Originally Posted by
jgedwa
I am ashamed to admit I have used quite a bit of gun oil on my chain over the years. Seems to work fine. But then again, I am of the opinion that the particular lube used on a chain is the most over-thought aspect of bike maintenance.
j
Sounds like a pretty good lubricant to try. I've never owned or lubricated a gun, so I haven't had the chance to try gun oil.
It's true we overthink our chain lubricants, but only because our chains need lubrication badly. Nothing improves a bike's ride more than lubricating the chain, except for one thing, which is inflating the tires properly.
Honestly, I think nearly any lubricant is fine. I even use WD-40 if that's all I have. It doesn't last long, but it works, even if briefly.
I use motor oil, too, which attracts dirt, but it works. If I use it often enough, the new oil flushes away the old, grimy oil.
Someone here recently recommended ATF fluid. I'll try that next. I remember buying some at a convenience store for my brother in law's bike while we were out on a ride. It was all they had, so I shrugged and said let's try it. I didn't stick around long to see the results, because I was visiting him from the opposite coast (of the US).
Tom Reingold
Noo Joizy, USA