Nano-Ceramic chain oil? Really?
04-06-09, 10:29 AM
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Nano-Ceramic chain oil? Really?
My friend just bought some "Nano-Ceramic" chain oil.
Is this just marketing with all the current buzz words, like I think it must be, or is it possible that, even though it lacks the words "turbo" and "lemon scented" it's actually an improved product that will make our cycling lives better?
Is this just marketing with all the current buzz words, like I think it must be, or is it possible that, even though it lacks the words "turbo" and "lemon scented" it's actually an improved product that will make our cycling lives better?
04-06-09, 10:54 AM
#2
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I'm skeptical about any lube claiming to be so special that it's worth $2-3 per ounce when I can make a homebrew mix for pennies per ounce and provide sufficient lubrication to get 6,000 miles from a 10 speed chain. I've had chains measure 1/16 inch elongation over FOUR feet of length, even after 6,000 miles, with this inexpensive mix of mineral spirits and motor oil.
The primary enemy of chains is dirt. The clearances between the parts of a chain are large and there are no seals, so road grit quickly works it's way into the critical wear areas. I prefer a cheap product that I can apply heavily and flush out at least some of the grit and dirty lube. I always wipe the exterior of the chain prior to lubing and relube about every other ride, or 100 miles.
After reading some lengthy discussions on the topic, I've found that most people know little about how a chain wears and harbor some really strange ideas about chain maintenance. One common belief is that you can over-clean a chain, removing "valuable" lubricant from the chain. In reality, all of the lube in a chain quickly turns into a grinding paste when mixed with road grit, so none of the lube has any value. Another misconception is that is difficult for new lube to penetrate quickly into the critical wear areas. That's nonsense too. Any light oil, or heavy oil that's thinned even slightly with a solvent will reach the pin and roller areas in seconds, unless too little is applied.
The primary enemy of chains is dirt. The clearances between the parts of a chain are large and there are no seals, so road grit quickly works it's way into the critical wear areas. I prefer a cheap product that I can apply heavily and flush out at least some of the grit and dirty lube. I always wipe the exterior of the chain prior to lubing and relube about every other ride, or 100 miles.
After reading some lengthy discussions on the topic, I've found that most people know little about how a chain wears and harbor some really strange ideas about chain maintenance. One common belief is that you can over-clean a chain, removing "valuable" lubricant from the chain. In reality, all of the lube in a chain quickly turns into a grinding paste when mixed with road grit, so none of the lube has any value. Another misconception is that is difficult for new lube to penetrate quickly into the critical wear areas. That's nonsense too. Any light oil, or heavy oil that's thinned even slightly with a solvent will reach the pin and roller areas in seconds, unless too little is applied.
04-06-09, 10:56 AM
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I go with a mix of motor oil and mineral spirits. Apply liberally.
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04-06-09, 11:00 AM
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Did he buy it this past weds? (April 1st?)
04-06-09, 11:43 AM
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I'm pretty sure I asked this before but can you reiterate what weight oil you use and what ratio of oil to mineral spirits?
04-06-09, 11:54 AM
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You'd think so... but:
https://www.finishlineusa.com/product...c_wax_lube.htm
https://www.finishlineusa.com/product...c_wax_lube.htm
04-06-09, 12:23 PM
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Back in the day a small east cost company was selling little 1-2 oz. bottles of "high performance synthetic oil" for chains. Went for several dollars a bottle. Turned out to be Mobil 1 Synthetic motor oil. They bought the Mobil 1 in bulk and filled the little squeeze bottles. They made bank at east coast cycling events until word got out.
04-06-09, 12:24 PM
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My friend just bought some "Nano-Ceramic" chain oil.
Is this just marketing with all the current buzz words, like I think it must be, or is it possible that, even though it lacks the words "turbo" and "lemon scented" it's actually an improved product that will make our cycling lives better?
Is this just marketing with all the current buzz words, like I think it must be, or is it possible that, even though it lacks the words "turbo" and "lemon scented" it's actually an improved product that will make our cycling lives better?
Nano Nano!
04-06-09, 12:40 PM
#10
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The ratio can be varied anywhere from one to four parts mineral spirits or naptha (camp stove fuel) to one part oil. The weight of the oil is not critical. With synthetic motor oil, most is 5W30 or 10W30 and it's the first number that counts. I've also used oils as heavy as 80/90W synthetic gear lube - smelly and I dilute it at least 3/1.
04-06-09, 12:42 PM
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My old LBS used to swear by it, and convinced me to buy a tube. It turned black and gunky almost instantly, so I gave up on it. Wanna buy my bottle? (if I can find it.)
04-06-09, 12:50 PM
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I wonder if they swore by it because of the mark-up/profit margin? Is this why it is your former LBS?
04-06-09, 01:26 PM
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04-06-09, 01:30 PM
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(not that it really makes any difference but thats what I have used a couple of times since it was in the garage from the lawnmower lol)
04-06-09, 02:03 PM
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I use 3:1 10w30:Mineral spirits.
It's not an exact measurement. I just pour the oil until it reaches about 1/3 of the storage container then fill the rest with mineral spirits.
Smells just like ProLink, actually.
It's not an exact measurement. I just pour the oil until it reaches about 1/3 of the storage container then fill the rest with mineral spirits.
Smells just like ProLink, actually.
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04-06-09, 02:20 PM
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04-06-09, 02:25 PM
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This stuff was mentioned in a post like 2 weeks ago. Apparently it works well once you get past the gunky stage. I had some, I gave it away.
I use ATB now. It's the best lube Ive ever used. Makes your drivetrain super quiet and the guy that designed the stuff is a lubrication engineer.
I use ATB now. It's the best lube Ive ever used. Makes your drivetrain super quiet and the guy that designed the stuff is a lubrication engineer.
04-06-09, 02:41 PM
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ATB lube? Where do you keep the drum?
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04-06-09, 03:17 PM
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Who says selling inferior products at high profit margins to fools is incompetent? Bill Gates made bank doing it.
04-06-09, 04:13 PM
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04-06-09, 04:40 PM
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ATB is kind of an unknown. The guy doesnt have a website or anything and Ive never seen it sold in a shop. Here's where I stumbled across it.
https://www.serotta.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22338
https://www.serotta.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22338
04-06-09, 04:46 PM
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LOL.. different stuff.. For sure not repackaged. ATB chain lube is kind of thin and red in color.
04-06-09, 04:51 PM
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I LOVE Purple Extreme:
https://www.purpleextreme.com/Howitworks.html
but this ATB looks very intriguing, where can I get some?
https://www.purpleextreme.com/Howitworks.html
but this ATB looks very intriguing, where can I get some?
04-06-09, 04:57 PM
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I LOVE Purple Extreme:
https://www.purpleextreme.com/Howitworks.html
but this ATB looks very intriguing, where can I get some?
https://www.purpleextreme.com/Howitworks.html
but this ATB looks very intriguing, where can I get some?
Its great stuff. Best Ive ever used. He sends you a TON of documentation on how the lube was tested (Shimano actually commissioned him to do a lube test) and more info on chain lube than you probably ever really cared about.