chain lube
05-03-11 | 08:08 PM
#30
The space coyote lied.
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 48,683
Likes: 10,955
From: dusk 'til dawn.
Bikes: everywhere
I'm gonna wager that it's thinner also, but I've never tried the Prolink.
I rarely use Tri-flow on chains these days. Mostly on cables, brake pivots, derailer pivots, that kinda stuff.
I also use it on my hair clippers.
05-03-11 | 10:26 PM
#31
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,904
Likes: 36
From: Hurricane Alley , Florida
Bikes: Treks (USA), Schwinn Paramount, Schwinn letour,Raleigh Team Professional, Gazelle GoldLine Racing, 2 Super Mondias, Carlton Professional.
Been working on Automatic Transmissions for over 36 years. ATF will not harm factory paint and or rubber. Someone must have put ATF into their braking system, that will make those rubber seals swell. Other than that ATF has lots of Detergents, and friction modifiers.
05-03-11 | 10:42 PM
#33
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 27,266
Likes: 150
From: YEG
Bikes: See my sig...
I like my home brew (2/3 WD40 with 1/3 20W oil) over any commercially distilled and blended lubes... and I just re-apply and wipe down my chain and rarely remove it for any immersion based cleaning unless I am actually swapping chains.
It cleans, dispels moisture, and get oil into the places where it is needed.
Since there are so many variables in conditions there just isn't one best lube or lube that will do everything... if I lived in the desert I'd wax my chains but we get a mix of dry and dusty (clay) with frequent showers and if there is a lube I won't use it is Tri Flow as it is a dust magnet.
It cleans, dispels moisture, and get oil into the places where it is needed.
Since there are so many variables in conditions there just isn't one best lube or lube that will do everything... if I lived in the desert I'd wax my chains but we get a mix of dry and dusty (clay) with frequent showers and if there is a lube I won't use it is Tri Flow as it is a dust magnet.
05-04-11 | 04:45 PM
#34
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,995
Likes: 5
From: Somewhere Between The Beginning And The End
Why not just use the very BEST chain lube? You will not find a better chain lube at any price. This stuff works in all conditions, stays clean (when used correctly) and lasts better than anything else PERIOD!.
05-05-11 | 05:03 AM
#36
Saving gas on my commute
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 511
Likes: 1
From: Oklahoma City
I have been using Chain-L on my commuter bike since December or January, and have been very happy with it. It sure is nice to ride in rainy weather without having to be concerned about my chain. I am still using Prolink on my road bike, but will eventually switch it over to Chain-L as well.
05-05-11 | 09:03 AM
#37
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
Here's what I use:
https://www.lowes.com/pd_213197-39963-D00110101_4294859135+5003695_4294937087_?productId=1059839&Ns=p_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product _quantity_sold|1&pl=1¤tURL=%2Fpl_Hardware%2BLubricants_4294859135%2B5003695_4294937087_%3FNs%3 Dp_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_quantity_sold|1&facetInfo=$5%20-%20$10
I the link doesn't work it's "DuPont Teflon Multi-Use Dry, Wax Lubricant. $5 for an 11oz can at Lowes or just about any hardware store.
https://www.lowes.com/pd_213197-39963-D00110101_4294859135+5003695_4294937087_?productId=1059839&Ns=p_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product _quantity_sold|1&pl=1¤tURL=%2Fpl_Hardware%2BLubricants_4294859135%2B5003695_4294937087_%3FNs%3 Dp_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_quantity_sold|1&facetInfo=$5%20-%20$10
I the link doesn't work it's "DuPont Teflon Multi-Use Dry, Wax Lubricant. $5 for an 11oz can at Lowes or just about any hardware store.
05-05-11 | 10:01 AM
#38
DisMember
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: Central Arkansas
Bikes: 2010 Fuji Roubaix, 1984 Schwinn World Sport
This is going to sound so naive: I went to a bike shop and bought a little bottle of (drumroll) Chain Lube. Wow, it works great.
Just an observation - if you can't afford proper chain lube, you may want to consider a different hobby.
Just an observation - if you can't afford proper chain lube, you may want to consider a different hobby.
05-05-11 | 10:34 AM
#39
Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Oh well, the endless chain lube debate....
Maybe 2 things that don't pop up in every thread of this sort:
1) IMPORTANT - any lube, I repeat, any lube on the chain cannot prevent metal-to-metal contact between the chain's pins and the bushings. This translates to: Regardless of the type of lube, there *will* be significant abrasion & friction within the chain.
That said, what remains?
For me, it's simple:
a) I want a silent drivetrain.
b) I want a clean drivetrain.
Both is very well achieved with 'dry lubes' like finish line's wax chain lube.
Additionally, applying the wax lube (which has a high solvent content) tends to flush out old abrasion remnants, which gets wiped off the chain after an hour or so after application. (Not by itself, but rather by me)
I love the abscense of 'black' on my chain!
Maybe 2 things that don't pop up in every thread of this sort:
1) IMPORTANT - any lube, I repeat, any lube on the chain cannot prevent metal-to-metal contact between the chain's pins and the bushings. This translates to: Regardless of the type of lube, there *will* be significant abrasion & friction within the chain.
That said, what remains?
For me, it's simple:
a) I want a silent drivetrain.
b) I want a clean drivetrain.
Both is very well achieved with 'dry lubes' like finish line's wax chain lube.
Additionally, applying the wax lube (which has a high solvent content) tends to flush out old abrasion remnants, which gets wiped off the chain after an hour or so after application. (Not by itself, but rather by me)
I love the abscense of 'black' on my chain!
05-05-11 | 06:39 PM
#41
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 50
I have noticed one thing out on the local bike path. Most people have way too much lube on their chain, which apparently justifies thinking it all will last 1500 miles or so. A lot of filthy drivetrains out there. Only a few sparkling clean and LIGHTLY lubed ones, mostly on nicer bikes. bk
05-05-11 | 06:58 PM
#43
Bianchi Goddess
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 28,874
Likes: 4,118
From: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
I would not use it routinely but we did use it at a shop I worked in on the real POS rusty bikes. worked pretty good
__________________
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
05-05-11 | 08:02 PM
#44
Used to be Conspiratemus
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,520
Likes: 247
From: Hamilton ON Canada
My own recipe and technique:
Step 1: First, mix the brew
Step 2: Pour the above mixture into your wife's teflon-coated cookpot. The teflon will absorb into the lube, giving a bit of the high-tech to the mixture.
Step 3: Set mixture aside to steep.
Step 4: Grab a bottle of store-bought lube and put that on your bike chain.
Step 5: Go riding before your wife finds that pot!
Step 1: First, mix the brew
- 67% 10W-30 motor oil as a base.
- 13% ATF because someone suggested it on a forum.
- One stick butter for that movie-popcorn flavor.
- Two scented candles. The wax sheds dirt, and the scent keeps your bike smelling fresh.
- 10% Citrus degreaser to make your lube self-degreasing, which eases cleaning.
- 5% WD-40 to eliminate water contamination during wet rides.
- 5% Mineral "Spirits" to spook your friends so that you can win the race.
Step 2: Pour the above mixture into your wife's teflon-coated cookpot. The teflon will absorb into the lube, giving a bit of the high-tech to the mixture.
Step 3: Set mixture aside to steep.
Step 4: Grab a bottle of store-bought lube and put that on your bike chain.
Step 5: Go riding before your wife finds that pot!
"Salt [of course!], genuine fresh peanut sweepings, artificially flavoured roasting agent".
Don't forget for that "movie-popcorn flavour" you need "imitation-butter artificial edible oil product", the kind that actually caused occupational lung disease in a factory that made the stuff for microwave popcorn packages.
