In Search of Chain Lube Recommendations

[MMcG]

Hey Everyone,

I am currently using some Pedro's ice wax for my bikes and it's running low. I got it as a present from my brother in law along with some other Pedro's stuff and I was wondering if I should just go out and get a new bottle of ice wax or perhaps there is something better out there to use once this one runs out.

Any recommendations and chain maintenance tips while your at it?

Thanks!

McAskalot

[C.P.]

The ice wax chain lube has worked well for me. I have only tried a limited number of lubes, some wax based, but most of them petroluem based (read "oil&quot, and the Ice wax seems to be the best by far for all the riding I do.

A similar situation occurred a few weeks back, I ran out of ice wax, and started using an old bottle of phil wood "tenatious" oil. It great lube, but made the chain and drivetrain so dirty after only a few rides. I went back to Ice wax, and since have a nice clean drivetrain.

C.P.

[MMcG]

[quote author=C.P. link=board=10;threadid=2098;start=0#14392 date=1056116847]
The ice wax chain lube has worked well for me. I have only tried a limited number of lubes, some wax based, but most of them petroluem based (read "oil&quot, and the Ice wax seems to be the best by far for all the riding I do.

A similar situation occurred a few weeks back, I ran out of ice wax, and started using an old bottle of phil wood "tenatious" oil. It great lube, but made the chain and drivetrain so dirty after only a few rides. I went back to Ice wax, and since have a nice clean drivetrain.

C.P.
[/quote]

Thanks for the feedback C.P!

Much appreciated.

Mark

[AA]

Mark,

I agree w/ C.P. oil is messy. I use White lightning. I like it becuase its a "dry" lube and dosent attract dirt. I alway start with a clean chain then apply the lube (not too much). I then work the lube into the chain by spinning the chain for about a minute then I wipe of ALL of the excess lube on the chain. My theory is that I want to lube the moving parts of the chain not the flat surfaces. The result is a chain that is lubricated but clean and dry to the touch.

AA

[Tim]

I use White Lightning on my road bike, but for offroad, especially in the slop like we've had this spring, you're much better off with a wet lube. I use Finish Line Cross Country Oil; apply sparingly (one drop per link), let it soak in, and wipe off the excess. It's not as clean as the dry lubes but your chain will last a lot longer.

The other half of my routine is to alternate 2 chains -- when one gets dirty, I throw it in a jar of paint thinner and let it soak while I use the other one. The idea here is that chains wear about twice as fast as cassettes, so everything wears out at the same rate, which is more economical. I typically only lube the chain when I put it on after cleaning. This time of year, I swap once a week (I ride pretty much every day).

Hope some of that helps!

Tim

[MMcG]

Thanks AA,

Say, what do you use to clean/degrease the chain?

I had a Pedros degreasing system thing that also came from my brother in law, but it was plastic and it got knocked off the work table in the basement by Eddie the cat and broke! Damned Cat! (actually he's a cool cat, but he's going with my estranged wife)

So I've been using the Ice wax....applying it....letting it sit for ten minutes....then throughly wiping it off of the chain and getting it pretty clean and then applying a very thin new coat of ice wax after the chain looks clean and dry.....letting that sit for ten, wiping it off again - lightly this time and then going for a short ride running through the gears usually just up and down the street.

P.S. I need to get a work stand. Should I go full out for a Park Stand or is there something else that offers good bang for the buck?

McAskalot

[AA]

[quote author=MMcG link=board=10;threadid=2098;start=0#14396 date=1056118182]
Thanks AA,

Say, what do you use to clean/degrease the chain?

I prefer a solvent like gas or paint thinner to a de-greaser (both are nice and flammible so do put the jar next to the hot water heater pilot light). You can also use WD40, it cleans great and dries pretty fast too.

P.S. I need to get a work stand. Should I go full out for a Park Stand or is there something else that offers good bang for the buck?

My repair stand is 25+ years old so I'm not a good resource to ask that question. All the new ones look better than mine. I have used the Park professional model when I worked at various shops they are great but probably too pricey for the home workshop.

McAskalot
[/quote]

[Jisch]

I've got Park's consumer level stand, it works great for my purposes - though I was thinking of constructing a shelf to hang off it. As stupid as it sounds I like to work on my bike outside on the lawn. I spend a lot of time looking for dropped tools in the grass.

John

[gungywump]

[quote author=MMcG link=board=10;threadid=2098;start=0#14396 date=1056118182]


P.S. I need to get a work stand. Should I go full out for a Park Stand or is there something else that offers good bang for the buck?

McAskalot
[/quote]

Unless you plan on a full Shop-Quality stand I would recommend the Ultimate Pro. Great stand and it's portable, strong, and the legs are aluminum so they are lightweight.

[MMcG]

[quote author=gungywump link=board=10;threadid=2098;start=0#14400 date=1056121816]
[quote author=MMcG link=board=10;threadid=2098;start=0#14396 date=1056118182]


P.S. I need to get a work stand. Should I go full out for a Park Stand or is there something else that offers good bang for the buck?

McAskalot
[/quote]

Unless you plan on a full Shop-Quality stand I would recommend the Ultimate Pro. Great stand and it's portable, strong, and the legs are aluminum so they are lightweight.
[/quote]

Thanks Gungy!

Can they be purchased through a local bike shop, or will I need to go online to get one?

Mark