Lubrication

nzl51

Hi I just put my new bike together this evening, i am interested to know how people lubricate the drivetrain. in the past i have covered the chain and sprockets in gt85 and castrol chain wax to create a sticky gunk that doesnt come off easily and lasts ages. it does however make a substantial mess on the cassettes and the surrounding frame.

How do you do it?

thanks

S_J_P

Degrease (preferably using a chain-cleaner)
Clean
Dry
Apply lube sparingly to rollers
Wipe-off excess

I like my chain clean & shiny and not covered in black-clag :?

BigStu2

I've become fanatical with chain maintenance and I've found the the winter weight chain lubes last a lot longer. Clean your drivechain thoroughly, remove excess water by bouncing the rear wheel then spinning the cranks backwards and finally dry off with a paper towel.
With the lube apply one drop per roller, when every link is coated spin the cranks backwars (fast) about 40 revolutions. Take more hand towel and start to remove excess lube off the chain, chinrings and jockey wheels ( takes about 3 minutes), this way there isnt any excess lube to attract dirt and your mates will be amazed at the end of a dirty run how clean your chain and casstte are.

Slimer

Buy a chain cleaning tool, there well worth the money coz its a job thats worth doing after every ride - these come with decent instructions and allow you to get your chain like new. DONT EVER use dry lube unless your 100% sure its not going to rain (hey lets be fair when can you be 100% sure in UK!), I bought some of this stuff went through a shower and it all washed off the chain leaving it to rust, had to buy a new chain! Your b etter off with wet lube, I use the spray stuff which fizzes on application giving the impression it really works itself deep into your mechanical parts. Once applied take the bike for a short ride going through all your gears - this will lube up your cassette and chainrings. Then use a rag to grip the chain and clean of as much of the lube as poss, also pinching your jockey wheels to clean them, then sit back and admire your shiny new chain!

ride_whenever

Chain cleaners are a waste of money, put a split link in and then you can take off the chain to clean it. Scrub with degreaser (try not to immerse it as this'll strip out the lube from inside th elinks), rinse. WD-40 and on a radiator to dry. Then lube every roller as above, making sure to apply to the top of the lower run of your chain (ie on the 'inside'), wipe of excess and refit.

Also dry lube works well, if it rains then you don't need to worry too much as water is an excellent lube, but lasts a very short time. As long as you clean on return and re-lube it'll be fine. Slimer, how long was your ride that your chain rusted!

Ideally you want your chain to be as dry on the outside as possible to prevent stuff sticking to it in the dry, and lightly lubed in the wet to stop wet stuff sticking as easily! I also carry wet lube with me so if it turns out i have the wrong stuff on i can change over mid-ride.

Lubes i enjoy are KY (kidding), white lightning epic for the winter/wet, and finish line dry for the dry.

As you can see I'm a little OCD about chains

Slimer

By the time I'd got home from the ride, the bike had dried off and the chain rusted - Ican imagine dry lube is ok if your taking different lubes with you and if your organised enough to clean your chain immediately after your ride, but lets face it there are times when you get back late, wet, cold, its raining/dark, and I've got enough stuff im me bag already! Im my experience dry lube has proved a real liability, for me and others I ride with, its just not worth the hassle and can cost you money. Wet lube has kept my chain running sound, it might pick up more and need more cleaning, but its never let the chain rust.

paggnr

DO NOT PUT WD40 ANYWHERE NEAR YOUR BIKE - AND YES I AM SHOUTING!

landranger

Honestly, WD40 is fine for lubing your chain.

Just don't go mental with it. A good spray and wipe off is all you need. Honestly!!