eliminator Posted February 22, 2008 Posted February 22, 2008 I've browsed through an article about detecting chain wear and when to replace it.I'm just wondering if applying Prolong could extend the life of a chain and if the low friction coefficient could maybe give you an edge. Could it maybe just be the deciding factor of a few milli seconds in a head to head finish?Is this madness or could it carry some merit?
porky Posted February 22, 2008 Posted February 22, 2008 Mr Bornman is going to have a great evening commenting on this one, I think its right up his street.
eliminator Posted February 25, 2008 Author Posted February 25, 2008 Ek is nooit in die moeilikheid nie ... I was maybe teasing about the competitive edge - but I am sure that if they made titanium chains and had a good marketing campaign many cyclists would probably be convinced to fork out the cash and upgrade - that's just how we are. On a serious note - how often have you had chain braekages and how often do you replace your chain? I remember in high school that some of the links of the chain on one of the bikes were stuck it was so dry. Before that I never thought lubrication was necessary. Reference:http://www.gtgtandems.com/tech/tchain.htmlhttp://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=25
1skinnyman Posted February 25, 2008 Posted February 25, 2008 I won't bring that stuff near my bike, it sucks up dirt and sand like crazy - perfect receipy for grinding paste.
R2S2 Posted February 25, 2008 Posted February 25, 2008 I used to work in the polymers industry, and most (if not all) of these products are completely bogus. So much so, that du Pont (who own the trademark "Teflon") won't sell their product directly to any engine additive manufacturer, nor endorse it, nor allow the word "teflon" to be used on any such product.
The Guy in Pink Posted February 25, 2008 Posted February 25, 2008 Ek is nooit in die moeilikheid nie ... On a serious note - how often have you had chain braekages and how often do you replace your chain? In forty years of cycling , none. Chain breakages are a result of poor fitting. Fit them properly in the first place and they do not break.I change a chain about every 3 to 4 months (3/4000km) , and the cluster/cassette once a year (10/12000km) or at the first sign of change jumping on the sprocket. I lubricate with standard engine oil.
eliminator Posted February 25, 2008 Author Posted February 25, 2008 Thanks 1skinnyman - R2S2 -> Very informative indeed.The Guy in Pink - I've never changed a chain on any of the bikes I've had . After reading your comments I think I'll use it as a guideline to change my components - thanks.
decibach db Posted February 26, 2008 Posted February 26, 2008 I bought a Excocet tandem 2003. Didn't think about chain - for they never break. Argus 2004 - Chain broke after 5 km. Pushed a Tandem with my wife (stoker) for another 5km to the next workshop. Took out 3 links and we went on. At Smithswinkel broke again same spot..... fixed it myself - 30min later. Went on to ou Kaapse Weg (was that year when they stopped the race to hot 40 decrees) Ou kaapse weg - chain broke again..... Pushed another 1km until next workshop - took another link out. With only about 4 gears to choose because of chain damage... we finished the Argus in an embarrassing 6hours. We aimed for 3h30 We were emotionally drained. Check your chain..... DB But - Chain lubrication will not make up any more time. it will make your gear changes better and cause less wear and tear. But a chain is a fixture to the gear you have. Decibach2008-02-26 01:38:39
The_Break Posted February 26, 2008 Posted February 26, 2008 Any chain will stretch out long before it wears down enough to break. When it comes to wear it is the gears you need to worry about. Personally I use wet lube. It is easier to clean as you just wipe it off after each ride and reapply and in this way your drivetrain stays generally clean. If you are riding big miles then this may be the best.
MintSauce Posted February 26, 2008 Posted February 26, 2008 Chain breakages are a result of poor fitting. Fit them properly in the first place and they do not break. I've had a practically new chain that was installed with a powerlink break elsewhere. I've also had a brand new powerlink break. Sometimes a chain just breaks. If it hasn't happened to you' date=' then you're just lucky I lubricate with standard engine oil. No thanks....this causes the hugest amount of junk to stick to the chain. Same goes for using wet lube in dry conditions, at least on a mountain bike.
decibach db Posted February 27, 2008 Posted February 27, 2008 I lubricate with standard engine oil. No thanks....this causes the hugest amount of junk to stick to the chain. Same goes for using wet lube in dry conditions' date=' at least on a mountain bike. [/quote'] Then what is the right stuff to use?
MintSauce Posted February 27, 2008 Posted February 27, 2008 I lubricate with standard engine oil. No thanks....this causes the hugest amount of junk to stick to the chain. Same goes for using wet lube in dry conditions' date=' at least on a mountain bike.[/quote'] Then what is the right stuff to use? There are a number of products available at decent bike shops. I prefer Finish Line, they have specific lubes for either wet or dry conditions. Lots of guys swear by Squirt. Never really tried it myself.
The_Break Posted February 27, 2008 Posted February 27, 2008 Agreed regarding wetlube in dry conditions on a mountain bike. Dust and grit will stick to any "wet oily" product. I ride a road bike so it makes it much easier. Not much dust around like in the bush. Guess then wax may be the best for a mountain bike as it is "dry" and not sticky like oil.
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