First chain lubes?
09-14-16 | 01:48 PM
#1
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Bikes: 2004 Orbea Marmaloda, 1982 S12-S LTD, 1956? Maino, 1985 Sagres
First chain lubes?
Hello all,
I am doing a research project which, among other things, will discuss the history of bicycle chain lubrication. What were the earliest chain lubes, straight mineral oil? Pork lard? I need sources.
I know 3 in 1 came around in 1894, what was used before then?
Any information is appreciated.
I am doing a research project which, among other things, will discuss the history of bicycle chain lubrication. What were the earliest chain lubes, straight mineral oil? Pork lard? I need sources.
I know 3 in 1 came around in 1894, what was used before then?
Any information is appreciated.
Last edited by Seizedpost; 09-14-16 at 01:52 PM.
09-14-16 | 02:29 PM
#4
Bike Butcher of Portland
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Bikes: It's complicated.
I've heard olive oil will work in a pinch.
But don't use the first press, waste of good stuff...
But don't use the first press, waste of good stuff...
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
09-14-16 | 02:35 PM
#5
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A company called Price's Patent Candle Co. made a product called 'Rangraphine' which was a mixture of Rangoon jelly and graphite, specifically for chains. The earliest reference I can find is from 1902: 1902 Cycle Show (Stanley)
Last edited by realsteel; 09-14-16 at 02:40 PM.
09-14-16 | 02:55 PM
#6
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Thanks! I did a little more digging and found this, which might be useful.
https://books.google.com/books?id=2v...aphine&f=false
https://books.google.com/books?id=2v...aphine&f=false
09-14-16 | 03:32 PM
#8
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09-14-16 | 03:52 PM
#9
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Bikes: 72 Cilo Pacer, 72 Gitane GT, 72 Peugeot PX10, 73 Speedwell Ti,l, 75 Peugeot PR-10L, 80 Colnago Super, 81 Zinn, 85 ALAN Cross, 85 De Rosa Pro, 86 Look 753, 86 Look KG86, 89 Parkpre Team, 90 Parkpre Team MTB, 90 Merlin
Thanks! I did a little more digging and found this, which might be useful.
https://books.google.com/books?id=2v...aphine&f=false
https://books.google.com/books?id=2v...aphine&f=false
Note in 1886, J. Harrison Carter patented an "Oil-Tight Chain Lubricator and Gear Cover" which he subsequently licensed to companies such as Sunbeam. See:
Sunbeam Cycle
Sunbeam Cycle - It Oils Itself
09-14-16 | 05:06 PM
#12
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The use of whale oil as a bicycle lube is a complete falsehood, which was generated by a misinterpretation of period newspaper illustrations. The truth is that whales were actually early adopters of the newly introduced bicycle technology during the 1800s.
09-14-16 | 06:07 PM
#15
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Vintage Cyclist, I just flipped through that 1900 catalog a little. Thanks for sharing it.
The "Jointed Attachment for Cranks" on page 35 looks particularly interesting, does anyone know what it is?
The "Jointed Attachment for Cranks" on page 35 looks particularly interesting, does anyone know what it is?
09-14-16 | 06:35 PM
#16
Me duelen las nalgas
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From: Texas
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
One of the old formularies described Rangoon Jelly as a combination of Rangoon Oil (petroleum oil, aka Burma Oil) and paraffin.
Sounds similar to the hot mixture applied to some new bicycle chains now during manufacturing. (Naturally, when I need it I can't find the link to the YouTube video that demonstrated the process.)
Sounds similar to the hot mixture applied to some new bicycle chains now during manufacturing. (Naturally, when I need it I can't find the link to the YouTube video that demonstrated the process.)
09-14-16 | 06:57 PM
#17
Death fork? Naaaah!!
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From: The other Maine, north of RT 2
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You know it's going to be a good day when the stem and seatpost come right out.
(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
09-15-16 | 05:46 AM
#18
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It's a pedal adapter to convert a standard pedal into a swing pedal, as seen on the previous page.
