-go? Do you carry hand wipes soaked in degreaser? Do you use clear lubricants such as wax or Dumonde Tech as a preventative measure? Do share!
If I’m riding ‘on the road’ and I have a problem, I just wipe my oily hands on the grass and carry on. It’s a guy thing. But after reading your story, I am going to take a few pairs of the disposable rubber gloves I have in the garage and slip them into my Brompton saddle bag for commuting emergencies.
Grass–good call! That never occurred to me. Although, I believe grease is hydrophobic and grass is… well, a mix of hydrophobic (on the top) and hydrophilic (on the bottom). I wonder how effective that really is, but I am sure I’ll have plenty of opportunities to try it out in the near future
What is even more brilliant is your suggestion for gloves. I feel like kicking myself for never even thinking of such an obvious choice. Thanks!
I mostly wear black so it is not a problem for me, I sometimes even wipe my hands on my clothes (not good!). I have heard some say they carry those disposable gloves for this type of task. I just got some “clean” chain lub called Rock n Roll but I haven’t used it yet.
Hmm… rock ‘n Roll. I’ll have to research that. I’m not ambitious enough to change my lube by myself (yet), but I think I could find an LBS to do it for me.
disposable glove?
even cheaper way is plastic bag
Others, too, have suggested disposable gloves. I still cannot believe that idea never crossed my mind. Plastic bag, however, is genius. Thanks for the suggestions.
Carry a rag. You can use your bike oil (if you have a toolkit) as a lubricant and clean your hands. Sure, you want to soap up when you get to work, but at least the grease stains will be gone.
I don’t typically carry a toolkit, but perhaps I should start. I honestly don’t think I’d know what to do with it even if something tragic happened.
I actually had no idea that bike oil could clean your hands though. Thanks for that tip!
Never had that problem with my Brompton. Have you ruled out a loose chain or other non-spec possibility re fold? I always keep a couple of medical gloves in a sandwich bag along with a couple of folded paper towels. Glad your Phoenix trip was upgraded. Come to Tucson area sometime where you’re upgraded all around (2,500′ average elevation compared to Phoenix’s 1200′ above sea-level):)! Warm days and cool nights!
I never thought of the fact that the chain might be too loose. It sometimes drops even when I am unfolding it very carefully/correctly, so you may be onto something with that theory.
Thanks for the tips… Tuscon sounds lovely! Maybe I’ll stay back a weekend and explore.
There is a Loop trail here that circles the city-not wholly complete but almost-the Rillito/Santa Cruz Loop, no cars and flat and pretty and accessible from most points in Tucson with restrooms and picnic areas, etc. Plus you could drive up to Mt. Lemmon and picnic & tons of other stuff, local rides, etc. Here’s a link for the loop trail with map. http://www.pima.gov/TheLoop/
Thanks for the info!