Wax to prevent creaking?
#4
Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Gijon, Spain
Bikes: 2003 Kona Smoke, 2004 Fuji Touring, 2005 Brompton L3, 2008 Dahon MU XL Sport
I used regular candle wax to stop my seatpost creaking (applied to outer surface of the shim), this seems to work fine.
For the frame hinge I used grease as it seemed easier to work it into the hinge joints so I also used in on the mating surfaces between the hinge and frame. I know this will attract dust and dirt so a dry lube would probably be better.
That's got me thinking - maybe melted candle wax would work. Or, one of those 'dry' chain lubes. I think I will try one or both methods next time it starts creaking.
For the frame hinge I used grease as it seemed easier to work it into the hinge joints so I also used in on the mating surfaces between the hinge and frame. I know this will attract dust and dirt so a dry lube would probably be better.
That's got me thinking - maybe melted candle wax would work. Or, one of those 'dry' chain lubes. I think I will try one or both methods next time it starts creaking.
#5
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,984
Likes: 1
Bikes: Brompton, Dahon Vitesse D5
Let me know the results. . . I think I'm burnt out with all the mechanical adjustment stuff for a week or so, need a break. There's been so much on my bike that's required attention.
#7
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,984
Likes: 1
Bikes: Brompton, Dahon Vitesse D5
I've had a variety of creaks on my Dahon but it's to be expected. The frame hinge is the latest culprit as some of the paint has worn through and there's a small area of metal-on-metal contact now. That's the sort of area that I'd rather use a dry lube on.
#8
The Legitimiser
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,849
Likes: 6
From: Southampton, UK
Bikes: Gazelle Trim Trophy, EG Bates Track Bike, HR Bates Cantiflex bike, Nigel Dean fixed gear conversion, Raleigh Royal, Falcon Westminster.
My Downtube IXFS has a variety of creaks, mostly I think related to protest at my great weight. My Mini, by comparison, is very quiet!
#9
Explorer


Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 279
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From: Los Angeles
Bikes: Dahon Jetstream XP, Merlin Road Ti, Fisher Mt. Tam
There are several wax-based chain lubes out there that go on wet and then become dry. White Lightning, Boeshield T-9 Bicycle Lube, etc.


I'm right with you brother - I'm at the upper weight limit for my frame. But it dare not complain, lest I pull off the road and stop for a doughnut. 
Besides, the way I see it, our bikes are lucky.


Besides, the way I see it, our bikes are lucky.
__________________
I came to say I must be folding . . .
Dahon Jetstream XP
Dahon Helios SL
Strida 5.0
Twenty project
— or not . . .
Fisher Mt. Tam (c.1988)
Merlin Road flat bar project
Schwinn Twinn Deluxe
I came to say I must be folding . . .
Dahon Jetstream XP
Dahon Helios SL
Strida 5.0
Twenty project
— or not . . .
Fisher Mt. Tam (c.1988)
Merlin Road flat bar project
Schwinn Twinn Deluxe
#11
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Cooroy, Queensland, Australia
Bikes: Giant Mountain Bike, Bike Friday New World Tourist
I have tried several things to stop my Dahon Curve set post creaking, but have had problems with the seat post slipping down. Mostly things like furniture polish, because they are dry and don't mark your clothes. I haven't tried a wax products yet but in a thin layer, it might just work.
#13
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Cooroy, Queensland, Australia
Bikes: Giant Mountain Bike, Bike Friday New World Tourist
I have since tried using wax to stop creaking of the seat post and find that I still have the problem with the post slipping down. Out of anger and annoyance, I just cleaned off everything with thinners and not only does the seat post stay in place but the post doesn't creak. Maybe it is the dust and muck that builds up on the post that causes the creaking?
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 156
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, ON
Bikes: 2007 Dahon Mu P8
For creaking I use clipper oil, it helps for a month or so and then I have to apply some more.
TC




