chain maintenance

**Dan** · #1 10-08-2009, 06:07 PM

Worked on the @$^$(&&*+*&+# GB for hrs today. After getting that going, I noticed my chain looked awful. Dried out, old grease. Was just going to lube it and the clip snapped. I looked around the net and there are lots of opinions. (imagine that, lol) Just wondering what folks here do for chain maintenance?

A lot of what I read was kerosene to clean and good lube every 200 miles.

(I have used bacon grease and it really worked great)(( no, dogs did not chase me and it didn't rot. lol))

bandito · #2 10-08-2009, 06:16 PM

Chain maintenance is like oil everyone has an opinion. With my bicycle I use a silicone based spray lube, teflon would be good too. Clean chain is also better than a muddy one. I usually lube it about once a month...try this site it has everything to do with bicycles.......Sheldon Brown's Home Page

Outrunner · #3 10-08-2009, 06:31 PM

I buy my chain lube from motorcycle shops. They sell several brands
of spray on chain lube that doesn't fling off while riding.It's the only
way to go for any bike going over 10 mph for extended periods of riding.

bseelbach · #4 10-08-2009, 07:56 PM

Everyone has their opinion. I follow tips from hardcore biking friends. After the chain is clean use white lightning lubricant. It is a semi solid that dries to leave a wax coating. You need to start with a clean chain as the logic is that it protects the chain and keeps grime from adhering. Most bike shops carry it and I have seen in at Wally World as well.
White Lightning

Careful with the application. If you're worried about aesthetics, keep it off your tires. It dries opaque white- quite visible on black tires. Once dried its a pain to wipe off rubber.

Kevlarr · #5 10-08-2009, 08:15 PM

I've heard that you shouldn't clean a chain with anything harsh like carb spray, brake cleaner, etc. because it will remove all the lube from the chain and unless you remove and soak it in oil you run the risk of running the rollers dry.

Most everything I've heard about chain cleaning is for MTBs but it should apply to any bike, just clean it with warm water and dish soap, dry and use spray lube. I remember seeing a chain cleaning system years ago that clamped over the rear derailleur, it even had brushes inside, you filled it with soap and water then just cranked the pedals for a while with the bike on a stand. The thing looked more gimmicky then anything.

cajunmike · #6 10-08-2009, 09:00 PM

Pack a chain in vasoline and bake it in the oven for and hour.

davearoy · #7 10-08-2009, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan

Worked on the @$^$(&&*+*&+# GB for hrs today. After getting that going, I noticed my chain looked awful. Dried out, old grease. Was just going to lube it and the clip snapped. I looked around the net and there are lots of opinions. (imagine that, lol) Just wondering what folks here do for chain maintenance?

A lot of what I read was kerosene to clean and good lube every 200 miles.

(I have used bacon grease and it really worked great)(( no, dogs did not chase me and it didn't rot. lol))

I use "Chain Saw Oil" mainly because I have a gallon of the stuff laying around. It appears to lube the chain well, I do not pick up any dirt. I never thought about the spray stuff, I might give that a try as well

**2door** · #8 10-08-2009, 09:50 PM

I've posted this before, ages ago, and can't find the thread but here's something I learned from a dirt bike rider friend of mine. Remove the chain, you do have a master link, right? Soak it in Scott's Liquid Gold. It's a wood cleaner and preservative but the ingredients are good for many other things, bike chains and squeaky door hinges. The product cleans and lubricates the chain. I do mine about once a month. Works great. Hint: Scott's Liquid Gold comes in either aerosol or pourable containers. Get the pourable and fill a shallow container that is big enough to hold your chain. Shake it around and you'll see the dirt, grease and grime that comes out. Afterwards hang the chain up and let it drip for a while before reinstalling. I wipe the access oil off with a paper towel.
Tom

bairdco · #9 10-08-2009, 10:19 PM

i just let my pants leg clean it off for me...

xlite · #10 10-09-2009, 07:39 AM

I've been using motor oil from a squirt bottle for the past 30 years. I would never remove a chain just to clean it but will dunk one in a bucket of 50:1 if it's already off. I'm the only one in my small circle of friends that has not had a chain break or wear out yet. My theory is the layer of crud protects from grit and loss of lubricant.

Recently been experimenting with Green Grease. Not looking too good as it leaves a HUGE mess and the chain looks kinda dry after a while.