Lubing your drive train twice

kitsunegari
kitsunegari Posts: 131
edited October 2010 in Workshop
Not a specific request for the 'best' lube I can buy, but more of a general query.

I read a while ago that the pro riders often have their chains and cassettes 'dual lubed', that is to say their mechanics have their own secret formula, probably tested by Nasa or something, and that they tend to use a grease first, and then a normal lube on top of it.

Are there benefits to this? I have to clean my chain and relube weekly, which I don't mind doing, but as I commute 30 miles daily it gets utterly filthy and I was wondering if applying some thicker grease first would help?

Comments

  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    I've read a couple of articles in which pro mechanics did it the other way round, ie a light oil on the chain first, then a smear of grease to seal it in / make it less susceptible to being washed out if the weather turns nasty.

    But bear in mind these guys are doing this every night, so the treatment doesn't have to last a week.

    If you're doing a clean and relube every week I'd have thought you're already doing enough.
  • kitsunegari
    kitsunegari Posts: 131
    Might well be the other way round and I got confused :o.
  • mrushton
    mrushton Posts: 5,182
    I've been at the Giro and at one wet time trial watched the mechanics for one team lube the drivetrain then add Shimano blue grease on top as they expected the course to be wet. Don't forget these bikes are being washed and relubed every day and on days off get new cables/chains.
    M.Rushton
  • desweller
    desweller Posts: 5,175
    Greases of various kinds are frequently used in engineering to help seal oils in unpressurised environments. As long as you don't mind your chain and cassette looking completely black then there's no reason not to, it should keep the lube in for longer.
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  • alan_sherman
    alan_sherman Posts: 1,157
    I did this for a wet and dusty tour lasting 5 days. It seemed to work well with the drivetrain remaining working fine with no additional attention. The grease seemed to hold the lube in and stop the outer chain getting dry. It did also allow muck to stick to the grease so the chain was black.

    In summary - works well, visually unattactive quickly.
  • bompington
    bompington Posts: 7,674
    I sometimes lube mine as much as twice every month
  • flyingbanana
    flyingbanana Posts: 57
    Just a thought, with no scientific evidence to back it up whatsoever, but won't adding a thicker grease just give something extra for carp and gravel from the rode to adhere to and turn your chain into an abrasive bandsaw after a couple of days of not being de-and-re lubed?
    The Stable '04 Trek 1000 | '09 Giant Bowery '72 | '10 Ridgeback Panorma | '10 Cannondale CAAD9 105 Compact
  • mrushton
    mrushton Posts: 5,182
    Depends how often you change/re-lube the chain. Remember that team bikes are being redone every day bysomeone paid to do it and the chains are free. Probably just as well using a wet or dry lube depending on conditions and wiping down/relubing on a regular basisi
    M.Rushton
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    Could go either way. Grease will definitely collect more grit, but then keep it on the outside of the chain rather than letting small particles get into the innards and accelerate chain wear. However, being on the outside it might accelerate wear of chainrings, sprockets and jockey wheels. And it'll end up on your white socks / saddle / bar tape.

    I favour frequent wiping and light lubrication, and chain replacement before serious chainring / cassette wear occurs.
  • kitsunegari
    kitsunegari Posts: 131
    I guess I'll stick to my 30 minute maintenance every Sunday morning then :).

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