Keeping your chain well-lubricated is essential to prolonging its lifespan. As you ride your bike, dirt and grime build up on the chain and other gearing components. if they are not removed, they will begin to settle in and break down these components. Lubricants protect the chain against its natural enemies, like dirt and grime. Lubrication also keeps the chain and gearing components running smoothly, preventing metal on metal grinding. Since different types of conditions affect how well a lubricant performs, it is important to understand what type of lubricant will serve your riding needs best.
Dry Lubricants
Dry lubricants tend to be alcohol or Teflon-based, and when you apply them, they leave a protective film around the chain. These lubes are good for riders who encounter dry, dusty conditions because they do not collect much dirt, keeping the chain protected. Dry lubes do not perform well in wet or muddy conditions because they wash off easily.
Wax Lubricants
For riders who do not want to worry about cleaning their chain often, wax lubes are designed to clean and lubricate in a one step process. They go on wet, but act as a dry lubricant after they dry. When used properly, these lubes remove grime, clean and re-lubricate the chain. After application, dry lubes leave protective shield that repels dirt. Wax lubes are better for casual riders or those who ride in dry or dusty conditions. A disadvantage is that they do not perform well in wet or muddy conditions because they wash off easily. Also, wax lubes require more frequent applications to keep the chain clean.
Wet Lubricants
For off-road, wet or muddy conditions, wet lubricants perform the best. Wet lubes are thin enough to penetrate all the key moving parts of the chain, yet thick enough to not be washed away easily. Because of this, they protect better against mud and grime. Since wet stay wet, they trap more dirt. In dry or dusty conditions, so it is important to wipe away all excess lubricant. Wet lubricants, which usually are oily and mineral- or Teflon-based, typically stay on thicker and can last a long time. They are, however, a good idea for dry, dusty conditions.
Unacceptable Lubricants
You should not use automotive oil or thick greases on a bike chain. They do not penetrate into the moving parts of the chain, and they collect a lot of harmful grime. Vegetable-based oils are not good for bike chains because they will gum up. Thin spray lubricants are not good for bike chains because they evaporate too quickly and soon allow your chain to rub against the rest of the drive train without lubrication, causing metal on metal friction. Bicycles move too fast for these types of lubricants, which will remove any existing lubricant and leave the chain defenseless.
Lubrication Tips
If you use a spray-on lubricant, don't spray anything but the chain. Drip lubricants are easier to control. Use one drop per link of the chain until you have lubricated the entire chain. Pedal the chain backward while applying lube and then run through all the gears once you are finished. Wipe off all excess lube. Over-lubricating a chain can be as harmful as under-lubricating it, because it will collect too much grime. If the chain becomes overly black or dirty, it has been over-lubricated and you should thoroughly clean it before a new application. If you are using a dry or wax lube, let the bike sit for four hours before riding, so that the lubricant can set in and dry properly.
Member Comments