C_Heath

Yea, sorry mods but I didnt put this in the mechanics section because I wanted real world, roadies answers to what they use. My bike is now a year old but the chain and cassette still look new. Ill be honest, Ive never ever lubed it for that matter.

Its seems to have plenty of lube and yet is super clean. This weekend I rode with a friend and his cassette was black. I was like dang. Im anal and dont like that.

Whats the best? Best by I mean cleanest?

Thanks

heavyMetal

How many miles have you put on this bike?

F4UX3/2

my roommate uses this stuff called clean ride or maybe its ride clean, anyway it's wax based and the bottle says it's self cleaning. His drive train is pretty clean looking.

grolby

Right, because those in the mechanics forum don't actually ride their bikes. And because the road cycling forum is a font of accurate bicycle maintenance advice.

See, the problem is that I completely disagree with your assessment of "best = cleanest." If you ask for the cleanest lube, you might get it, but you also might get a pretty crappy one. Personally, I much prefer wetter lubes. They make a somewhat messier chain, yes, but they last longer and do a better job. Prolink Gold seems to be a pretty balance of durability versus mess, but is expensive. Pedro's dry is similar, but a bit cheaper. Tri Flow is probably one of the best pure lubricants out there, but is also one of the dirtiest. Which means that it's actually pretty clean if you wipe the chain down from time to time, but your chain will leave black marks on your leg. Such is life. I've been using Prolink Gold on my road bike, Tri Flow on my commuter bike. Works for me.

Jynx

thats what i use and have no complaints. I lube my chain like once every 500 miles.

old and new

I can vouch for TriFlow

BarracksSi

Dumond Tech Lite.

Well, I hope so -- got it for free, and applied it for the first time this afternoon. We'll see if it's as nice as some online reviews say it is.

weavers

i've used triflow and i think its a great bearing oil, but a bad chain oil. even after wiping off the excess tons of oil comes off the chain when riding and makes a mess on one's calve/pants. i've tried finshline and its leaps and bounds better. however its a wet oil and attracts oil, dirt, grime, ect. i am thinking of switching to a dry wax based lube or just making my own. i kind of like my chain to still be clean after a short 20mile ride.

fauxto nick

This.

SteelCan

Go back and search the mechanics fo. They have loads of excellent commentary and suggestions with "real world" experience to back them up.

One that got my attention (in addition to the standard style lubes like Tri-Flo) is a Teflon spray by (IIRC) Dupont or 3M that you spray on. That is something I would consider trying but I believe the chain should be thoroughly cleaned (soaked in your favorite solvent) before applying for best results.

Nachoman

I see you've been on Bike Forums for over five years. What lube have you been using for the past half decade, and why are you unhappy with it?

AngryScientist 

join date of 04 and you dont know what to lubricate your chain with, oh my.

10 Wheels

and never puts air in his tires.

C_Heath

yea, what type of air also?


I dont use lube. Bike has 2500 miles and never lubed it. Ive used wet and dry and dont like the after effects of either.

Fire away.

daxr

If you want "what people actually use"...

I use automotive transmission fluid, the usual dextron/mercon stuff. Its light enough to act as a cleaner so you get a one-step process - you put the dirty chain in a pan with a good amount of the oil and a screen on the bottom and just swoosh things around. After it settles and soaks awhile, pull the chain out and wipe it more or less dry with an old t-shirt.

If you want cheap and simple, that's about as good as it gets. It keeps the chain lubed well and clean, and the light oil doesn't collect dirt and grit like some stuff can.

roadiejorge 

probably doesn't shave his legs either.

Shimagnolo

I had the same problem until I learned that it contains a lube *and* a solvent.
You need to let the chain dry for at least 24 hours to let the solvent evaporate.
If you try to ride it immediately after application, you are guaranteed to have it splattering all over.

mihlbach

Troll lube...

tntyz

^^^^

Anatomically correct stone troll? Yikes!

Servo888

~$6, and easily found at many auto stores. Basically, take chain off, clean with whatever cleaner you want, apply small amount of lube, clean off excess, let dry over night, and ride. I'm VERY happy with this stuff. It's not sticky, so it wont attract dirt.

RideCO

I use the lightest air I can find.

^oZ

Pedros ice wax 2

Grumpy McTrumpy

oil.

messy but lubricates best. my chains last well over 4k miles.

Hot Potato

You guys all take the chain off to clean it?

ILUVUK

I like Prolink Gold, but if it is going to be a wet ride, I prefer Pedro's Synlube.