Juan Foote

I picked up a bottle of TriFlow for my chain based on memories using it years ago. At the time, I had a dark green bike w/ black chain and cassette. Now its white with chrome chain/silver cassette/rings. Making one hell of a mess, and has turned very gummy, almost impossible to remove.

What is a recommended degreaser that will not damage the finish of my bike, and what kind of lubes are you using?

ericm979

Rather than spraying all over the bike, spray wd40 or some other mild petrochemical (NOT simple green!) solvent on a rag and use that to wipe off the chain. That way you don't get it all over the bike. Chemicals on the brake tracks are especially bad.

I use one of the light oil based lubes like T9. You can make your own with mineral spirits and motor oil.

DRietz

I use TriFlow. It's a fine lube.

Did you shake it? I've never had TriFlow gum up a chain...

PlatyPius

I use Chain-L.

https://www.chain-l.com/

tadawdy

I can't quite tell...is this purely a joke?

Randochap

Triflow is very light -- OK for dry conditions but best for pivot points and cables.

I prefer Finish Line for chains and Pedros degreaser. Avoid toxic solvents.

Randochap

"the fact is that internal wear of the 112 overloaded, overworked and overlooked bearings is what destroys chains."

WTF?

youcoming

Whats wrong with simple green, it's all I've ever used? Never had any issues.

chaulky61

Nope - I bought some on-line from the guy that makes it. Great customer service, and fast shipping. The product itself is similar to Phil's chain lube, but does not "web" as much.

PlatyPius

No, it's the best chain lube I've ever used.

RacerMike

Haven't been able to find the chain specific one, but from what I understand its the same as the multi-purpose which I get from Lowe's for $5 a can. Been using this for years with no complaints.

https://www2.dupont.com/Consumer_Lubr...s/dryfilm.html

Nate552

Dumonde Tech

rollin

Ahh the daily chain lube thread.

nahh

Pedro's Syn Lube for wet, Ice Wax for dry and dusty. so pretty much never, I just have a bottle laying around.

gvg45

Was using Tri-flow but just switch over to Rock "N" Roll for the new bike.

JacoKierkegaard

I use a concentrated degreaser to clean mine, and I relube with 3-in-1 oil.

v70cat

I don't get all the cleaning posts, I clean my chain with paper towel and then re-lube.
I clean the chain fairly when it gets dry and a little dirty so it not a big deal.

It is a chain, not a work of art.

late

https://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/motor...chain-lube.htm

tanhalt

3-in-1 oil. Seriously. Hands down works better both in durability and in preventing wear than other "boutique" lubes (based on tribological measurements) and is much more economical...and was originally formulated for "bicycle lubrication" during the original "bike boom"

Cleaning? Nothing necessary more than wiping down the outside occasionally with a shop rag to get the grime off. Applying solvents to a chain after it's been used just causes more grit to get between the pins and bushings and ends up making it wear faster.

Just lube and wipe...and then replace your chain before you see more than 0.5% elongation (just use a 12" steel rule on the pins to judge...line up one edge of the rule with the edge of a pin and then replace it when the other end is lined up with the middle of a pin).

'nuff said.

tanhalt

Meh. I've tried that...and it works fine for short periods...but you end up having to relube a LOT...

BarryJo

Rollin forgot to include the link.
From Sheldon Brown.

Waves77

+1 on Chain-L. Awesome stuff and very good customer service indeed. Lasts longer too.

I clean mine with mineral spirits (off the bike).

tanhalt

Dude...it's JUST oil poured into a not-so-fancy bottle and sold at a huge markup.

Let's see...$12 for 4oz of that stuff, or ~$4 for 8oz. of 3-in-1 at the local hardware store...or, maybe even just buy some Mobile1 and dilute it with mineral oil for a lifetime supply...hmmmm....tough choice.

Waves77

I've tried my fair number of oils, and I prefer this one. I don't mind paying the "huge markeup" dude, but I take it you've never tried it yourself.

ls01

Rock and roll purple. degreaser, simple green, mineral spirits, gasoline, flame thrower. whatever does the job.