Drivetrain - lubing and noise

[Tc24]

My ancient Specialized Hardrock which I restored earlier in the year still isn't running quite right.

Chain #1 kept suffering stiff links, so I replaced with another identical chain and the problem seemed to go away (both Shimano IG51s used with a Shimano HG51 cassette and Truvativ chainset. )

Chain #2 has now been on the bike for probably no more than 150-200 miles, but after every 10 miles or so, seems to start making an almighty racket. Cleaning and re-lubing seems to quieten it down for another 10 miles, but I'm sure it's not normal to have to lube this frequently (heh).

Currently using Pure Dry Lube, which I'd expect to be ok as I'm a fair weather rider. Should I move to a thicker/wet lube even though I only really venture out in the dry, or is there likely to be an issue with the drivetrain that the lube just temporarily masks?

[Barchettaman]

Cassette and / or chainrings also worn out?

Rear derailleur and indexing out of alignment?

Shimano drivelines should run silently so something is wrong here. Perhaps your lube is just masking the fundamental problem.

[Gren]

Rubbing on the front derailleur? Worn jockey wheels? Could be a lot of things even just grit on the chainrings.

[BGarside]

Use a wet lube? The back-and-forth reversed rubbing motion as the chain bends around the cogs and jockey wheels tends to force the lubricant out of the contact areas within the chain, and the dry lube cannot flow back in.

I use Finish Line Cross Country all year round. Don't get noisy chains and it's pretty resistant to water wash-out.