[TimCurryPowder]

I'm trying to prepare a bike for winter riding, and I've hit a snag. I can't find a place to buy a low-temperature lithium grease. All the stuff I've found only works for temperatures around -20C. I was hoping to find something like that Lubriplate Mag-1 stuff locally, but I haven't found anything so far. Anybody have some tips on possible sources? I've already tried places like Home Depot, Canadian Tire, and some automotive shops. I live in Alberta. Thanks!

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[coldcog]

Try this product, it's a low temp silicone grease,
packed my BB/HS/seatpost with it last winter and had no problems.
(live/ride in Winnipeg...so I can attest to it's performance)
The hook...buy online...not cheap.(bought the 1lb container)

http://www.sspinc.com/lubricants_spec.cfm

Good luck !!

[TimCurryPowder]

Cool, thanks for the tip. :) I'm having a few problems with their online shopping program (I get a server error when calculating the shipping amount), but I'll email them about it and find out what's up. Thanks!

[Portis]

I think most of us get along just fine with just plain ol bike grease. I use Park, or whatever i can find with no problems.

[coldcog]

Portis is right,you can use plain bike grease...
I guess it comes down to 10/40 vs 5/30 oil in a car.

I too am working on a beater winter bike(again),
this time I'm going to build a "fairing" out of
plexi glass.

I live in the South end of town and usually face a North wind
into the city making the ride "cool".
Hopefully this fairing will cut the wind on my hands.

I figure I can shape it on a jig with a heat gun.

Take Care!

[TimCurryPowder]

Maybe it's just my inexperience (this will be my first year of winter cycling), but I'm worried about the periods where it gets to -30C or lower around here. I want to ride my bike at those temperatures, but I don't know how the bearings will hold up if the grease is only rated for use to -15C. Have you ever ridden with standard lithium grease at those temperatures, coldcog? I'd be interested in reading about what happens, because Winnipeg is notorious for being cold as h*** in the winter. =)

[coldcog]

You bet it can be !...but it's a DRY M****R of a cold...(lol)

TCP, the grease issue is minor really,it's more like
tweeking your rig here and there because it helps and it's fun to do.

If this is your first time winter commuting then the issues of
keeping yourself warm,not freezing your lungs,not overdressing,protecting your eyes,
adjusting your style of riding to the conditions etc. etc. etc.... should be foremost.

This forum is in my opinion THE BEST source and I know the guys and gals here are
always willing to help !!!
(BTW my record ride ...-48c.....)
Take care!!
CC...................... : )

[GGDub]

I'm living in a very cold location, I've been regularly rideing in -20 C and lower between October and April for many years. People around here go to special lubes for differentials and gearboxes in their cars and trucks but I've never really experienced any problems with any of my hubsets or other bicycle bearing sets using the same grease year-round. I don't use specialty bicycle lubes, I started using something about 4 years ago that I just pick-up at NAPA (but I'm sure you could find an equivalent at Canadian Tire for that matter) its a Valvoline product #614. After about -35C I find rolling resistance is the least of my problems:beer:

yeah, like braking and shifting. At about -30c, I find shifts take a few seconds to happen if they happen at all. The frost layer on the rims means you have to think about braking a little earlier than normal. As for rolling resistance, the effect of snow pretty much masks any other type of rolling resistance caused by super-cold grease. Oh, and plastic shifters are bad in cold weather. Snap.

[Portis]

http://www.icebike.com/Equipment/freehub.htm