more bike lube ?'s re wax vs no lube
03-25-12, 07:33 AM
#1
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more bike lube ?'s re wax vs no lube
Ok first off if you want to break my b@&s pls just dont even read this post 
I cleaned all my bike chains up yesterday and used the White Lighting Clean Ride wax lube..not sure how well it will work as I see mixed reviews on it.
1) if I dont like it can I just go back the the Epic lube OVER it ??
2) otherwise HOW do you clean it ?
I talked to a local cycliists here and he said " everyone will tell you my method is wrong but ive used it for years with no problems. I measure my chains and when they show 1/8" stretch I chg them. Usually around 3k miles. After every ride or everyother ride I spray WD40 on a shop rag and wipe down the chain until its clean. Thats it, I never use lube of any kind"
Now I know that oil or lube does attract dirt and you dont want that but it seems to me as a dry chain ( maybe its not bone dry ) would be noisy ??
It seems most of the lubes I use and even what came on my bike new seems to get black and dirty quick
I cleaned all my bike chains up yesterday and used the White Lighting Clean Ride wax lube..not sure how well it will work as I see mixed reviews on it.
1) if I dont like it can I just go back the the Epic lube OVER it ??
2) otherwise HOW do you clean it ?
I talked to a local cycliists here and he said " everyone will tell you my method is wrong but ive used it for years with no problems. I measure my chains and when they show 1/8" stretch I chg them. Usually around 3k miles. After every ride or everyother ride I spray WD40 on a shop rag and wipe down the chain until its clean. Thats it, I never use lube of any kind"
Now I know that oil or lube does attract dirt and you dont want that but it seems to me as a dry chain ( maybe its not bone dry ) would be noisy ??
It seems most of the lubes I use and even what came on my bike new seems to get black and dirty quick
03-25-12, 03:39 PM
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The cleaning method depends of the lube used, since whatever solvent has to break down the existing lube to remove it and the dirt trapped within.
If you're using White Lightening, the theory is that the solvent in newly applied lube will loosen and float away the old stuff with each application (not my theory, but I'm not here to break spheres).
Otherwise, go to the WL netsite, and see of they offer info on cleaning.
As you already know, (or will find out soon enough) everybody, not has their favorite lube, they also have their favorite way of applying it, and cleaning chains. Though I obviously have my favorite since I make a chain lube, I'm the first to say that there's more than one way to skin a cat (we don't do that anymore) and there's no single best way for everybody.
If you're using White Lightening, the theory is that the solvent in newly applied lube will loosen and float away the old stuff with each application (not my theory, but I'm not here to break spheres).
Otherwise, go to the WL netsite, and see of they offer info on cleaning.
As you already know, (or will find out soon enough) everybody, not has their favorite lube, they also have their favorite way of applying it, and cleaning chains. Though I obviously have my favorite since I make a chain lube, I'm the first to say that there's more than one way to skin a cat (we don't do that anymore) and there's no single best way for everybody.
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FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
03-25-12, 05:13 PM
#5
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This covers everthing you need to know. Bikes are simple tools. Don't overthink them. https://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/chain-care.html
03-25-12, 05:49 PM
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03-26-12, 06:12 AM
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FBInNY is probably the only person I've ever read on lube who says something *other* than "Do what I do, otherwise you are stupid". Props to him - especially given that he sells a lube.
Tell me - does it matter if a lube attracts dirt? Surely it would only attract so much, which then would largely just sit on the outside of the plates perhaps looking a bit unsightly. I don't see that the dirt is malevolent and sentient and determined to wiggle it's way into the pins and rollers.
Here's the thing though - I don't know. I could well be completely wrong. About everything. Except Chain Lube. ; )
Tell me - does it matter if a lube attracts dirt? Surely it would only attract so much, which then would largely just sit on the outside of the plates perhaps looking a bit unsightly. I don't see that the dirt is malevolent and sentient and determined to wiggle it's way into the pins and rollers.
Here's the thing though - I don't know. I could well be completely wrong. About everything. Except Chain Lube. ; )
03-26-12, 06:57 AM
#9
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According to the website Clean Ride is a wax lube (has an alcohol carrier) and Epic is a synthetic wet lube...correct?
If you do not like the Clean Ride, then I suggest you clean the chain before applying the Epic. Otherwise the wax on the chain MAY not allow the wet lube to penetrate to the rollers, wear (pardon the pun) it is needed.
*I* remove the chain, soak and shake in a bath of paint thinner. Road chains get 1 soak, MTB chains 2 soaks. I then wipe that down, then pour liberal amounts of dish detergent over the chain and flush it with a heavy stream of hot water. Wipe again. Let dry.
I put 1 drop of Prolink on each roller. One. Drop. Only. Spin the chain, shifting gears, then wipe off excess.
I talked to a local cycliists here and he said " everyone will tell you my method is wrong but ive used it for years with no problems. I measure my chains and when they show 1/8" stretch I chg them. Usually around 3k miles. After every ride or everyother ride I spray WD40 on a shop rag and wipe down the chain until its clean. Thats it, I never use lube of any kind"?
WD40 is better than no lube. But I'd say you'd be applying often during a ride. That's a guess, as I have never used it. WD40 is ok as a lube for door hinges or a pad lock. But bicycle chains spin fast and thus WD40 will disipate fast.
I asked Sheldon Brown something similar once and he said (not verbatim mind you, it was over 15 years ago)
Wanting a well lubed and clean chain is like wanting world peace without war, not gonna happen. Oil it when it squeaks, clean it if you want, and check it for wear otherwise you'll be replacing cogs and chainrings more often. If you hate cleaning chains, then I suggest a bare minimum clean just so the lube gets in there where it is needed. If you are CDO*, then clean your chain everyday. Your choice.
*CDO is the same as OCD, except the letters are in alphabetical order LIKE THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO BE!!!
