Chain lube - a slippery subject!
Evening all,
I'm a bit confused as to what chain lube I should be using. There seems to be conflicting advice depending where you read. I currently just use GT86 to displace any crap off my bike after a ride, wash it then re-apply GT86, but I know there are better products out there that are specifically only a lubricant.
Firstly, wet or dry, what's the differance, and are there any differences on how they are applied?
Secondly, are lubes generally easy to apply without making a mess?
And finally does anyone have any recommendations?
I want to look after the Dura Ace groupset on my new bike. 8)
I'm a bit confused as to what chain lube I should be using. There seems to be conflicting advice depending where you read. I currently just use GT86 to displace any crap off my bike after a ride, wash it then re-apply GT86, but I know there are better products out there that are specifically only a lubricant.
Firstly, wet or dry, what's the differance, and are there any differences on how they are applied?
Secondly, are lubes generally easy to apply without making a mess?
And finally does anyone have any recommendations?
I want to look after the Dura Ace groupset on my new bike. 8)
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Comments
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Wet if it's wet otherwise use dry. The wet stuff clings on more and doesn't get washed off but it generally is a lot gunkier. A drop on every roller, spin the chain a few times, leave an hour and then wipe off any excess.
I tend to use the Muc off ceramic stuff but everyone has their favourites.0 -
Do you not put any on the cassette or chain rings?
Also, do you put some on after every ride?0 -
don't put gt85 on it, the solvents in it will displace heavier lubricants that do a better job, a properly lubed drive train is protected by the lube, no need to spoil it with gt85
fit a removable link on the chain, then you can easily take it off to clean it, a heavy linen rag is good for wiping off cack
fwiw i use synlube, it's sticky so it stays in place in the interminable wet weather we have, apply every few weeks
if you only ride in the dry you can use a dry lube, but you need to apply it more oftenmy bike - faster than god's and twice as shiny0 -
sungod wrote:don't put gt85 on it, the solvents in it will displace heavier lubricants that do a better job, a properly lubed drive train is protected by the lube, no need to spoil it with gt85
fit a removable link on the chain, then you can easily take it off to clean it, a heavy linen rag is good for wiping off cack
fwiw i use synlube, it's sticky so it stays in place in the interminable wet weather we have, apply every few weeks
if you only ride in the dry you can use a dry lube, but you need to apply it more often
OK thanks. So only use GT85 to clean the chain before relubing?0 -
I only use gt85 after I've washed the bike to disperse water. I only lube the chain, jockey wheels and mech pivots. Not the cassette or rings.
I usually lube every couple of hundred miles in the dry, after pretty much every ride in the wet0 -
sungod wrote:don't put gt85 on it, the solvents in it will displace heavier lubricants that do a better job,
Not if the 'heavier' lube is already long gone - let's not baffle the guy with bullshit. GT85 is an ok chain lube, but needs re-applying pretty regularly.0 -
GT85 or WD40 are great for putting on a rag and cleaning your chain. But, as sungod says, they are not suitable for lubricating the chain.
I ran out of my customary Finish Line Wet lube a couple of months ago so experimented with what I had lying around at home. Stihl chainsaw oil and regular car engine oil were both a bit mucky and tended to fling off. But I have had great results with Comma Hypoid EP80 gear oil that I had left over since my motorcycling days in the 80s. It's just the right consistency for a wet lube. It stays in place, doesn't fling off onto your spokes or chainstays and resists water. I would still choose a dry lube for my best bike in summer but EP80 is my new favourite for winter and touring use.0