krokumr

I live in Oregon and we have wet winters. I don't want to give up riding in the winter and have the necessary rain gear/clothing but noticed after my first ride in a rainstorm that the bike and its running gear is covered with "road grime" after drying out. I am going to buy fenders for my Fuji Absolute but worry about the effect of the water and road grime on the chain, chain rings, derailleurs, etc. Is there a lubricant and cleaner that is best for these conditions? Would I be better off riding my converted mountain bike with road tires and adjustable stem instead of my newer road bike in the winter or am I being too concerned about the effects of the winter elements on the running gear?
Please be specific about product names and types if you have any suggestions. I sense I am getting the "sell what is on the shelf" response from my local bike shop.

Richard

PDXJeff

Get a chain cleaner. I use the Park Tool chain cleaner with a diluted Simple Green solution.
Rinse, dry, and lube. I like Pedro's CHAINj lube.

https://www.parktool.com/products/det...5&item=CM%2D5#
https://www.pedros.com/product.aspx?productID=6110121

HillRider

The best rust and grit protection is a dry rag after a rainy ride. Dry off the bike with particular attention to the chain, drivetrain parts and rims, then lube sparingly with whatever you use the rest of the year.

Rainy weather is harder on a bike, no question, but you can minimize the damage by reasonable cleaning after wet rides. Also, fenders are a real help for both you and the bike.

Juha

Fenders alone help, but a big fugly mud flap in front will provide even more protection, especially keeping the road grime off your drivetrain components.

--J

[edit] You may have to do the mud flap yourself. I find the small rubber flaps in some SKS fenders, for example, just that. Too small. [/edit]

lazlo

Yes, take a few minutes to wipe your bike down when you get home. Brush off your drive train with an old toothbrush. I'm using Dumonde Tech lube on the advice of my lbs, but you have to get the chain really clean before applying it; I used the Park Tools scrubber. Seems to work good so far; I just run a rag over my chain if I've been in the rain, then lightly lube every couple of weeks. Make sure you wipe off all excess lube from the exterior of the chain.

nitropowered

Any type of "Wet" lube. Yeah its dirty, but it works. Just keep applying.