Lube how often? - Page 2 - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

11-05-2004, 11:58 AM

John Everett wrote:
> Since I'm sure you've already consulted the rec.bicycles FAQ, you know
> that chain lubrication is a somewhat religeous issue.

Yes, actually.

Just wanted to consult the oracles.

Thanks for your advice!

> My rule of
> thumb, when it starts to squeek it's time to lube; but always remember
> rule #1) NEVER lubricate a dirty chain.
>
>
> jeverett3<AT>earthlink<DOT>net [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

11-05-2004, 11:58 AM

John Everett wrote:
> Since I'm sure you've already consulted the rec.bicycles FAQ, you know
> that chain lubrication is a somewhat religeous issue.

Yes, actually.

Just wanted to consult the oracles.

Thanks for your advice!

> My rule of
> thumb, when it starts to squeek it's time to lube; but always remember
> rule #1) NEVER lubricate a dirty chain.
>
>
> jeverett3<AT>earthlink<DOT>net [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

11-05-2004, 11:58 AM

John Everett wrote:
> Since I'm sure you've already consulted the rec.bicycles FAQ, you know
> that chain lubrication is a somewhat religeous issue.

Yes, actually.

Just wanted to consult the oracles.

Thanks for your advice!

> My rule of
> thumb, when it starts to squeek it's time to lube; but always remember
> rule #1) NEVER lubricate a dirty chain.
>
>
> jeverett3<AT>earthlink<DOT>net [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

11-06-2004, 09:36 AM

John Everett wrote:

> (...); but always remember
> rule #1) NEVER lubricate a dirty chain.
>

By the way, how and how often do you recommend cleaning the chain ?

I ride quite a lot (~5000 miles /yr) in all weather, and my chain is
usually quite dirty. 2-3 times a year I take everything apart, meaning
chain, cassette, rear derailleur, and brush the whole mess in a
petroleum jar. It comes out reasonably nice and clean, but not as clean
as the pro's bikes on a Sunday morning. And it takes me at least a
couple of hours. And it is a real pain.

So is there a more efficient way to do it ?

Turtle

11-06-2004, 09:36 AM

John Everett wrote:

> (...); but always remember
> rule #1) NEVER lubricate a dirty chain.
>

By the way, how and how often do you recommend cleaning the chain ?

I ride quite a lot (~5000 miles /yr) in all weather, and my chain is
usually quite dirty. 2-3 times a year I take everything apart, meaning
chain, cassette, rear derailleur, and brush the whole mess in a
petroleum jar. It comes out reasonably nice and clean, but not as clean
as the pro's bikes on a Sunday morning. And it takes me at least a
couple of hours. And it is a real pain.

So is there a more efficient way to do it ?

Turtle

11-06-2004, 09:36 AM

John Everett wrote:

> (...); but always remember
> rule #1) NEVER lubricate a dirty chain.
>

By the way, how and how often do you recommend cleaning the chain ?

I ride quite a lot (~5000 miles /yr) in all weather, and my chain is
usually quite dirty. 2-3 times a year I take everything apart, meaning
chain, cassette, rear derailleur, and brush the whole mess in a
petroleum jar. It comes out reasonably nice and clean, but not as clean
as the pro's bikes on a Sunday morning. And it takes me at least a
couple of hours. And it is a real pain.

So is there a more efficient way to do it ?

Turtle

11-06-2004, 09:36 AM

John Everett wrote:

> (...); but always remember
> rule #1) NEVER lubricate a dirty chain.
>

By the way, how and how often do you recommend cleaning the chain ?

I ride quite a lot (~5000 miles /yr) in all weather, and my chain is
usually quite dirty. 2-3 times a year I take everything apart, meaning
chain, cassette, rear derailleur, and brush the whole mess in a
petroleum jar. It comes out reasonably nice and clean, but not as clean
as the pro's bikes on a Sunday morning. And it takes me at least a
couple of hours. And it is a real pain.

So is there a more efficient way to do it ?

Turtle

11-06-2004, 09:43 AM

On Sat, 06 Nov 2004 18:36:15 +0100, cyclingturtle wrote:

> So is there a more efficient way to do it ?
>
> Turtle

As I've posted [many times] before, I use a toothbrush & safe solvent
(simple green) and lather up the drivetrain on the bike, then flush out
the grit with a high pressure garden hose, air dry and lube. Takes 5 to
ten minutes depending on my thoroughness and looks "race-day" when done.
Some folks use enclosed plastic gizmos with a couple round brushes in
them, which are less messy.

Certainly removing your chain and soaking it might get a better result,
but I promise I can re-shmutz such a chain in a single ride. LOL

Perhaps I'd spend more time if I used chains more expensive than the basic
Srams, but I don't see the need to.

11-06-2004, 09:43 AM

On Sat, 06 Nov 2004 18:36:15 +0100, cyclingturtle wrote:

> So is there a more efficient way to do it ?
>
> Turtle

As I've posted [many times] before, I use a toothbrush & safe solvent
(simple green) and lather up the drivetrain on the bike, then flush out
the grit with a high pressure garden hose, air dry and lube. Takes 5 to
ten minutes depending on my thoroughness and looks "race-day" when done.
Some folks use enclosed plastic gizmos with a couple round brushes in
them, which are less messy.

Certainly removing your chain and soaking it might get a better result,
but I promise I can re-shmutz such a chain in a single ride. LOL

Perhaps I'd spend more time if I used chains more expensive than the basic
Srams, but I don't see the need to.

11-06-2004, 09:43 AM

On Sat, 06 Nov 2004 18:36:15 +0100, cyclingturtle wrote:

> So is there a more efficient way to do it ?
>
> Turtle

As I've posted [many times] before, I use a toothbrush & safe solvent
(simple green) and lather up the drivetrain on the bike, then flush out
the grit with a high pressure garden hose, air dry and lube. Takes 5 to
ten minutes depending on my thoroughness and looks "race-day" when done.
Some folks use enclosed plastic gizmos with a couple round brushes in
them, which are less messy.

Certainly removing your chain and soaking it might get a better result,
but I promise I can re-shmutz such a chain in a single ride. LOL

Perhaps I'd spend more time if I used chains more expensive than the basic
Srams, but I don't see the need to.