Originally Posted by dgaddes
I've mentioned this before, but never got any response - anyone see a problem with using a quality spray silicone lube? I hose the chain down with it and it seems to rinse any buildup out, then lightly wipe it down. Chain never rusts, and is always quite and limber. No muss no fuss.
Depends!
Mostly on the quality of the Silicone, the percentage per volume and any other lubrication adjuncts that may be added to it. Generally, the silicone spray you use may not be the same quality as the silicone spray the other guy reading this post has on his shop shelf.
Typically, the Silicone molecule is not shear stable nor durable. It is seldom used in industrial areas that demands heavy duty or extreme pressure applications. Silicones are generally considered to be clean. Their real forte is use in high and low temperature applications, super clean, food grade and chemical hostile environments due to its inert chemical composition. However, it has superior slip characteristics and low torque resistance values. That's not to say that you can't use it on your bike chain.
Frequency is the key here. The more often you reapply, the better the overall long term performance.