Chain Lube - tried & tested suggestions?

KonaKurt

Sorry to ask what might be an obvious and common question to some riders, but here goes!..

It's time for me to buy some chain lube, and I'm not sure what to buy. I'm looking for lube that is maybe slightly thick and long lasting, maybe also wet proof, rather than oil thin runny lube that has worked off after a few days (a problem I had before last year). Oh, and not too messy or black on my nice gold KMC chain.

Any 'tried & tested' suggestions?

(I made a mistake of using WD40 last year on an old chain, which kept drying out!)

KK.

BorisSpencer

Finish Line Wet aerosol version for me. I can lube six bikes in about 10 minutes without fuss or mess. I use it pretty much all year round.

Northwind

I'm using Muc Off's aerosol chain lube just now, seems to work well... I end up mostly wiping it onto the chain with a rag, the aerosol spray is too inconsistent to really lube the chain directly but it's still a convenient dispenser.

supersonic

Halfords Teflon lube. Works great!

KonaKurt

Exactly how 'thick' and 'long lasting' would you say these are?

I don't mind taking my time applying it, so long as the result is top notch and long lasting in the wet.

KK.

supersonic

The Halfords and FinishLine Wet seem very similar. What we used on all bikes when I was a mechanic - and probably built over 1000, no complaints lol.

-liam-

KonaKurt wrote:

Exactly how 'thick' and 'long lasting' would you say these are?

I don't mind taking my time applying it, so long as the result is top notch and long lasting in the wet.

KK.

You'll struggle to find a lube that won't require reapplying every time it gets wet and muddy.

For the time it takes to displace and water with GT85 and relube with oil, theres no point in taking a chance.

I use finish line wet lube btw...I think its a fairly popular choice.

KonaMike

Another vote for Finish Line wet lube here ! It's avaiilable from Halfords and lasts ages

supersonic

To be honest, any wet teflon lubs is good. Avoid GT85 (unless in a real rush) WD40, 3 in 1 oil, and chip fat.

KonaKurt

It's looking like I might pop down to Halfords then. Finish Line might be the one then.
Thanks!

KK

http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp29 ... sionCl.jpg

http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp29 ... Swing1.jpg

-liam-

supersonic wrote:

The Halfords and FinishLine Wet seem very similar. What we used on all bikes when I was a mechanic - and probably built over 1000, no complaints lol.

I've got some of the Halfords/Bikehut wet lube, assuming the synthetic wet lube is the stuff you are referring to and I find it is a really odd consistency. Really thick gloopy stuff and very sticky as well. Takes a bit wiping to remove any excess but still attracts alot of crap when out. Also, when you turn the cranks to get it to disperse everywhere, it is really stringy and stretches like melted cheese(lol) all over the rear mech jocky wheels..The Finish line stuff is much better and not quite so sticky.

paulyh101

finish line for me too after cleanining chain i run some dry in first then the wet sems to work well :twisted:

paulyh101

finish line for me too after cleanining chain i run some dry in first then the wet sems to work well :twisted:

paulyh101

finish line for me too after cleanining chain i run some dry in first then the wet sems to work well :twisted:

supersonic

-Liam- wrote:

supersonic wrote:

The Halfords and FinishLine Wet seem very similar. What we used on all bikes when I was a mechanic - and probably built over 1000, no complaints lol.

I've got some of the Halfords/Bikehut wet lube, assuming the synthetic wet lube is the stuff you are referring to and I find it is a really odd consistency. Really thick gloopy stuff and very sticky as well. Takes a bit wiping to remove any excess but still attracts alot of crap when out. Also, when you turn the cranks to get it to disperse everywhere, it is really stringy and stretches like melted cheese(lol) all over the rear mech jocky wheels..The Finish line stuff is much better and not quite so sticky.

Odd, mine aint!

-liam-

supersonic wrote:

-Liam- wrote:

supersonic wrote:

The Halfords and FinishLine Wet seem very similar. What we used on all bikes when I was a mechanic - and probably built over 1000, no complaints lol.

I've got some of the Halfords/Bikehut wet lube, assuming the synthetic wet lube is the stuff you are referring to and I find it is a really odd consistency. Really thick gloopy stuff and very sticky as well. Takes a bit wiping to remove any excess but still attracts alot of crap when out. Also, when you turn the cranks to get it to disperse everywhere, it is really stringy and stretches like melted cheese(lol) all over the rear mech jocky wheels..The Finish line stuff is much better and not quite so sticky.

Odd, mine aint!

lol, seriously, it is orrible stuff ! I keep it to one side to lube up cables and suchlike....drop a bit on a cloth and run the cable through it....

This stuff ?
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... 8D71uz5xl3

supersonic

Hmm, mine might be an older one: in a silver bottle.

KonaKurt

I think I have decided on Finish Line Wet, seems to be popular and trouble free.

Super, Chip fat! I used to know some old bloke at work, who swore by using Flora marg thoughout on his old shopper bike! I bet it attracts insects in summer.

Finish Line Wet it is then

mudslinger

I've seen somewhere else that a few people swear by chainsaw oil - anyone got an opinion on that?

juankerr

Finish Line Wet here too.

canada16

I got white lightning wet.

Might try rock and roller or finish line next, nothing wrong with white lightning though.

I think they are pretty much a like, muc off, finsih line, white lightning, if they didnt work people would buy.

Sikora

Finish Line Wet here too, but i cant comment on how long lasting it is as i run my chain through a chain cleaner after every ride

turpinr

i've used different dry lubes but don't think there is a stand out.i wouldn't use wet lubes at all.gt85 is probably the best cycling aid imo and beats wd40 hands down.

Johnny Napalm

I've used 'Finish Line Wet' for quite a few years now, and it's one of the best. Lasts forever.

However, I recently bought some 'White Lighning Wet' (for a change) and I am more than happy with the results. I always take my chain off to clean, and once the chain has been de-greased, cleaned etc. the chain feels like new once the 'WLW' has been applied. I can see this stuff lasting a very, very long time too!

I have also tried 'Rock & Roll' in the past, and while it did the job, it doesn't last very long.

-liam-

turpinr wrote:

i've used different dry lubes but don't think there is a stand out.i wouldn't use wet lubes at all.gt85 is probably the best cycling aid imo and beats wd40 hands down.

A dry lube will be washed off pretty much as soon as it see's some mud and water...Not a wise move on winter trails...Fine in the summer if dry though.

Whats the issue with wet lubes ?

turpinr

i don't like all the crap that wet lube attracts.i always clean my bikes after rides and haven't had any bother yet despite using dry lubes

Noclue

I've used finish line, white lightning and others in the past and now use purple extreme, and can say without fear that it is the best lube bar none, on road, off road, winter and summer, the only lube you'll ever need!

gs3

+1 for Purple Extreme.
Been using it on my MTB, road bike and commuter and get about 6-8 months of application from one bottle over the three bikes.
Doesn't attract the usual grime that wet lubes tend to.
Initially apply to clean chain, leave to dry overnight then re-apply. Drip type nozzle which lets you apply it to the individual chain rollers without going everywhere else.
Done.

http://www.purpleextreme.com/

jedi_master

Using Muc Off Wet Lube at the moment, seems pretty good.

supersonic

Ideally, a lube should not really attract any crap - do it properly and the lube is where it should be, and not sat on the side of the chain making love to dirt.

Take time, and it will last longer. A good 5 mins spent I think.

ratty2k

KonaKurt wrote:

Exactly how 'thick' and 'long lasting' would you say these are?

I don't mind taking my time applying it, so long as the result is top notch and long lasting in the wet.

KK.

Best I've used is White Lightning's Purple Extreme. Last well in the Peak district going through deep puddles and all that grit, and is the only lube I use now.