tchazzard

Hi; I have used Bar and Chain oil on my chain for the past two winters. My local bike shop had a trainee clean my drivetrain during my last tuneup. He was quite disgusted with how long it took him to clean all the crude out of the chain and the springs.

Bar and Chain oil works great, but I wonder if there is something as effective, which would work as well if not better.

So, what are other people using?

Michel Gagnon

What do I use?

Bearing grease.

I apply it on the chain and wipe it with a paper towel. I also put lots of grease on top of the bearing (to seal them off, sort of), and a thin coat on the bottom bracket and other vulnerable parts.

Regards,

knobbymojo

I have heard from an experienced winter rider that icewax chain lube works exceptionally well, especially if applied several times to build up a thicker coating.

Steele-Bike

I use Finish Line Cross Country in the winter. Sludge will build up in the cogs and rear deraileur area, but with frequent chain cleanings and an occasional cog scrub, this will not be a problem.

tchazzard

That raises another question. What method of chain cleaning do you all use? Sheldon Brown says on bike is not all that bad. Does anyone use such a device? If so, what make/model? Thanks.

mike

Winter riding is different from fair weather riding. You have to use chain lube that will stay on an take the abuse of road salt, slush, and REAL grime.

The new wrench weenie who thought your chain was icky needs to go back to work at McDonalds. Leave bike work up to guys who's fingers are always blacker than their own "O-ring".

In Montreal, where you are, a lot of guys use heavy weight motor oil on their chains.

MichaelW

I have problems applying some of those wax-in-solvent lubes at low temp. White Lightening is supposed to be applied down to 10C, but it seems to solidify on contact below about 12C.

A hot wax chain dip is used by some people. This will protect the chain from rust. If the wax has some slippery addatives (teflon, Moly Disulphide) it will lube OK. Ive seen commercial motorbike hot wax dip, but for bikes it is a DIY operation.

I use a layer of wax on any exposed metal, and wax the painted frame to shed winter road muck. Car wax works fine for this.

Michel Gagnon

I'm aware some people use [heavy] motor oil as lubricant.

However, there is a major problem with it: it's messy -- a problem as I commute in street clothes.

Regards,

mike

Good point. Winter commuting is messy business for several reasons - including dirty bike/components, and the road slop that splashes on you.

If you typically wear your work clothes while you commute, consider wearing knee-high gators. They will keep your pants clean and add some warmth.

bpherson

I have heard form some local riders that are experienced whit winter riding and that I have talked to recently say that heavy weight motor oil works well around these parts. And wax the bike with car wax.....keep the road crude off as much as possible. We'll see how it works..........