Originally Posted by
cubewheels
I don't wipe after a ride. Someone in BF already told me much earlier that wiping after a ride is a bad thing and eventually, you'll run out of oil in the chain. Turned out to be a very good advice.
I have to disagree here. The only oil which matters is INSIDE the chain--in the rollers and pins. The stuff Outside the chain is excess, and only serves to attract abrasive grit which destroys not just chains but also cogs and chain rings.
I don't know who told you not to wipe your chain, but they gave you very bad advice.
When you are done lubing the chain, the outside should have Zero oil on it.
Originally Posted by
cubewheels
The chain looks filthier but never really caused any problems like premature wear. No oil flinging either. Wiping off excess during servicing is all the wiping you'll need for wet lubes.
Yeah, fifty years of cycling and talking with cyclists, and no one has ever told me that. And my own experience belies it as well. A dirty chain carries that dirt---sticky bits of grit in grease---to every part of the bike it touches. You are essentially turning your chain into sandpaper and sanding the parts of your drive train.
I don't care if you believe me. You are free to do what you want and I am fine with it. But ask yourself, in a couple weeks, when you have stopped caring about this thread and aren't trying to "win" an internet debate---how can dragging an abrasive chain over you cogs and chain rings not be more abrasive than rolling a clean chain over them?
I want my bike parts to last a long time. Now that I am in sort of forced retirement, every single expenditure matters. if I have to replace cassettes more frequently, and with prices, particularly for Shimano, going up as they are, then cycling starts to become too expensive a hobby. So I make an effort to keep my stuff healthy.
As I say, you are totally free to do whatever you like with your stuff.