Bicycle Mechanics - how do i oil my bike?

hey, i have shimano cassetes and cranksets, i have lubricant i got from the store, and i notice that my chains and cassetes and cranks have gone along time wi/t getting oiled and the gear shifting is skipping, my lubricant is one of those kinds that u press a button and shoots out in gas form. I need it for my ride tonight, thanks.

Originally posted by budbuster69
hey, i have shimano cassetes and cranksets, i have lubricant i got from the store, and i notice that my chains and cassetes and cranks have gone along time wi/t getting oiled and the gear shifting is skipping, my lubricant is one of those kinds that u press a button and shoots out in gas form. I need it for my ride tonight, thanks.

NO - IT IS NOT GENERALLY A GOOD IDEA TO LUBICATE IT WITH STORE OIL

Your bike parts need a special lubricant generally available from a bicycle store, such as White Lightning or Pedro's, which are both wax-based lubricants.

Check with your LBS about how to lubricate your bike properly.

Also, you might want to see:

http://www.ubc-cycling.com/articles/bikemaintenance.html

It is not a good idea to have a dry chain and related parts. Wears then out quickly.

Get a book such as Bicycling for Dummies for more instruction.

Also, do not use WD40, it is not a lubricant but a water dispersal agent (W = water D= Dispersal 40= the 40th formula)

I agree with Dnvr Fox !00%
I would also degrease the chain and related parts.
then use an old toothbush on them with warm soapy water then wipe them down with a clean rag ( do not use that rag to wipe your frame down)
add the White Lightning or Pedro's,
as for the gears slipping check for worn teeth or the cable needs adjusting.
K

I used to use the aerosol kind but it stunk too much. I use White Lightning now.

really? Chi, I love the smell of tri-flow, and I like WD-40 even better! I think I willl statr using WD-40 as a cologne! down with the sissy Nautica that i use now...I think I'll use a real man's scent! WD-40!

The sad part is that I am serious about liking these lubricants smell...

for my chain, I used the Campy chain Oil, I have tried white Lightning, I think its not good for hard cyclist, so i have switch to the Campy oil.

You an use nor mal bike oil, but it does attract dirt. A dry lube or wax is better, but much more expensive.
You need to clean the chain with detergent or degeraser, rinse and dry it (on the bike is OK). Lightly lube each link , do it on the top side of the bottom length of the chain. Do not lube the rotating mechanism of the casette freehub or the bottom bracket. these are usually sealed mechanisms.
Apply a small amount of lube to the pivot points of your mechs.

i have another question, how often do i lube my drive train? or what are some signs that tells me i need it lubed?