The best chain lube

[battered]

I like the approach the motorcyclists use, with devices like the Scottoiler that uses engine vacuum (I think) to open a valve and allow oil to drip from a container onto the chain. I have also heard of a chap who DIYed something similar, it was a bottle tucked away somewhere with a pipe and a tap, set up to drip on the chain once every few seconds. I think he refilled it with old engine oil, the only hazard was that if he forgot to turn it off it would empty itself on his garage floor. I remember that 2 stroke bikes sometimes used to route the exhaust over the chain too, so any oil mist went on the chain.

 

[battered]

That'll do it. A bit of a sledgehammer to crack a nut on a bike though, where access is dead easy and workrate low. I used to take a little bottle between 2 of us on Polaris rides, that was enough. Same for touring.

 

[swee'pea99]

Here you go, a Scottoiler for bicycles https://newatlas.com/scottoiler-cycle-s1/39072/

Although it was trying to raise funds on kickstarter a few years ago so may not be around for purchase.

"The planned retail price is $280."

Is it now. Well good luck with that, lads.

 

[swee'pea99]

PS I've been using this stuff for years, and rate it:

But I'm sure there are others just as good.

 

[fossyant]

My mate used oil from tinned fish when he was on a world tour. Down side, blooming ants had a good munch at his toe straps as the oil had got onto his hands, then the toe straps.

Maybe avoid fish oil in warm climates !

PS I prefer wet lubes applied sparingly, and not the super sticky stuff !

 

[Ming the Merciless]

My mate used oil from tinned fish when he was on a world tour. Down side, blooming ants had a good munch at his toe straps as the oil had got onto his hands, then the toe straps.

Maybe avoid fish oil in warm climates !

PS I prefer wet lubes applied sparingly, and not the super sticky stuff !

Something stinks about this tale

 

[T4tomo]

View attachment 586353

I've just got some of this, where ever i was ordering what ever else i was ordering didnt have Squirt in stock, so I reckoned this was worth a try.

is it best to put on the night before and let it dry, think I read that in a review or something

 

[Profpointy]

I use car engine oil, primarily because I have enough for the next 400 years worth of cycling and it's the wrong grade for my current car

 

[Spiderweb]

View attachment 586512
I've just got some of this, where ever i was ordering what ever else i was ordering didnt have Squirt in stock, so I reckoned this was worth a try.

is it best to put on the night before and let it dry, think I read that in a review or something

I usually apply an hour or two before riding, it doesn’t dry.

My chain cleaning routine is;

Spray WD40 on to a cloth and give the chain a good wipe clean.
Dot each roller with lube.
Hand spin the crank a few times to let the lube ‘settle in’ and leave for an hour or so.
Give the chain a quick wipe to remove excess.

 

[Tenkaykev]

I usually lay the chain under the basket in the pan when Mrs Tenkaykev is cooking chips.

 

[snorri]

On tour, in extremis I have used the remnants of en engine oil carton.

Pssst! Following exhausting trials I can say it also works on my local road network.