Drivetrain Maintenance: Keeping Your Ride SmoothUpdated 13 days ago

The drivetrain is the "engine room" of your e-bike, consisting of the chain, Shimano gears, and the PedalSense™ torque sensor system. Regular maintenance prevents premature wear and ensures that the motor’s power is delivered efficiently to the road.

Key Components by Model

• LYNQ Loop & Current: Equipped with a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain.
• LYNQ Relay: Features a heavy-duty 8-speed Shimano drivetrain and higher gearing for cargo hauling.

1. Chain Cleaning and Lubrication

A clean chain is the best way to prevent the "grinding" noise and friction that robs you of battery range.

• Clean Regularly: Use a degreaser and a soft brush to remove grit and old oil every 100 miles or after riding in wet conditions.
• Apply Lube Sparingly: Apply a bike-specific lubricant to the inside of the chain links while rotating the pedals backward.
• Wipe Off Excess: Always use a clean rag to wipe off excess oil; extra lubricant attracts dirt and creates an abrasive "grinding paste" that wears down your gears.

2. Shifting Best Practices

Proper shifting habits protect your Shimano components and help the PedalSense™ system work naturally.

• Ease Off While Shifting: Briefly reduce your pedaling pressure when clicking the gear shifter to allow the chain to move smoothly between gears.
• Don't "Cross-Chain": Avoid riding in the most extreme gear angles for long periods to reduce lateral stress on the chain.
• Shift Early: On the LYNQ Relay, shift into a lower gear before you start a steep climb or begin moving with a heavy cargo load.

3. Professional Inspections

Because LYNQ bikes are "Powered by Apollo," they have access to a massive support network for technical maintenance.

• Chain Stretch: Over time, e-bike chains "stretch" due to high motor torque; have a professional check your chain wear every 500–700 miles.
• Derailleur Alignment: If your bike is skipping gears or making clicking noises, the derailleur may need a precision adjustment.
• Service Partners: You can visit any of the 100+ certified service partners in the Apollo network for a professional drivetrain tune-up.

Pro Tip: Use a "Dry Lube" if you mostly ride in dusty or sandy conditions (common for the LYNQ Loop), and a "Wet Lube" if you frequently commute in rainy weather with the LYNQ Current.