Best Chain Lube?
#101
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,638
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3873 Post(s)
Liked 2,574 Times
in
1,581 Posts
One other thing I just thought of. Many people somehow have gotten the idea that degreasing the manufacturer's lubricant before installing the chain is the way to go.
Sheldon Brown commented on this. The chain lube that comes on good chains is far superior to anything on the shelf. It is very thin, but tacky. It attracts very little grit, yet keeps the drivetrain silent for nearly 2000 road miles in my experience (unless you get caught in weather or dust).
I'm not sure why some people think its terrible lube. On some cheaper chains, KMC and department store chains, the lube is more of an anti-rust coating. Maybe that's why. But Shimano chains come pre-lubed, and it is clearly the best lubricant option.
Sheldon Brown commented on this. The chain lube that comes on good chains is far superior to anything on the shelf. It is very thin, but tacky. It attracts very little grit, yet keeps the drivetrain silent for nearly 2000 road miles in my experience (unless you get caught in weather or dust).
I'm not sure why some people think its terrible lube. On some cheaper chains, KMC and department store chains, the lube is more of an anti-rust coating. Maybe that's why. But Shimano chains come pre-lubed, and it is clearly the best lubricant option.
- Scott
#102
Chasing the horizon.
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Michigan
Posts: 500
Bikes: 2016 Felt F75, 2008 Mercier Corvus Steel, 2006 Trek 4300, 1985 Trek 620 (modernized)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
With fixies an singlespeeds, you can also get away with thicker, longer lasting lube as well, since there is no need to shift, the chain is fine with a bit more grit on it. The lack of a rear derailleur also eliminates some of the surface dust that gets caught in the chain.
#103
noooooooooooooooooooob!
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Fresno, Ca.
Posts: 261
Bikes: Schwinn Fastback Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Rock & Roll chain lube is highly recommended in my LBS. The red stuff works great in my areas dusty conditions