favourite chain lubes...

[Pupp]

Who's using what for what?

Anyone know anything more black that Finish Line Wet Ceramic (so I can avoid it)?

[Jimbo.]

Whatever's kicking around in my toolkit, applied sparingly to a wiped-down chain, with any excess lube wiped off afterwards.

All this "it picks up/turns into black goo" stuff is, IMO, largely due to people applying it all wrong: they slather it on, leave it as is and expect the chain to be utterly spotless for the next 1000 miles. It no happen like that!

EDIT: I would like to use that ProGold stuff (flows nicely between the plates/rollers and wipes off easily) but it stinks, and when you keep your bikes in your bedroom, that's not a good thing...

[Rocksteadyeddie]

Have used various Finish Line and Muc Off dry lubes and have just bought Purple Extreme on the recommendation of a forum. First impressions are that it flows well, smells nice, and seems to do the trick.

[yellowjack]

Jimbo. said:

Whatever's kicking around in my toolkit, applied sparingly to a wiped-down chain, with any excess lube wiped off afterwards.

All this "it picks up/turns into black goo" stuff is, IMO, largely due to people applying it all wrong: they slather it on, leave it as is and expect the chain to be utterly spotless for the next 1000 miles. It no happen like that!

^^This^^

I've never stuck with any one brand, nor formed any real preferences. No bad experiences with any that I've used (so far). I normally have 2 types kicking about - 1 x Wet Lube, and 1 x Dry Lube, and after giving the chain, chain rings, and cassette a THOROUGH degrease, I apply whichever one best suits expected weather conditions. If in doubt, I usually default to a wet lube as it's easier to give the chain an extra wipe down with a rag just before a ride than it is to re-apply lube if the chain looks too dry. At the moment it averages out at about 2,500 miles life for a road chain, and about 850 miles life for a MTB chain for me. Don't know if that's going to horrify of impress others on here?

[atom111]

I use purple extreme been good over the years in many conditions.

[SkinnyBoy]

I clean mine after every filthy ride. Remove chain using powerlink and drop into a coke bottle of turps. Leave to dwell for an hour shake and rinse through with fresh turps. Dry off and refit to the clean bike. I then put a drop of finish line ceramic on every roller and give it a couple of spins. Works for me. If you haven't got powerlinks I suggest you get one as they make maintenance a doddle.

[julianm]

Rocol chain & drive spray is excellent, long lasting & tenacious.

[Pupp]

Jimbo. said:

All this "it picks up/turns into black goo" stuff is, IMO, largely due to people applying it all wrong: they slather it on, leave it as is and expect the chain to be utterly spotless for the next 1000 miles. It no happen like that!

And in fairness to those of us who do apply correctly, the finish line product specifically states on the label that it blackens in use...

[Omaruk]

I actually use none. Have a decent chain in the 1st place like a SRAM 991. I just find whatever lube you use attracts grit. My chain and sprockets now last longer

With none I just wash it down and then dry and ride/ rotate pedals for a few mins. I am talking MTB riding maybe diff for roadies