1saxman

My definition of a bicycle 'Tech. Fluid' would one that cleans, restores appearance to polymers, offers light, non-greasy lubrication and corrosion prevention, while being harmless to paint, plastics and rubber. I would use such a fluid for cleaning/treating any area on the bike except brake friction surfaces, handlebars/grips or pedals.
I found such a fluid today, Amsoil 'MP' (metal protectant) aerosol spray. I've used it all over the bike on a toothbrush for; derailleurs, pullies, cogs, chainrings, nooks and crannies on the frame around joints/lugs/fittings, cantilever brake parts, cable guides, brake levers and shifter assy's. This was done along with waxing the bike prior to reassembly. My method of spraying the MP on a toothbrush head or cloth would also be best for using it on an assembled bike to make sure you keep it off the rims, tires, brake pads, brake discs, handle bars/grips.
They also have MP Heavy-Duty that leaves a waxy film and is recommended for chains. I haven't tried that as I already have Boeshield, but if I see any I'll pick it up. I do not sell Amsoil and am not associated with anyone who does. Just posting about something that works.
https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/amp.aspx

HillRider

Amsoil HDMP is a dead ringer for (and almost assuredly identical to) Weigand's Frame Saver and can be used the same way as an interior coating for steel frames to prevent rust. It does indeed leave a waxy film and contains rust inhibitors. The label claims it "works well as an undercoating", and it does. I've used it on several steel frames and it's excellent protection.

Read the label carefully and you will see it's recommended for motorcycle chains, not bicycle chains and I agree it's too heavy bodied for bike use. Good stuff but not a universal elixir.

Burton

That product is marketed as a `metal protector` and since every exposed part on most modern bicycles is stainless, anodized alloy, plated or painted I`m not seeing a real need for the kind of product you`re talking about.

On my bikes anyway, a good coat of wax and normal lubrication seems to take care of everything. Other than that - the only `tech fluid` I need is a solvent for cleaning.

noglider 

Burton, are you saying you wax the components and not just the frame?

1saxman

You agree it's too 'heavy' for bicycle chains without ever having touched or seen it? Quite a train of assumptions. I've used Boeshield inside frames and 'Frame Saver' is probably similar.

HillRider

Excuse me, did you read what I posted?

I have used HDMP extensively to "undercoat" several steel bicycle frames so I'm VERY familiar with what it looks like, feels like and smells like. I still have a partial can of it on my shelf.

I stand by my statement that it's too thick and heavy bodied when dry to be a good bicycle chain lube.

Burton

Hi Tom - just the frame bars and controls get waxed. The seat gets a leather protector and the derailleurs, shifting mechinisms and brake assemblies get disassembled, cleaned, lubed and reassembled every few thousand kms which is about once a year. The seatpost has a thin film of grease as a side effect of lubing the seatpost and cleaning up the extra and every other metal fastener is lubed on assembly so unless I`m missing something - that doesn`t seem to leave much. Nipples get a drop of light oil every year, the rims are painted or anodized and the braking surfaces you wouldn`t want anything on anyway.

1saxman

Yes, I misunderstood - thought you were referring to have used 'Frame Saver'. Thanks for the info on HDMP - saved me the cost of a can! Boeshield is excellent for interior frame treatment and chain cleaner/lube.

1saxman

The point is, its harmless to plastics, paint, etc. in case you need it on a toothbrush to detail in areas you can't reach with a wax cloth, in addition to being ideal for 'in situ' cleaning of derailleurs, etc. as I mentioned, including their polymer parts. It leaves a gloss on paint similar to wax and is a water repellant. I use regular auto cleaner wax on the accessible frame areas periodically, like when doing major maintenance, and Pledge at other times for a wipe-down. One could use WD-40 in the same way as MP, but this product is far superior in that it has no color and hardly any smell, and no 'yellowing' over time.

HillRider

Actually, I have used both. That's why I said HDMP is a dead ringer for Frame Saver. They apply alike, dry alike, look alike and smell alike. The only obvious difference is that HDMP comes in a larger can for less money.

I would put a fair amount of money on the bet that Frame Saver is just repackaged HDMP.

BTW, HDMP dries to a slightly tacky waxy film. It does not remain a liquid which is why it's so effective as an undercoat and rust preventative.