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I got a can of Muc Off PTFE spray, but im not really sure when/where i should be using it? any advice please?

Howzit guys, I hope everyone survived Monday. I am in need of advice, more specific on bike cleaning. Just want to state from the beginning that I am sort of a perfectionist for a few things, this includes my bike. I'll spend more time cleaning it that might be necessary. In the summer, I only washed my bike when it is really dirty and re-lube my chain every 70km. I used dry lube instead of wet lube that I am using now for the wet conditions. Here is my washing kit: http://i.imgur.com/hdSJ9m9.jpg Rag is being washed... http://i.imgur.com/4Zhy1SX.jpg http://i.imgur.com/sjxd2RO.jpg http://i.imgur.com/ilVOOtY.jpg After wash, without lube So I washed my bike after Sunday's very muddy ride. I did not do anything after the ride but to bring it inside to put on the wall stand. It stayed there for one day. The mud turned hard so I used the hose to remove the worst of it. Afterwards, I mix medium temperature water with Sunlight Liquid. I always start with the fork stanchions and then my drivetrain. The fork does not take long, but the drivetrain is another story. It probably takes up 70% of the time I use to clean the bike. My process (of cleaning the drivetrain): I try to clean the chain to remove the worst of the dirt with the brush while spinning the chain. I then remove my chainring to clean the gunk stuck between where the bolts screw into the crank. Throw it in the tap and clean it with the brush thoroughly. I end off by drying it off with a rag. I go back to my bike taking the rag to remove the leftover dust from the chain. Put back the chainring and continue cleaning the chain repeating with the brush and spinning of the chain. I do this for quite some time to get the chain as clean as possible. I also use the brush to clean my cassette, although I am not sure it cleans between the teeth. I hose off the drivetrain and proceed to my room for the dry stage. I use an old towel the clean the whole frame, rag for the drivetrain and synthetic chamois leather for my fork's stanchions. To put the cherry on the cake, I have a fan that blows onto my bike as well. This whole process takes me about an hour and a half and is quite draining too. I noted that I really struggle to get my chain clean with the wet lube compared to the dry lube. My questions: 1.) Is my method effective and correct (meaning not harming my components)? 2.) Should I invest in a degreaser? 3.) Should I invest in a chain cleaner? 4.) Should I invest in a brush set? 5.) Should one wash your bike after a muddy ride or can I only hose it off and go for a next ride? 6.) If I take my finger across one of the cassette's teeth, it becomes black. Can I leave it like that? Any other advice/comments are more than welcome. Thanks ~ André

Hi, Which of the consumables, like lube and sealant do you use the most. Does you LBS always have stock? Thanks Pieter

So after I was chastised this passed weekend for lubing my chain too often, I lube before every ride immaterial how far my last ride on that bike was and more especially after a wash, and told that one application of lube (Smoove in this case) should last 300k's I wondered am I doing it wrong, am I the only one?

Hi all, I have been reviewing some Smoove Lube for the last couple months. Please note: I am not affiliated to the brand, I was not given product to review and was not paid / asked to do this review. I have used all the major brands on the market and have many years experience in the elite ranks. About Smoove: "SMOOVE™ – universal chain lube is a long lasting lubricant formulated to withstand even the most demanding circumstances. Whether in wet or dry conditions, SMOOVE™ is extremely durable and one application lasts a whole ride, effectively protecting your mechanical drive train components from wear and tear. SMOOVE™ also reduces friction, enabling you to unlock optimal performace. SMOOVE™ is self-cleansing, 100% biodegradable and solvent free." The Smoove Lube comes packaged in a neat bottle, application instructions on the back and a very fine applicator / dropper. The label: "Apply SMOOVE™ to a dry chain. Apply on the inside of the chain while turning the pedals to ensure that the lube gets worked into the chain. Let the lube dry for at least an hour. Best results are achieved if lube is applied the night before. Do not wipe the chain after application. Too much lube will cause lube residue to accumulate around the derailleur pulley wheels and cassette.Apply SMOOVE™ to a dry chain. Apply on the inside of the chain while turning the pedals to ensure that the lube gets worked into the chain. Let the lube dry for at least an hour. Best results are achieved if lube is applied the night before. Do not wipe the chain after application. Too much lube will cause lube residue to accumulate around the derailleur pulley wheels and cassette." Testing grounds: I used Smoove in all races and conditions this year. The major test came at the Cape Epic, 8 days in some of the harshest conditions, even 1 properly muddy day. Almost 400 hours and 11000km since January. Findings: As long as the lube was applied as described on the label, it performed flawlessly! I am talking entire Epic stages without stopping to lube once, no other lube comes close. This stuff is the business, super impressed and won't use anything else. However, apply it to a wet chain or the morning of our ride / race and you're going to find yourself having to apply lube at the first river crossing or 50km into your favourite MTB trail when your once quiet drivetrain starts sounding like a rusty old chainsaw. Conclusion: If you are looking for a lube that's going to go the distance and keep your drivetrain quiet and lasting longer, Smoove is the way to go, no questions asked. Be sure to apply it the night before and exactly as the instructions recommend. I have given the lube to various people who have all come back swearing by the product. Where to buy: http://www.rushsportscycling.com/Store/Buy/Smoove/Smoove-Universal-Chain-Lube.aspx