LUBRICANTS

nil1121

Hello

My whole family have decided to get into a bit of light off road biking so i have purchased 5 secondhand bikes :

TREK 4300
SPECIALIZED HARDROCK SPORT
FELT Q650
Dawes Tekarra
SARACEN 24" ALUMINIUM 7005 OXIDE

This is all very new to me and im reading up as much as i can on maintenance but was wondering what lubricants to use on the chain and cables.

are there any other obvious parts i need to lubricate after using the bikes ?

thanks

Growmac

Don't lubricate cables, they shouldn't need it, and if they do then that is telling you to replace the cables. If you oil them then they will get gumed up and stop working again pretty soon after.

Chain lube is a matter of personal preference. I like Finish Line Dry lube at the moment. It's very light, and doesn't pick up dirt at all, but I tend to clean the chain and then re-lube before every ride (chains are expensive). Wet lube will last much longer, but is more prone to picking up dirt and crud.

There are plenty of threads on this topic on here, but like in the endless flat pedals vs. spuds debate, there isn't a correct answer, just personal opinion.

nil1121

thanks for the reply.

on one of the bikes a cable has turned a little brown, would that need changing or would a little rock n roll cable magic do the trick ?

thanks

Growmac

Gear or brake cable?

nil1121

I will have to check.

I take it, if its the brake cable it will need replacing but if gear should be ok ?

I think the bike has been sitting in a shed for some time.

thanks

Growmac

Well it indicates it's rusting. If it's a gear cable and the gears work okay then you're fine. If a brake then I'd say yes, they are cheap and easy to change, so I wouldn't risk it.

nil1121

thanks for the advice.

I think alot of the bikes i have bought have been sitting in the shed (thats why people sell them) would a good oil on the chain be all thats needed as long as everything works ? seems like alot of people talk about cleaning chains ? If i need to clean the chains do i just use a degreaser and then lube back up.

thanks

Mr Dog

I use a connecting link in my mtb chains. This makes the chain easy to remove and clean. They are also good to carry on long rides as a quick repair. Maybe something to consider in the future.
Finish Line is my lube of choice but you'll find its a bit like choosing shampoo.. too much choice
Don't use WD40 .. whatever you use make it bike specific.

cooldad

Clean them lube them ride them and see what needs doing

nil1121

what is a good chain cleaner ? knowing that the chains most probably have not been cleaned for some time ?

thanks

lugsey2k5

Fenwicks FS1 is a good cleaner 1ltr is about £7.
Can also be watered down to 10:1 and used as a general bike cleaner and mild degreaser for chains

jon1993

Liberal wd 40 to thin sticky oil on chain then strong jet was right on the chain between wheel and bottom of frame (stops getting on bearings) then rag to dry and relube strategy away that part is essential or your chain will rust plus a lot cheaper than cleaners out there