Bike Forums - ATF as chain lube

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- - ATF as chain lube (https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/1111613-atf-chain-lube.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slaninar (Post 19660922)

Motorcycle spray chain lubes are very thing when applied, then harden, once the carrier evaporates, so they stick when the chain quickly rotates. For bicycle use, the hardened state can cause gunking of RD pulleys and more dirt sticking to the chain. Although I know an experienced roadie who is very happy with Motul chain lube.

Many motorcycle manufacturers' user manuals recommend gear oil (SAE 90 viscosity) or SAE 40 engine oil for lubing chains.

For bicycles, I'm very happy with chain saw bar oil diluted with some diesel - more or less, depending on conditions and temperature.

Doesn't seem like gunking up would be much of a problem if the excess were quickly (before it dried and hardened) wiped off the chain with a rag.

I'm kind of surprised that motorcycle manufacturers are recommending motor oil and gear oil as chain lube. Gear oil smells bad and both gear and motor oil flings off chains quickly on motorcycles.

I rode street bikes and raced motocross when I was young.

My personal experience was that nothing was worse than motor oil than for chain lube. If flings off so quick it leaves a stripe on your clothes and the chain is dry and death rattling by the end of a long riding day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony_G (Post 19661034)

+1
Never been happy with them as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony_G (Post 19660771)

I've often wondered why motorcycle chain lube is not popular (or even mentioned) for bicycle use. Too thick? Too messy? Surely no worse than many other lubes mentioned here like ATF and chainsaw bar oil.

I have been using MC spray lube lately. It has a solvent carrier and dries to grease consistency. I works well but its best if you use a rag on the chain before and after applying to remove old dirt and excess lube. I like it because it stays put and Imo doesnt attract as much dirt and dust as wet oils.

Thanks everyone for the replies. I am new to bicycle forums, but from my experience on motorcycling forums, tyres, chain lube and engine oil are topics one does not discuss as they degenerate into 50 page threads with each person giving a different opinion. I assumed it would be the same here. My reasons for thinking about ATF is simply that it is thinner than other oils. Whilst I cannot argue with those that say bike specific lubes are cheap, they are still considerably more expensive than most automotive oils (here in South Africa at least). Thanks again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryan88 (Post 19662077)

Yes, more expensive without being measurably better IMO.

As for viscosity - you are right about that. However, it is easy to dilute any oil with some diesel and get the required viscosity.

My favourite is chainsaw bar oil. Wrote extensively about it here, stating pro's and cons:
Bicycle chain lubricants - explained - Cycle Gremlin

Air tool oil is my current favourite lube.