The best chain lube

mountain roadie · Dec 4, 2005

My question is what would be the best chain lube out there? I know there are probably lots of different opinions but I need a starting point. I've used pedro's ice wax on my mountain bike and dont really care for it, white lightening on my road bike right now. The white lightening seems to be ok but there might be something better out there.
Thanks

rePhil · Dec 4, 2005

Homebrew

Mix either 3 or 4 parts mineral spirits with 1 part Mobil 1. For $10 you will have enough to last a loooong time. Apply using an old lube bottle or a bottle with a small tip. Apply on the lower chain run, using a paper shop towel to catch the drips .Apply to 20 links or so then use the towel to wipe the area. Used regularly things stay clean. I rarely remove my chain for cleaning.

Kerry Irons · Dec 4, 2005

Lube dilemma

The problem with wax lubes is that they hold up very poorly in the wet. For very dry and dusty conditions, they may be the right choice. For most conditions ProLink or homebrew are good choices.

Assuming we're talking road riding, use the following technique for successful ProLink or homebrew lube (1 part motor oil to 3-4 parts odorless mineral spirits) application and use:

1 - wipe the chain, cogs, pulleys, and chainrings clean with a rag.
2 - drip on lube while pedaling (forward is better) so that the chain just starts to drip lube. Aim the lube between the side plates and between the bushings and the side plates.
3 - run through all the gears several times, front and back.
4 - wipe the chain, cogs, pulleys, and chainrings clean with a rag.
5 - repeat steps 2-4 if the chain was really dirty

If you do this every 300 miles or so (or when you get caught in the rain), you will not get any significant gunky buildup, and you won't have to clean the chain.

No lube is "perfect." A brite shiny chain that is clean to the touch but is well lubed and gives long mileage is still not possible. IMO, ProLink is the best compromise.

Cory · Dec 5, 2005

2nd ProLink--home-brewed's not worth the trouble, IMO

I've probably used a dozen lubes, going back to the old paraffin days, and ProLink seems to give the best combination of ease of application, durability, lubrication and cleanliness.
As the other post pointed out, it's pretty easy to make your own, but I can lube all seven of our family bikes for at least a season on a six-buck bottle of ProLink. Just doesn't seem to be to be worth the trouble of mixing up my own.

Kram · Dec 5, 2005

True Dat! I 3rd the Pro-link recommendation. Right now I have T-9 Bioshierld(I needed lube, they didn't have Prolink, they recommended it). I don't have enough miles on it to decide, but so far it seems OK. Also used Psycholube. Worked great but was expensive.

Dr_John · Dec 5, 2005

Another vote here for Prolink.

JCavilia · Dec 5, 2005

Slick Willy

This is my favorite. http://www.slickwillylube.com/clyde1/products.htm. Similar to Pro-link, similar price, but in my experience lasts longer and keeps things cleaner.

whit417 · Dec 5, 2005

Simple Green works best. But you gotta let it soak. Kidding.

Kram · Dec 5, 2005

Thanks for the tip.

JCavilia said:
This is my favorite. http://www.slickwillylube.com/clyde1/products.htm. Similar to Pro-link, similar price, but in my experience lasts longer and keeps things cleaner.

The "Slush Armor" sounds like a good cross lube.

Piles · Dec 5, 2005

Cant say im impressed with homebrew. Never lasts very long and sounds terrible after a couple of rides. Thicken it up a bit to prevent this and its too dirty. Try WHITE LIGHTENING EPIC. IMO the best all rounder by far.

JCavilia · Dec 6, 2005

Slush

Kram59 said:
The "Slush Armor" sounds like a good cross lube.

I don't do 'cross, but it works well on my commuter, which I ride through all kinds of crap (including slush).

Crazy Attacker · Dec 6, 2005

depend on the ride condition.
Dry or wet?
One thing sure, clean chain is the key.

Kram · Dec 6, 2005

Thanks. I think I'll order some.

mountain roadie · Dec 6, 2005

Crazy Attacker said:
depend on the ride condition.
Dry or wet?
One thing sure, clean chain is the key.

Dry conditions generally.
Thanks for all the advice here!

Master Killer · Dec 7, 2005

Pro Link is very slick. Hated Krytech, gave clean chain but dragged.

msheron · Dec 7, 2005

White Lightning

I use it and it has been great for me!

Master Killer · Dec 7, 2005

Also like TriFlow a lot. Thinner than ProLink but is almost as slick.

ProLink tends to be self-cleaning after a couple of applications. The impromptu back pedal test while on a bike stand gives the most revolutions for any lube I've tried.

Mr. Versatile · Dec 7, 2005

IMO, it really doesn't make a lot of difference. I get a kick out of threads like these. Guys will stand around for hours debating the virtues / faults of various lubes.

Shut up! Just get on your bike & ride the $%^$$% thing. As long as you keep your chain clean & lubed with whatever, you'll be fine. I would suggest that when it comes to lube, less is definitely more. Using too much, too often, will definitely gunk up the machinery.

Adeel · Dec 12, 2005

try this for homebrew...

use 5w-20 grade oil. it sounds silly but i think it works the best. does not gunk up on me and i have a ratio of 1:1. play around with the ratio according to the area you ride in

Kerry Irons · Dec 12, 2005

TriFlow problem

Master Killer said:
Also like TriFlow a lot. Thinner than ProLink but is almost as slick.

TriFlow is a good lube, no doubt. The problem is that it is, IME, a dirt magnet. So it lubes well and holds up well in the wet, but accumulates so much dirt that it makes things worse, especially from a chain wear perspective.

The best chain lube

mountain roadie

rePhil

Kerry Irons

Cory

Kram

Dr_John

JCavilia

whit417

Kram

Piles

JCavilia

Crazy Attacker

Kram

mountain roadie

Master Killer

msheron

Master Killer

Mr. Versatile

Adeel

Kerry Irons

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