Newbie Chain Question !!!

[spicydave]

Hi All

 

I'm a newbie in the cycling scene , not be but my son

 

I've recently bought him a Silverback Spectra with Rockshox and what not else :)

 

We stay on a farm and he rides the Buffelsdrift Track frequently

 

What is the best lube to use on the chain that does not attract dirt

 

Also what can be used to clean the dirt of in all the small places where a damp cloth cannot be used

 

Thanks

H

[100Tours]

the cheapest and lowest maintenance option that I have found is to soak the chani in melted candle wax - I use a cheap chinese 'leg wax melter' to do this.  You have to run it in a little before it settles on the first ride, but then you lube only every 3 months or so. Might be a good low maintenance approach for your son. Clean with turpentine first if you need to get grime off.

 

Otherwise there are tons of options - the dry/wax options are generally better for not collecting dirt but there is a cost to topping up often. Follow instructions about leaving it on overnight and wiping off in the morning to get the least buildup.

 

 

 

[Martin PJ]

I use Squirt wax with every ride on all our bikes. Unless you ride in mud you don't have to clean the chain, just pick off the wax buildup, if there is any. You know its working because the chain is quiet.

 

I tried candle wax, couldn't get it to work for very long. Like two rides and I had to put more wax on.

 

Clean the bike with a light hose, wash with some soapy water and sponge, hose it again. Let the bike dry outside and lube again. You should only use a pressure washer if the bike is really bad. The solution for mud, is don't ride in mud, but sometimes you have to because you have already entered the race or something like that. Mud with water destroys the bike.

[MORNE]

+1 for squirt wax lube. Has been working fine for me. 

[duanelr]

smoove chain lube

[spicydave]

Thanks All,

 

I'll get the chap a bottle of Squirt lube today

[thisismyotherbike]

smoove chain lube

Agreed this is best if you like quiet and clean (you don't use copious amounts so it won't attract much dirt), but only if you like keeping your chain clean as you don't really get the benefit if you keep lubing a dirty chain. I clean my bike and drivetrain weekly and love Smooth.

 

If you're a little less nitpicky about bike cleaning than I am, go Squirt. Excellent lube. Run the chain through a rag, reapply Squirt, go ride.

[thisismyotherbike]

 

Also what can be used to clean the dirt of in all the small places where a damp cloth cannot be used

 

 

 

Chain cleaning tool and degreaser for the chain/cassette/chainring.  Plus one of these:

Soap, warm water and elbow grease with a soft brush for the rest.