Lube

[ChrisV]

I've been using dry ceramic lube.

Had my bike in at the LBS for a few things, one of which was a new chain.

It is a reputable LBS so when it came back with a sticky, greasy kind of feeling from the chain, I thought to myself 'This is not dry lube, I must be using the wrong stuff!'

What do you reckon an LBS are using in their workshop? I could phone and ask, just wondering if it is more suited to these conditions and if so what one should I buy?

 

[derrick]

It's cheaper for them to use the sticky stuff, But so do i.

 

[gbb]

That sticky stuff will be the chain manufacturers wax, lubricant, protective coat, whatever. Its fine to run that for a while then lube as normal.
I wouldn't think your, or any LBS would lube a new chain.

 

[Smurfy]

gbb is correct, the factory lube on chains is usually a slightly sticky grease.

If you want to use dry lube you need to totally degrease the chain first, or the dry lube will not adhere properly.

 

[Citius]

The stuff new chains are coated with has more to do with preservation than lubrication. I will usually clean the stuff off the outside of the chain and then run it for a week or so, before adding my own lube...

 

[ChrisV]

So, I'll degrease it today - in this monsoon, miserable, constantly p*shing it down summer, should I go wet lube rather than dry?

 

[bpsmith]

So, I'll degrease it today - in this monsoon, miserable, constantly p*shing it down summer, should I go wet lube rather than dry?

Depends if you plan on riding it in the wet I guess?

I am of the mindset that you should use Dry Lube wherever possible and Wet Lube if you really have to. Riding when you know it's going to be wet is always time for Wet Lube.

 

[Mobytek]

When fitting new chains I give them a degreasing and a scrub, then lubricate.

impact greasing (same as to cables) allows for preservation in the pack, avoids oxidisation etc thus keeping it "factory fresh"

It is however no use as a lubricant. it is thick and gloopy, attracts all sorts of dust and crap, so I get rid of it and start as I mean to go on.

takes a bit more time, but better long run effect. And use the BEST lube you can - there's something to be said for technology.

 

[Smurfy]

Don't see the point of degreasing unless you want to use dry lube. The factory grease and wet lube will work fine together. Only reason to totally degrease is because dry lube won't adhere to an oily/greasy chain.

 

[RebornBumbler]

If in doubt - Sheldon:

New chains come pre-lubricated with a grease-type lubricant which has been installed at the factory. This is an excellent lubricant, and has been made to permeate all of the internal interstices in the chain. This factory lube is superior to any lube that you can apply after the fact.

Some people make the bad mistake of deliberately removing this superior lubricant. Don't do this!

The factory lubricant all by itself is usually good for several hundred miles of service if the bike is not ridden in wet or dusty conditions. It is best not to apply any sort of lube to a new chain until it is clearly needed, because any wet lube you can apply will dilute the factory lube.

[This type of lubricant, like wax, needs to be heated during application, but it could be applied at home or in the bike shop too, if available -- John Allen]

 

[bpsmith]

So why is this factory lubenot available to us all?

They could make a fortune!

 

[Gravity Aided]

I wonder if it isn't like Gulfwax, what we know as paraffin in the States. Mostly used for home canning, which strikes me as odd, since it is a petroleum by-product.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraffin_wax

 

[mybike]

So why is this factory lubenot available to us all?

They could make a fortune!

Sounds like the wax I uses to use for my MC chains. You get a tin, heat it and drop the chain in. After a while you take the chain out & hang up to dry. I used 2 chains, one on the bike & one in the tin. About £25 a tin today I think.

 

[bpsmith]

Sounds like the wax I uses to use for my MC chains. You get a tin, heat it and drop the chain in. After a while you take the chain out & hang up to dry. I used 2 chains, one on the bike & one in the tin. About £25 a tin today I think.

I fall in the clean it off and then lube camp, as a couple of others above. Very happy with what I now use.

I am interested in how your stuff works though. How does it compare to more main stream type lubes?

 

[mybike]

I fall in the clean it off and then lube camp, as a couple of others above. Very happy with what I now use.

I am interested in how your stuff works though. How does it compare to more main stream type lubes?

When I had a motorbike it was main stream & it seemed to work very well.