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Choosing a chain lube

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Old 06-14-11 | 05:57 PM
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Choosing a chain lube

For years, I haven't been particular about the chain lube I've been using.
I've been using either Pedros or Finish Line.
But I notice that with these lubes, my drivetrain gets gunked up quickly and since I sometimes ride in nice clothes, I'd like to keep grime and grease of my drivetrain to a minimium. I also hate the monthly chore of degreasing my drivetrain.
I've thought about switching to a wax-based lube such as White Lightining Clean Ride, which are superior for repelling grease and grime, however I've heard that wax based lubes don't hold up in wet conditions and its not clear how often I need to reapply.
Please share your advice and experiences.
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Old 06-14-11 | 06:27 PM
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From: Winchester, VA

Bikes: Too darn many.. latest count is 11

Oh man. Popcorn time. This is like a Ford vs Chevy war .

I swear by Boeshield T9 but YMMV.
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Old 06-14-11 | 07:07 PM
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I personally like DuPont Teflon Multi-Use Lubricant. (It wouldn't surprise me to find out most other Teflon lube is just repackaged DuPont...)

I keep three chains in rotation. The two not on the bike live in jars full of mineral spirits and get shaken every few days.

Towards the end of the month, I take one out, dry it off, and lube it with DuPont teflon lube and let it dry.

First day of the month (or first ride of the month) I take the newly-lubed chain, wipe off the excess lube very thoroughly, take off the dirty chain and put it into the jar of mineral spirits, and put on the newly-lubed chain.

Right now, I have about 3,000 miles on each chain in my rotation and I haven't noted any chain stretch at all when I last swapped out my chain.

Now, these chains don't see much service on wet rides, FWIW. But my chain doesn't seem to attract much dirt/grime and doesn't get that greasy over the course of the month.
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Old 06-14-11 | 07:17 PM
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From: Coupeville, WA

Bikes: 84 Raleigh Technium- 89 Shogun Mt. Bike-96 Miyata 914

Main thing is to end up with a chain that is lubed but not over lubed so it slops oil everywhere and attracts dirt and gets all cruded up.
As for the best lube?
My Grandpa always said, " Opinions are like rear ends, everybody has one and some of them stink."
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