Bicycle Mechanics - Dumb ? about lube

I cleaned my bike for the first time yesterday. Now it's time to lubricate. Normally my husband does this but, he's out of town. I found a tube of Phil Wood grease so I assume that's what he uses. But, it's so thick, like toothpaste! I don't understand how to get it on the chain. Is it better to use the spray on stuff? Do I need it anywhere else other than the chain?

I cleaned my bike for the first time yesterday. Now it's time to lubricate. Normally my husband does this but, he's out of town. I found a tube of Phil Wood grease so I assume that's what he uses. But, it's so thick, like toothpaste! I don't understand how to get it on the chain. Is it better to use the spray on stuff? Do I need it anywhere else other than the chain?Grease is for bearings not chains.Look for some chain lube.

I cleaned my bike for the first time yesterday. Now it's time to lubricate. Normally my husband does this but, he's out of town. I found a tube of Phil Wood grease so I assume that's what he uses. But, it's so thick, like toothpaste! I don't understand how to get it on the chain. Is it better to use the spray on stuff? Do I need it anywhere else other than the chain?
How about spending some "quality time" with him learning how to work on your bike?

Guys, I agree with your general sentiments but how about cutting the lady some slack, we don't want to sound unwelcoming do we :) ?

Buy a can of spray teflon lube for the chains. and do a quick once over with that every two or three rides.

Guys, I agree with your general sentiments but how about cutting the lady some slack, we don't want to sound unwelcoming do we :) ?
There was nothing negative in my post. It would be a good learning experience. It was for both of us when I started teaching my girlfriend.

I found a tube of Phil Wood grease so I assume that's what he uses. But, it's so thick, like toothpaste! I don't understand how to get it on the chain. Is it better to use the spray on stuff? Do I need it anywhere else other than the chain?

Grease is for lubricating bearings (like hubs and bottom brackets). For the chain, you'll need a chain specific lubricant, which are a thin oil or water-like viscosity. The thin viscosity gets into the links. As you already figured out, thick grease won't work itself into the crevices. Purist will tell you not to mix chain lubricants so it's best to use the same lubricant all the time, unless the old lubricant is completely removed.

Look around the work area and see if there is a chain specific lube, often in a drip type bottle. Common brands are Tri-flow, Pedros, Rock n Roll, Prolink (my favorite), Boeshield and there are probably dozens more. If you find something that looks like it's for a chain but not sure, post the brand and model of the lubricant and I'm sure we'll be able to tell you.

At worst, you'll have to go buy some chain lube from a bike shop.

As i said before, TEFLON lubircant works the best forme on a road bike