Chain Lube but which one?

Irri_Tant

just used a Barbieri Bike Chain Cleaner to clean & lube the chain but what should I use to refill it for cleaning and lubiing next time or should I use something else next time?

it's for on road use only

Wooliferkins

I've used Halfords citrus and Weldtites degreaser in my chain cleaner both perfectly adequate.

skinson

I simply use GT85, spray on, wipe off. Usually every couple of hundred miles. No problems as yet.
Dave

nicensleazy

Lube its a minefield!

Tried the following

Finishline pro road - its a good lube with ceramic coating and allows a very clean and silent chain, however, it leaves a black film on the chain and cassette

Progold. Makes the chain look nice, but very thin and doesn't really go the distance - don't waste your money.

Squirt - thick wax, perhpas ok for a MTB but not a road bike, gets gunk build up very quickly. Also, not that silent.

Finishline Ceramic wax - very think, like water, not that great.

Syn Lube - contains Silicone - enough said.


I have just ordered some Sapim Race Oil which is supposed to be very good, I'll let you know!

softlad

skinson wrote:

I simply use GT85, spray on, wipe off. Usually every couple of hundred miles. No problems as yet.
Dave

amen

Irri_Tant

skinson wrote:

I simply use GT85,

which one?

Pump Action Spray or Pressurised Can?

I have the later

skinson

spray cuss it's cheaper!
Dave

fossyant

GT85 is not a lube for chains......

softlad

fossyant wrote:

GT85 is not a lube for chains......

evidently it is, because lots of people use it - and besides, it says so on the tin.....

as a matter of interest, why do you think it is not a chain lube..??

robvalentine

softlad wrote:

fossyant wrote:

GT85 is not a lube for chains......

evidently it is, because lots of people use it - and besides, it says so on the tin.....

as a matter of interest, why do you think it is not a chain lube..??

the layer of teflon is very very thin, as in it disappears as soon as any real moisture etc. hits it. awesome for door hinges and your d lock though.

just because lots of people use it doesn't mean it's the best.

softlad

robvalentine wrote:

[

just because lots of people use it doesn't mean it's the best.

nobody said it was....but it is still perfectly usable as a chain lube...

skinson

GT85 is not a lube for chains......

Oh! So the fact I've used it for 20 years on many many chains and never had the slightest problem counts for nothing then? I know, I'll change straight away, tell me what I should use will you "O" clever cnut!
Dave :roll:

gabriel959

I really like Prolink ProGold - I use it on my best bike. On my winter bike I use GT85 and it works fine!

nicensleazy

At the end of the day, if any product works for you, why not use it!

LardLover

I was just about to ask a similar question, but then read this thread.

skinson, you seem a little angry dude

Interesting views of GT85, I wouldn't have thought using as a chain lube would be that good, although now you come to mention it I used to use it when I first started mountain biking (sudden flash back in time as I'm typing :shock:) . Hmmm.

I'm currently using Finish Line Wet Lube, but would rather user something drier, perhaps GT85 would be just the ticket.

Tell me though, what sort of mileage are you getting before the chain starts complaining?

What about these dry lubes? I know the chain has to be spotless before applying, what are they like, worth the hassle?


So many questions, so little time aaaaaaarrrrrrrggggggghhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

dilemna

I like Finish Line Pro Lube Ceramic. Expensive but good. I've been using it for about 4 months now. It does go to a blackish film/fine paste after lots of miles but then you just clean and relube with fresh and away you go again with a silent smoooth transmission. It helps having a power link to get the chain off and clean it properly and relube fully.

I used GT85 for a long time as there was simply nothing else I could find that was worth changing to. Clean Ride White Lightning is pants. Avoid the stuff as it ruined one of my chainsets.

I was going to use Prolink Gold but couldn't actually find out what was in it. So gave it a miss.

I'd like to try Shimano's own PTFE dry lube but no one ever seems to have any in stock.

topdude

Have tried various bike specific chain lubes (including GT85) :shock:
Now back on good old fashioned oil because :
It is a lubricant
it stops the chain rusting
it makes the chain run quiet
it stays on the chain
it is very cheap £10 for 5L not £5 for 100ml
On the down side it does get black (as do other wet lubes) but i just run the chain through a rag after each ride, apply a little oil, run through a rag again, job done

Irri_Tant

anyone know what lube is used on the Boardman Team Hybrid chainset?

nicensleazy

dilemna wrote:

I like Finish Line Pro Lube Ceramic. Expensive but good. I've been using it for about 4 months now. It does go to a blackish film/fine paste after lots of miles but then you just clean and relube with fresh and away you go again with a silent smoooth transmission. It helps having a power link to get the chain off and clean it properly and relube fully.

I used GT85 for a long time as there was simply nothing else I could find that was worth changing to. Clean Ride White Lightning is pants. Avoid the stuff as it ruined one of my chainsets.

I was going to use Prolink Gold but couldn't actually find out what was in it. So gave it a miss.

I'd like to try Shimano's own PTFE dry lube but no one ever seems to have any in stock.

Yes, I also mainly use the Pro Road, I find it really workd well on my campag super record
.I wouldn't bother with progold. I have also just ordered the Shimano dry lube, see how it goes.

cjw

softlad wrote:

fossyant wrote:

GT85 is not a lube for chains......

evidently it is, because lots of people use it - and besides, it says so on the tin.....

as a matter of interest, why do you think it is not a chain lube..??

Not designed as a chain lube even if you use it as such.

This from Wiggle;

Top Features of the GT85 Lubricant 400ml Aerosol
Aerosol
Penetrating Lubricant
Water displacer
With PTFE
No CFCs
Great for derailleurs, cables, brake levers
Good frame polish
NOT chain lube!

And this from UK Bike Store;

GT85 is a general purpose cleaning/lubricating spray. Aerosol Penetrating Lubricant, Water displacer, No CFC's, does not work as a chain lube. Good for derailleurs, cables, brake levers

skinson

Not designed as a chain lube even if you use it as such.

This from Wiggle;

Well blow me! Of course they are going to say it's not a chain lube, because they want to part you from your hard earned to buy a specific chain one. Look you have said it yourself.

GT85 is a general purpose cleaning/lubricating spray. Aerosol Penetrating Lubricant,

It either lubricates or it doesn't? As I've already said it has served me well for many years, I think I've had to buy 1 or 2 chains in that time, mainly because I'm not anally retentive about what or when other people tell me that they should be replaced. Some people will take in washing..........I bet you fill your oil filter before replacing it on the car to eh?
Dave

skinson

http://www.gt85.co.uk/about.htm

Thought you might like to read this?
Dave

softlad

cjw wrote:

Not designed as a chain lube even if you use it as such.

This from Wiggle;

Top Features of the GT85 Lubricant 400ml Aerosol
Aerosol
Penetrating Lubricant
Water displacer
With PTFE
No CFCs
Great for derailleurs, cables, brake levers
Good frame polish
NOT chain lube!

And this from UK Bike Store;

GT85 is a general purpose cleaning/lubricating spray. Aerosol Penetrating Lubricant, Water displacer, No CFC's, does not work as a chain lube. Good for derailleurs, cables, brake levers

unfortunately, whoever wrote that stuff does not know their ar5e from the elbow. A luricant is a lubricant, is a lubricant. Granted, there are many types of lubricant, but believe me when I tell you that GT85 (and even WD40) will work fine on your chain.

Like I said on another thread - most people who slate it do not really understand it and have probably never tried it themselves. Stop quoting internet theory and go get some practical experience of it....

cjw

KY Jelly is also a lubricant - as a lubricant is just a lubricant stick that on your chain. An ar$ehole like you will need a lot of it no doubt.

cjw

skinson wrote:

it has served me well for many years, I think I've had to buy 1 or 2 chains in that time, mainly because I'm not anally retentive about what or when other people tell me that they should be replaced.

And regarding real world experience from skinson.

Let's see - you have been riding for 3 months

This from 1 month ago.

"Been riding for about 3 months now (always did use a bike just not a road bike) Just done my PB 45 miles in 2:45 mins. Nice ride out went to st annes pier. Then the heavens opened, still only 22 miles home I must say I prefer dry to wet weather!! Want to build up to around 120 miles in a day as I want to do bowness and back in a day, so hopefully by next spring I should be there. I get out twice a week and usually do 2 1/2 to 3 hours at a time. The new bike is a revelation, ribble sportive with ultegra. There wasn't much wrong with my old road bike a peugeot super vitus 980, just a bit old (like me!) The ribble is just so much easier to ride, I've upped my average by 1.8mph over 30 40 milers. Still only at 17mph though not quite "tour" standard... Still I'm only young....well a young 51, so plenty of time to up that average eh?
Dave"

And have just managed 45 miles.... OOooooohhhhhh LOL. When you get some real riing in see how the chain holds up.

Fos some reason, many people in the road section are opinionated and lack any knowledge at all. Anyone posting contrary is just using internet knowledge.

Now where is that ignore button.

softlad

cjw wrote:

KY Jelly is also a lubricant - as a lubricant is just a lubricant stick that on your chain. An ar$ehole like you will need a lot of it no doubt.

so because you have no real answer, you just insult me instead..? There's only one ar5ehole here - and it ain't me. Grow up...

FYI - I use GT on MTB chains, road chains and motocross chains - and have done for about 18 years. Works a treat...

cjw

But you are an easy target to insult.

OK, as regarding WD40, it was developed as a rust deterent, solvent and water displacer (hence WD). It is great as disolving lubricants and will not adhere for very long to a chain. It is probably better practice to use nothing rather than WD 40 as the WD40. I use WD 40 on my chains to displace water (actually more often GT85) then lube with a chain lube when the chain is dry.

IME this works well (more important off road in the mud). However, if you find that WD40 works for you, then great. Most tend not to agree with you.

softlad

cjw wrote:

But you are an easy target to insult.

and so are you mate - but we are not at primary school. The best way to cope with being proved wrong is to hold your hands up and accept it like a grown man - not call someone an ar5ehole.

Whatever else they are, WD and GT are both light lubes - perfect for cycle chains in my experience. Use what you like - but don't tell me they don't work, because they absolutely do.

cjw

edit: Actually cant be bothered anymore this is dull... off for a ride

softlad

cjw wrote:

Come now softy, I'm not your mate.... mate.

As you have been proved wrong, please hold up your hands then.

try some on your toy helicopters, 'mate'.....

anyway, I'm done with this now...

cjw

They're good fun acually (although I haven't flown them for quite a few years). And GT85 does work really well on the linkages.