Bike lubricants out the wazoo

When you’re shopping for lubricants, the first step is to make sure you get one formulated for bikes (as opposed to something that’s all-pur­pose, or meant for motorcycle chains, chain — saws, or car engines).

After you’ve narrowed down the possibilities to the lubes meant for bikes, your next choice will likely be dry (meaning, they pick up less dirt) or wet (meaning, they’re harder to wash away in wet conditions). Unless you’re going to be riding in wet conditions or crossing streams, we rec­ommend sticking to a dry lubricant.

You may also see wax-based lubes — these are dry lubes that attract the least amount of dirt and grime and will keep your chain look­ing clean. But they need frequent application because they don’t last long, especially in wet conditions. Also, they work best when they’re applied or bonded to a chain that has been completely degreased. Unless you’re willing to commit to frequent applications of lubrication, we recommend against wax-based lubes.

Lubricants are sold in aerosol spray cans and squeeze bottles. Many riders prefer squeeze bottles because they can control the flow, applying lubrication drop by drop. With a spray can, it’s too easy to get lubrication where you don’t need it (such as on the outside of the chain) or where you definitely don’t want it (such as on wheel rims).

Some manufacturers recommend that when you start with a lubricant you stick with it, and not change horses midstream. Regular cleaning and lubrication of your chain is probably more important than whether you mix lubricants, but if you’re finicky about your bike, sticking with one lubricant doesn’t hurt.

Remember: New chains are lubricated by the manufacturer before they’re shipped. The qual­ity of this straight-from-the-manufacturer lubri­cation is better than what you can achieve with a store-bought lube. Under normal riding condi­tions, you should be able to get several hundred miles with a new chain before you need to apply lubrication.

Here’s how to give your chain a simple cleaning and lubrication:

1. With a clean rag, grab the chain on the bottom, between the lower derailleur jockey wheel and the bottom of the chainring.

2. Rotate the pedals in reverse to move the chain through the rag.

3. After you’ve wiped down the chain, apply lubrication to the top of the lower rung of the chain, where it exits from the rear derailleur, using a spray can or squeeze bottle.

4. Rotate the pedals in reverse to move the chain as you lube it, com­pleting ten revolutions of the chain to make sure you haven’t missed any links.

You don’t need to douse the entire chain in lubricant. The goal is for the lubrication to work its way into the rollers inside the chain. There’s no need for the outer links to be covered in lubricant.

5. Wipe off any excess lubrication using a clean rag, as shown in Figure 10-9.

Figure 10-9: Wiping excess lubrication off the chain.

6. With a clean rag, grab the chain on the bottom, between the lower derailleur jockey wheel and the bottom of the chainring.

7. Rotate the pedals in reverse to move the chain through the rag, and do this for several full revolutions.