mschwett 

i can only speak from recent first-hand experience (no science) but the factory grease/lube/wax/whatever it is that came on a new shimano chain became absolutely literally fully covered with sand after a ride on a coastal highway. just incredibly bad. never had that experience with any of the dry/wet/drip wax lubes i've tried.

the grinding sound was horrifying. never again will i ride on a "factory grease" chain even around the block.

Lombard

And in this case, the original wasn't exactly a four star.

indyfabz

So you were trying for negative stars?

Lombard

Sometimes sequels are better.

indyfabz

Not in this instance.

elcruxio

not the one you asked but since I've nothing better to do

1) in nice summer conditions around 400km. Could go for longer but I want to try to keep wear to a minimum.

In bad winter conditions around 150km. So with three chains in rotation I'll be waxing once a month.

if the 150km seems short, in those conditions the need to relube with a drip lube was between 20-40km.

2) no idea yet. The websites actually studying this stuff claim around 15000km per chain. We haven't put those kinds of distances on chains yet since every bike has multiple chains. However none of the chains are even close to indication 0.5% wear. Also we too have not had to swap cassettes /drivetrains since starting waxing which is refreshing.

Wax getting gummy depends on the wax. Fully refined paraffin doesn't get gummy. If you add oils or some other softeners, it will but it'll also work worse. You really shouldn't do that. Some drip waxes can get gummy maybe? I don't have that much experience with those.

Maelochs

Yes, adding air on a schedule is ridiculous. Add air based on pressure, not the, whether hourly or annually. If the tires need air, add air.

Lombard

Oh come now. Is it really any worse?

Peevess

Absolutely agree

daywood 

Amen. I apparently have the credo that a project (any kind) isn’t worth doing unless it requires a new tool. 😂

tyrion

Another vote for chain cleaning.

Lombard

Because wearing a mask is a must while cleaning your chain.

Eric F 

Of course it is. You don't want your chain get COVID, do you?

Lombard

Oh no, of course not!

wolfchild

Chain lubing shouldn't be a complex chemistry experiment. Here are 4 simple easy to follow steps to successful chain lubing / cleaning.

Step 1....Wipe the dirty chain with a rag. You can use a little bit of solvent of your choice or rubbing alcohol.
Step 2....Put a drop of oil in each individual link'
Step 3....Spin the cranks to distribute the oil through the whole chain
Step 4...Wipe off any excess oil with a rag.

Easy peasy, no need to remove a chain from the bike, no need to mix and boil dangerous chemicals and risk an explosion and fire.

Camilo

How do you check the pressure? I check it with my pump gauge, and just top it off if necessary.

Lombard

Just don't forget to wear your mask while you're lubing your chain so your chain doesn't get Covid.

Eric F 

For a quick between-rides refresh, this is generally the way I do it.

If I'm getting into a deeper cleaning of my bike, however, I'll take the chain off and give it a swirl in a bath of cleaner, rinse it off, dry it off, and then lube it up. Quick links have made that process significantly easier...until I start dropping quick link pieces.

sjanzeir

Dude, you're doing it wrong! 😁

79pmooney

Obviously latex tubes are beyond hopeless. Mine all have thousands, maybe millions of slow leaks. (I've never counted them. They're too small to see without a microscope. But I am sure that mechanic cleaning the chain "the Sheldon Way" has that number.)

rsbob 

There is no such thing as ‘a waste of time’ in bicycle maintenance. On the contrary, bike repair can be likened to a holy and mystical experience because it requires patience, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of its mechanical functions. Sufficient study and practice will result in a form of nirvana where you and the bicycle become one as it performs smoothly and efficiently.

Additionally bike maintenance can be almost meditative or therapeutic, providing a sense of calm and focus. Like any activity that requires skill and practice, bicycle maintenance can lead to a more fulfilled sense of self. It ain’t no waste.

Racing Dan

Imo, conflating washing with maintenance. Its not at all the same thing, but many seem to think washing the bike + chain lube = maintenance, forgetting actual maintenance is more a mechanics type job. - replacing worn parts, opening bearings, bleeding brakes etc. Washing does next to nothing and the chemicals might even be detrimental if they find their way into bearings, the freehub, pivots etc.

Lombard

Well you could also argue that things like replacing worn parts isn't maintenance, but repair. For the purpose of this thread, I lumped maintenance as all these things.

terrymorse 

Cleaning is an important first step in maintenance. If you're working on a dirty bike, you're doing it wrong.

1. clean
2. inspect
3. detect
4. correct

rsbob 

Oh, I think its time for a disagreement!