Originally Posted by
Inisfallen
This thread is funny.
I spent decades riding motorcycles, and I learned then that debating lubes is much like debating theological flash points like, say, the legitimacy of the Papacy, or transubstantiation vs. consubstantiation. And almost as likely to lead to actual armed conflict.
And I mean debating any kind of lubricant. Chain lube, engine oil, what kind of oil for a shaft drive, right down to the pivot point on a clutch lever. And yes, there are those who whip up their own stuff, supposedly superior to anything on the market, from a recipe more closely guarded than the mix for KFC's 11 herbs and spices.
I love it.
Also, yesterday, since it was raining all day and I wasn't going anywhere by bike, I cleaned and waxed my chain. Cleaned with mineral spirits, waxed with plain old Gulf Wax. Took maybe 30 minutes total time. Yes, I get that it's probably not as good as oiling the chain regularly, etc., but it's cleaner, and I ride this bike to work, in work (office) clothes. It works fine, and I really don't have to do it that often.
Just to be clear, I think far too much kerfuffle is made chain cleaning and chain cleaning methods. adipe’s cleaning methods aren’t particularly elaborate compared to others but, in general, elaborate cleaning methods are a waste of time, as are elaborate lubrication methods. The average bicycle chain is going to last about the same amount of mileage no matter if you don’t do much of anything to it vs slathering it with the most expensive lubricant in the world.