Lubing my chain

[winjim]

Hang on, Mickle's a person? I thought it was descriptive, like the Rhythm Method or something.

 

[mickle]

Only if we can refer to something else as "micking". Anything else you;re good at?

I'm a keen amateur gynotherapist..

 

[jamin100]

Every few rides I mickle the chain with lube.

Once maybe twice a year i remove the chain and soak in white spirit, re attach and re lube..

 

[DWiggy]

I wouldn't do this. Firstly GT85 is expensive. Secondly washing it down the drain isn't too good. Thirdly GT85 and water is going to make an unholy mess inside the links. Fourthly spraying a light oil all over the cassette won't clean it and will force dirt inside it. Fifthly derailleur pivots don't usually need lubricating.

You should try it, as its doesn't do any of what you said and my chain lasts a good 2-3000 miles before it needs changing oh and its shiny clean to boot!

 

[bikeman66]

Hi all,

new to cycling and riding a road bike. I have done about 120km and noticed my chains is looked a bit crusty / gritty and doesnt sound smooth.

How / what / where / where do i lube my bike chain

Thanks


ST

I've been using a chain cleaning device for years with no problem at all. Certainly never had the degreaser running down the cranks and in to the bottom bracket. Usually use white spirit in the reservoir as it's a good deal cheaper than the "specialist" products.

I usually give the whole bike a good wash with warm water with some car-wash shampoo in it. When it's pretty well done, I use the last of the water to give the exposed parts of the drivechain a clean. Typically, a couple of cheap paint brushes of various sizes will get in to the nooks and crannies and I'll use a stiff dust pan brush with plenty of water to get right between the sprockets of the rear cassette. Next is the chain cleaner. Run it through about 30 crank revolutions, remove, change the white spirit, another 30 spins of the cranks then run through an old towel to remove as much white spirit as possible. Allow to dry before applying favoured lube (which for me, is 3-in-1 Dry Lube with PTFE). I usually put a couple of sheets of newspaper between the back wheel and the chainstay and spray the lube in line with the chain at the derailleur jockey wheel. The newspaper guarantees no lube gets on the braking surface of the rear rim. A quick blast of lube over the cassette while back pedalling will help too (although if your bike has disc brakes, make sure you protect the disc from any potential overspray with a rag).

 

[mickle]

I've been using a chain cleaning device for years with no problem at all. Certainly never had the degreaser running down the cranks and in to the bottom bracket. Usually use white spirit in the reservoir as it's a good deal cheaper than the "specialist" products.

I usually give the whole bike a good wash with warm water with some car-wash shampoo in it. When it's pretty well done, I use the last of the water to give the exposed parts of the drivechain a clean. Typically, a couple of cheap paint brushes of various sizes will get in to the nooks and crannies and I'll use a stiff dust pan brush with plenty of water to get right between the sprockets of the rear cassette. Next is the chain cleaner. Run it through about 30 crank revolutions, remove, change the white spirit, another 30 spins of the cranks then run through an old towel to remove as much white spirit as possible. Allow to dry before applying favoured lube (which for me, is 3-in-1 Dry Lube with PTFE). I usually put a couple of sheets of newspaper between the back wheel and the chainstay and spray the lube in line with the chain at the derailleur jockey wheel. The newspaper guarantees no lube gets on the braking surface of the rear rim. A quick blast of lube over the cassette while back pedalling will help too (although if your bike has disc brakes, make sure you protect the disc from any potential overspray with a rag).

How do you process the used white spirit?

 

[bpsmith]

As above, I have also used various methods including a chain cleaner, which happens to be what I prefer too. Never had any issue with fluid running down the crank arms. I suspect that the person suggesting this must have been using it wrong or being overzealous with the fluid.

Chain cleaners are so easy and quick to use whilst making it a lot cleaner to do whilst getting the inside of the chain clean too. The mickle method doesn't cater for cleaning dirt from the centre of the chain?

 

[mickle]

As above, I have also used various methods including a chain cleaner, which happens to be what I prefer too. Never had any issue with fluid running down the crank arms. I suspect that the person suggesting this must have been using it wrong or being overzealous with the fluid.

Chain cleaners are so easy and quick to use whilst making it a lot cleaner to do whilst getting the inside of the chain clean too. The mickle method doesn't cater for cleaning dirt from the centre of the chain?

The 'Old rag' method (formerly known as the Miguel Method) discourages 'dirt' from collecting in the chain. And chain cleaners are not easy and quick to use. They're just not.

 

[bpsmith]

The 'Old rag' method (formerly known as the Miguel Method) discourages 'dirt' from collecting in the chain. And chain cleaners are not easy and quick to use. They're just not.

Is the Miguel Method what was formerly known as the Mickle Method then? Confused?

How does it discourage dirt from sticking inside the links? It simply cleans off what is on the outside of the links surely?

What's difficult with clipping the chain machine above and below the chain, pouring small amount of citrus fluid into the top and then turning the crank? Within seconds, you have a spotless chain, inside as well as outside. Simply rinse and you're sorted. Wait until dry and relube. Hardly difficult.

 

[Katherine]

Hang on, Mickle's a person? I thought it was descriptive, like the Rhythm Method or something.

Everyone is looking at me and want to know what I'm laughing so loudly at. I've absolutely no idea how to explain!

 

[winjim]

Is the Miguel Method what was formerly known as the Mickle Method then?

The chain in Spain is wiped, lubed and wiped again.

I believe in France they Michel their chains whereas the Israelis tend to favour the מִיכָאֵל method.

 

[Citius]

What's difficult with clipping the chain machine above and below the chain, pouring small amount of citrus fluid into the top and then turning the crank?

Because running it through a rag is just as effective

 

[bikeman66]

How do you process the used white spirit?

Tip it in to a large container, let the sediment settle to the bottom and then drain off the clean-ish spirit. I've been known to use it as barbecue lighting fluid during the summer (after letting it soak in to the charcoal for around 15 minutes) but most of it goes to the local council recycling facility. I certainly wouldn't be tipping it down the drain if that's what you thought. I do have respect for the environment!

 

[bikeman66]

Because running it through a rag is just as effective

No it isn't!

 

[bpsmith]

Because running it through a rag is just as effective

How do you run the inside of a chain through a rag exactly?