Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Bicycle Mechanics
Reload this Page >

Choosing a chain lube

Notices
Bicycle Mechanics Broken bottom bracket? Tacoed wheel? If you're having problems with your bicycle, or just need help fixing a flat, drop in here for the latest on bicycle mechanics & bicycle maintenance.

Choosing a chain lube

Old 06-14-11, 05:57 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 137
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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.
techman is offline  
Old 06-14-11, 06:27 PM
  #2  
Older than dirt
 
CCrew's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Winchester, VA
Posts: 5,342

Bikes: Too darn many.. latest count is 11

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Oh man. Popcorn time. This is like a Ford vs Chevy war .

I swear by Boeshield T9 but YMMV.
CCrew is offline  
Old 06-14-11, 07:07 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,700
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times in 4 Posts
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.
achoo is offline  
Old 06-14-11, 07:17 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Ira B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Coupeville, WA
Posts: 890

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

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
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."
Ira B is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
IrishBrewer
Bicycle Mechanics
53
09-21-20 09:04 PM
taz777
Bicycle Mechanics
26
08-16-18 10:46 PM
azza_333
Touring
23
07-19-17 02:01 PM
DBrown9383
General Cycling Discussion
17
08-24-15 02:19 PM
vol
Bicycle Mechanics
15
03-13-13 06:36 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.