Discussion
Rich_W said:
Recomendations please. Better if "It's what theProTour teams use" 
Not GT85 though. That stuff is leathal. Even so much as breathe near it and it's all over your leg and on your hands.
On a related note, what do Shimano/Campag/SRAM themselves actually recommend?
Shimano will recommend their own, which is available as "dry" (grease in a carrier solvent: the same as every other "dry" lube out there) and "wet" (thick, sticky oil: the same as every other "wet" lube out there). Not GT85 though. That stuff is leathal. Even so much as breathe near it and it's all over your leg and on your hands.
On a related note, what do Shimano/Campag/SRAM themselves actually recommend?
Can't speak for SRAM/Campagnolo et al, although I suspect it'll be "Commercially available lubricant, depending upon conditions".
I've read articles on Pro Team mechanics using their own mixes and methods, usually involving something from the likes of Morgan Blue (Belgium firm, and with many teams based in Belgium, well...;))
The best lube there is, is the grease the chain is assembled and packed with. It's thick, sticky, durable and above all, right where you need it (deep in the rollers). It's a shame it's a PITA to reapply (boiling in grease, old school!). With a new chain I just wipe the side plates and rollers with a GT85 soaked rag and wait as long as possible before degreasing. Never quite as quiet/smooth after degreasing, sadly.
It's 99% marketing BS that's more dependant upon the application than it is the lubricant itself. It's heinously expensive for what is ultimately just...oil. Those who report of lubes "attaracting dirt" and whatnot are usually those who just slather it on everywhere and then wonder why the dirt sticks to the oil, which by now is...everywhere, usually where you don't want it nor need it.
Just stick to one type (whatever you want), use it sparingly BUT smartly (apply small drops to the gaps between plates/rollers only, not ON the plates nor ON the rollers), wipe off all excess from the rollers and plates, jockey wheels and gears, and above all keep it clean.
I use that red Finish line stuff as my LBS sells it, and it doesn't stink my room out too badly once applied (my main criteria!).
I use the red dry Finish Line stuff and GT85 on my MTBs
I use wet finish line on the BMX.
The wet stuff is terrible in sandy environments - it encourages every little grain to stick to the chain!
I also carry a little bit of white lightning if out for the whole day in the Alps or somewhere hot, dry and dusty.
The teams replace thier chains more regularly than I do!!
I use wet finish line on the BMX.
The wet stuff is terrible in sandy environments - it encourages every little grain to stick to the chain!
I also carry a little bit of white lightning if out for the whole day in the Alps or somewhere hot, dry and dusty.
The teams replace thier chains more regularly than I do!!
After every dirty ride mine comes off and into a tub of turps for a good half hour. Rinse with fresh turps and wipe off what's left. Leave to air dry for a bit, reinstall and then a drop of finish line ceramic on every roller. Works a treat. Do the job right and your chain will last longer. Not into spraying lube everywhere!
I still stand by Purple Extreme but I have to admit I am a bit anal about bike maintenance. Every two weeks (or less if the weather is nasty), I take the chain off, dump it in petrol, clean it with a stiff brush, wash it in clean petrol, dry it, reinstall it then put a drop of Purple Extreme on the internal pin of each link, wipe off the excess and Bob is your Aunties live in lover.
I like PE because it is light in density so actually penetrates the links rather than just sits on the outside of them, lasts ages (if you don't wash your chain every couple of weeks), and does not attract dirt or turn into black gunk within a couple of miles.
As for elongating the life of the chain I would not know, mine always seem to stretch before they wear out!
I like PE because it is light in density so actually penetrates the links rather than just sits on the outside of them, lasts ages (if you don't wash your chain every couple of weeks), and does not attract dirt or turn into black gunk within a couple of miles.
As for elongating the life of the chain I would not know, mine always seem to stretch before they wear out!
Steve vRS said:
How long does a typical road chain last? Mine has just done 2000miles, most of them in the winter. The bike is going for a service soon so should I just ask for it to be replaced. How much is a Shimano 10speed chain?
Steve
About £15 - £30 dependant upon spec (that's 105 - Dura-Ace)Steve
One of these... http://www.parker-international.co.uk/18632/Park-T... ...is a simple way to regularly check chain wear, and save the rest of your drive-train from premature wear. £7 is a good price too.
I have used KMC (seem to wear out very quickly), Shimano, and Wipperman but have settled on the SRAM PC1091, very silent running, smooth changes and seems to last longer than the others.
CRC have them for almost 1/2 price at the moment if you are interested....
Oh, and this is the chain tool I have - £2.10 from Planet-X
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/TOJWCWI/jobswo...
CRC have them for almost 1/2 price at the moment if you are interested....
Oh, and this is the chain tool I have - £2.10 from Planet-X
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/TOJWCWI/jobswo...
Edited by MadDad on Friday 22 March 08:27
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