Chain lube and front mech questions...

Iain C
Iain C Posts: 464
edited July 2008 in Road beginners
Done a few miles now on the new roadie (Giant TCR Alliance Zero) and loving it. However I have a couple of niggles and questions...

Front mech rubbing...groupset is 10 speed SRAM rival, but I do get a little bit of chain rub on the front mech when I start to get near to the "no-go" gears. Is this normal, and if it's not, am I best to eliminate it on the adjuster or just gently pushing the cage?

Chain lube...I usually use Finish Line Wet Lubricant on my MTB in UK conditions and I've done the same on the road bike, however although it came out the bottle a nice clear green colour the chain is already looking black and grubby. What's the best chain lube for road bikes and am I OK to clean the chain in a 50:50 petrol/diesel mix that I have kicking about?

Also, if I "break" a 10 speed SRAM chain to remove it for cleaning, am I right in saying that unlike a 9 speed SRAM MTB chain I need a new PowerLink to rejoin it?
Trek Fuel EX7
On-One Inbred
Giant TCR A0
Claud Butler Dalesman

Comments

  • meanwhile
    meanwhile Posts: 392
    Iain C wrote:
    Done a few miles now on the new roadie (Giant TCR Alliance Zero) and loving it. However I have a couple of niggles and questions...

    Front mech rubbing...groupset is 10 speed SRAM rival, but I do get a little bit of chain rub on the front mech when I start to get near to the "no-go" gears. Is this normal, and if it's not, am I best to eliminate it on the adjuster or just gently pushing the cage?

    Google "sheldon brown". then search for "derailer adjustment". Yes, spelt like that. Do NOT push the cage.
    Chain lube...I usually use Finish Line Wet Lubricant on my MTB in UK conditions and I've done the same on the road bike, however although it came out the bottle a nice clear green colour the chain is already looking black and grubby.

    Always clean a chain of any sort thoroughly before lubing it. Dirt plus lube can be worse than dirt. Ask Sheldon if you don't believe me.
    Also, if I "break" a 10 speed SRAM chain to remove it for cleaning, am I right in saying that unlike a 9 speed SRAM MTB chain I need a new PowerLink to rejoin it?

    Why do you think that? I've not had a 10 speed SRAM, but the whole point of Powerlink it make servicing the chain easy.
  • paulbricey
    paulbricey Posts: 84
    I've worked in petroleum industry most of my life and modern Euro fuels are highly carcinogenic (never mind inflammable & volatile) so go easy using petrol/diesel mix....in petroleum scale I would go white spirit if anything and even then it's an agressive substance that needs gloves & care....
    Briceyinstockport
  • kerz
    kerz Posts: 37
    i have sram rival 10spd on my look461 and when i first rode it the front mech did rub. a little adjustment using the 2 screws on the front mech will definitely solve the problem, i`ve done 700 dry miles since and have been really impressed with the sram groupset.
    when cleaning and lubing the bike i `ve been using a muc off kit comprising of a degreaser and a spray lube which also leaves a nice glossy film on the frame.i can`t bring myself to ride it in the rain so it`ll never get too dirty !
  • toli
    toli Posts: 8
    meanwhile wrote:
    Iain C wrote:
    Why do you think that? I've not had a 10 speed SRAM, but the whole point of Powerlink it make servicing the chain easy.

    I am pretty sure you DO need a new link for 10 speed SRAM chains. Although links are pretty cheap.
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    I remember reading that the 10 speed links are not meant to be reusable. I'm sure people will reuse them, but if it was my bike I think I'd invest in a few new links and use them. Once you've had a chain break while climbing out of the saddle, you tend to be a bit more careful when messing with the chain.
  • Mossrider
    Mossrider Posts: 226
    Not keen on degreaser - it can remove the oil from the inside of the chain rings. I now just give it a thorough once over with a rag and re-lube.
  • on the road
    on the road Posts: 5,631
    meanwhile wrote:
    Ask Sheldon if you don't believe me.
    That would be a bit hard :?

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