Originally Posted by Ed Holland
...Well - and I certainly don't mean to start a war here stv
, it was an experiment that I tried and decided to continue. It came about during some work I was doing in the lab, where I noticed that the castor oil was
superficially similar to the Cross Country product with regard to viscosity. I then did a bit of reading on its use as a lubricant and decided to give it trial run on my chain (SRAM PC68). 2000 miles later and said chain is still in good condition with little if any wear, despite all weather commuting use. I also like the smooth running and clean shifting it seems to impart to the drive train.
I would venture that the lack of sophisticated additives (the purpose of which I understand) is of limited help to a bicycle chain lubricant that is subjected to extreme levels of moisture and contamination where these agents might be defeated (water in ones engine oil is regarded as
very bad news. A simple (and inexpensive) lubricant, replaced often after regular cleaning has served me very well.
Good debate,
Cheers,
Ed
My humble apologies for coming across so terse. I over stated my case and when I borrowed your "no joke" tag line.
In hindsight, I don't disagree with your observations, Castor oil still is a relatively viable choice. Your cycle uses similar slow moving, low load mechanical technology that cotton ginny's used, which is why Castor was so successfully used then and now still.
This chain lube issue is really overwrought with hand wringing and teeth gnashing. You sir, Ed say it best:
"Attention to chain cleanliness is surely more important than which lubricant one uses."
Contamination, whether road grit or water, are greater concerns and detrimental to long chain life than what lube you use. Yak butter, mixed with oil from a Beaver castor gland would work as long as the chain is kept relatively clean from abrasive road grit and corrosive water.
The choices are all over the map, from cheap and dirty to clean and expensive. The "correct" or "best" chain lube to use is really, a moot point.