Discussion
OK, simple task but one I am struggling to get just right. What is the best way to oil your chain? I tend to stick the bike on a stand and back pedal the chain whilst dribbling on the chosen wet lube but this invariably applies too much lubricant and does not really get it penetrating into the various joints, after one or two rides the drive chain looks a mess and needs a full clean. I have also tried various dry lubes but this just makes a bloody white mess everywhere. Having the same issue on road bikes as well as MTB.
Do just what you're currently doing. A little drop onto each link. Wipe off the excess and leave for at least a couple of hours before you ride. Very rarely does more than a couple of drops fall to the floor
Mine's filthy within a couple of hours (mtb) but doesn't get more than a wipe from month to month.
Mine's filthy within a couple of hours (mtb) but doesn't get more than a wipe from month to month.
I give mine a liberal dose of GT85. Run the chain through my thumb and forefinger on all edges to work it in. Then tension the chain with the crank and rub with a soft cloth. Once it's all clean then I give it a light coating of GT85and off I go.
Seems to work OK and keeps the chain looking fairly clean.
Seems to work OK and keeps the chain looking fairly clean.
I take my chains off to clean them on all of my bikes, only take a couple of mins if you use a missing link and is much easier - also makes sure you don't get solvent on the frame.
First I clean the chain in a petrol bath with a stiff brush, then allow it to dry. Then lay the chain on an old towel and drop a bit of lube on each chain link, allow it to dribble into the links for about 10 mins, then wipe off the excess with a dry cloth. The type of lube you use will depend on how long it lasts, at this time of year I use the wax based stuff.
GT85 is good as a cleaning agent and lubricant on stuck bolts etc, but I would not use it as a chain lube - it is not very long lasting and won't give the same level of protection as stuff specifically manufactured to do the job......
First I clean the chain in a petrol bath with a stiff brush, then allow it to dry. Then lay the chain on an old towel and drop a bit of lube on each chain link, allow it to dribble into the links for about 10 mins, then wipe off the excess with a dry cloth. The type of lube you use will depend on how long it lasts, at this time of year I use the wax based stuff.
GT85 is good as a cleaning agent and lubricant on stuck bolts etc, but I would not use it as a chain lube - it is not very long lasting and won't give the same level of protection as stuff specifically manufactured to do the job......
I give my chains a good clean with de-greaser and then run lube over them by running the chain backwards. I leave for an hour then wipe off the excess. I have a work stand which makes the process easier.
With regards to lube, I've just tried White Lightning following a recommendation on here. Not sure about it yet, the chain seems a bit noisier than with the Muc Off wet lube I was using.
Steve
With regards to lube, I've just tried White Lightning following a recommendation on here. Not sure about it yet, the chain seems a bit noisier than with the Muc Off wet lube I was using.
Steve
Steve vRS said:
I give my chains a good clean with de-greaser and then run lube over them by running the chain backwards. I leave for an hour then wipe off the excess. I have a work stand which makes the process easier.
With regards to lube, I've just tried White Lightning following a recommendation on here. Not sure about it yet, the chain seems a bit noisier than with the Muc Off wet lube I was using.
Steve
this.With regards to lube, I've just tried White Lightning following a recommendation on here. Not sure about it yet, the chain seems a bit noisier than with the Muc Off wet lube I was using.
Steve
I've not bothered with 'wiping off the excess' for some time now.
Cleaning the chain is one thing, but re lubricating it is fairly simple once it's clean and dry.
I roll the chain backwards, and starting at the 'quick link', I apply one single drop of my chosen oil/wax to each clean, dry link, 'dropping' it onto the roller adjacent to one of the inner plates. Then I simply watch science do the rest for me, as capillary action draws the lubricant in toward the hole through the roller and the pin within. By the time I've got back to the quick link, most of the oil/wax will have disappeared into the chain. A few quick revolutions of the chain and Presto! There's no excess to mop up, and the chain is happily lubricated and ready to ride. So long as you don't over apply it, the lube won't throw itself off the chain at speed neither.
As for cleaning, I was using a 'Chain Doc' aerosol and 'chain bath' type cleaner, but the tins of cleaning solvent are a pain to find sometimes, so I've resorted to an old ice cream tub and some degreaser, just enough to cover the chain, used neat with an old toothbrush to agitate it, and a rinse with the garden hose. Quick links, and 'chain off' cleaning are where it's at, I reckon.
Cleaning the chain is one thing, but re lubricating it is fairly simple once it's clean and dry.
I roll the chain backwards, and starting at the 'quick link', I apply one single drop of my chosen oil/wax to each clean, dry link, 'dropping' it onto the roller adjacent to one of the inner plates. Then I simply watch science do the rest for me, as capillary action draws the lubricant in toward the hole through the roller and the pin within. By the time I've got back to the quick link, most of the oil/wax will have disappeared into the chain. A few quick revolutions of the chain and Presto! There's no excess to mop up, and the chain is happily lubricated and ready to ride. So long as you don't over apply it, the lube won't throw itself off the chain at speed neither.
As for cleaning, I was using a 'Chain Doc' aerosol and 'chain bath' type cleaner, but the tins of cleaning solvent are a pain to find sometimes, so I've resorted to an old ice cream tub and some degreaser, just enough to cover the chain, used neat with an old toothbrush to agitate it, and a rinse with the garden hose. Quick links, and 'chain off' cleaning are where it's at, I reckon.
yellowjack said:
I've not bothered with 'wiping off the excess' for some time now.
Cleaning the chain is one thing, but re lubricating it is fairly simple once it's clean and dry.
I roll the chain backwards, and starting at the 'quick link', I apply one single drop of my chosen oil/wax to each clean, dry link, 'dropping' it onto the roller adjacent to one of the inner plates. Then I simply watch science do the rest for me, as capillary action draws the lubricant in toward the hole through the roller and the pin within. By the time I've got back to the quick link, most of the oil/wax will have disappeared into the chain. A few quick revolutions of the chain and Presto! There's no excess to mop up, and the chain is happily lubricated and ready to ride. So long as you don't over apply it, the lube won't throw itself off the chain at speed neither.
As for cleaning, I was using a 'Chain Doc' aerosol and 'chain bath' type cleaner, but the tins of cleaning solvent are a pain to find sometimes, so I've resorted to an old ice cream tub and some degreaser, just enough to cover the chain, used neat with an old toothbrush to agitate it, and a rinse with the garden hose. Quick links, and 'chain off' cleaning are where it's at, I reckon.
Job for next weekend then.Cleaning the chain is one thing, but re lubricating it is fairly simple once it's clean and dry.
I roll the chain backwards, and starting at the 'quick link', I apply one single drop of my chosen oil/wax to each clean, dry link, 'dropping' it onto the roller adjacent to one of the inner plates. Then I simply watch science do the rest for me, as capillary action draws the lubricant in toward the hole through the roller and the pin within. By the time I've got back to the quick link, most of the oil/wax will have disappeared into the chain. A few quick revolutions of the chain and Presto! There's no excess to mop up, and the chain is happily lubricated and ready to ride. So long as you don't over apply it, the lube won't throw itself off the chain at speed neither.
As for cleaning, I was using a 'Chain Doc' aerosol and 'chain bath' type cleaner, but the tins of cleaning solvent are a pain to find sometimes, so I've resorted to an old ice cream tub and some degreaser, just enough to cover the chain, used neat with an old toothbrush to agitate it, and a rinse with the garden hose. Quick links, and 'chain off' cleaning are where it's at, I reckon.
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