lube wet or dry

[chris folder]

Hi brand new chain on bike looks super clean I always use wet lube finish line or muc off with in week or two chain looks black and messy around drailer end Is there any way keep chain looking like new? Would a dry lube keep chain looking better?

 

[Colin_P]

It depends what, where and when you use the bike.

If it is a dry / summer use bike, then dry lube.

If it get wet and sees grit, then wet lube. But using wet lube isn't just about applying more. You need to wipe, wipe, wipe. Do a search for the "@mickle method" to learn more.

 

[slowmotion]

I have an ultrasonic bath for cleaning other things,but with an industrial degreaser like Jizer in it, chains and cassettes come out absolutely pristine. You have to get rid of absolutely all traces of degreaser afterwards by rinsing it many times in warm water/detergent, and then just water before relubing. A lot of people think that degreasers are the work of the devil but they do actually work amazingly well.

 

[chris folder]

Ok. The guys in the bike shop said you will never keep chain looking like when its new as there dipped in a wax. I will try finish line dry lube see if chain looks cleaner

 

[Easytigers]

+1 for the Mickle method. Just keep on top of it.

 

[Racing roadkill]

I empty a bottle of Muc-off into an ultrasonic bath I bought for not much, at LIDL. The chain and cassette and Jockey wheels,and hanger then go in for 3 minutes. The Chain then goes into a bottle of dilute citric acid solution ( you can get the citric as a powder from chemists / health food places). The cassette gets a rinse in white spirit. Then the freehub gets a wipe down with Muc-Off, the cassette gets sprayed with MO94, or GT85, then it all gets put back together, one final spray of the whole lot, with MO or GT, and it's good to go, looking like, and running like new.

 

[Smurfy]

Would a dry lube keep chain looking better?

Yes, but don't expect to put dry lube on top of wet lube and for it to work. You need to degrease the chain first so that the dry lube can stick. White spirit works well for degreasing.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

The issue is likely "within a week or two"

Clean and relube a lot of often!

 

[chris folder]

Hi whats this method lots use get a rag run chain though it until rag comes clean then apply lube. Never use a chain cleaner just makes a mess some say. Lots of top rider just use rags and then lube over and over again

 

[Citius]

I will try finish line dry lube see if chain looks cleaner

The chain won't clean itself.

 

[chris folder]

HiI will use a dry lube to see if chain gos black like it do with wet lubes most prob dry lube wears out quicker but if chain looks cleaning thats better

 

[Citius]

The purpose of a lube is to lubricate. Your job is to clean it.

 

[Cuchilo]

HiRun chain through rag add lube run chain through rag ride bike do often clean chain .

 

[chris folder]

Hi yes I would normally use a chain cleaner then lube a lot of good riders say run chain though rag to clear then lube thats it u can add any make of lube on top of each other dont make any difference useing chain cleaner liquid just makes a mess. Thats a new one for me I always use chai n cleaner I with try it without

 

[bpsmith]

Chain cleaner for me, with Citrus cleaner. Thoroughly dry chain with rag. Ride after a couple of hours of lubing.

Anyone who thinks a chain cleaner is messy, has either not tried it or was doing it wrong.

What's clean about wiping your dirty chain with rags repeatedly until it comes clean?