Lube for Desert Dash

[Flea]

Hi All

I am doing the Desert Dash - so 340km of hot, dry, dusty etc.

what lube would be best and how often would you apply. I meet up with my support vehicle every 70km, so I could apply then. I looked at the review in the last Tread magazine, and they talk about the distance each lube would be effective, which seem a bit short. Anyone got any experience?

[Slowbee]

use your normal lube. The same stuff you use for any ride. Just apply with some care and wipe off. When I did it the chain got lubed and wiped off once and that was it.

 

Remember, you are going from high to low. Two years ago there was rain at the start and all the little drifts along the way had water !

[Taps]

Lubes are a very personal choice, we all have our favourites and what works for us, so take your pick. However, I found Chain-L (www.chain-l.co.za) to be superb for all conditions (no financial interest yada yada...)

[rudi-h]

IMO wet lube is the only answer for long distance rides. Re-apply when you start to hear squeaks.

[jacostrydom]

SAE 90, Gearbox oil.

[Ashchest]

I have tried a few, but always go back to squirt

[Musashi]

I'm also doing the DD and I'll be using Squirt.

[Flea]

Interesting that you are using Squirt as it did not get a good review from Tread in terms of long terms use, only usability - i.e., it will need to be re-applied often according to their info. This review is what prompted the question, as this was not something I had thought about before

[jacostrydom]

In good conditions squirt only last about 30-40km for me. The only advantage is that your chain doesn't become black. Carry a little bit of squirt with you. Your Human Bike Interface will thank you for regular of the bike moments.

[vanniri]

The Tread review is a good starting point if you are having 2nd thought regarding your usual lube, if not: do not mend what is not broken.

 

Since you will have support why not buy 2 or 3 chains and have them changed at each support base. Let your support team clean and lube the used one´s.

 

Also wipe the chain properly after lubing - to prevent sand sticking to the chain.

 

Carry small bottle of lube with you

[nathrix]

Use the lube you always use. Last year it was dry, so I my support team just quickly wiped the chain clean and lubed it at the stops.

[dirtrider]

Squirt and if it stays dry it will last the distance .

[sias]

I'm going to try White Lightning Epic Ride for this one.

[Slowbee]

I'm going to try White Lightning Epic Ride for this one.

 

 

you doing it again ??

 

are you MAD ? once was enough

[Musashi]

The reason I'm going for Squirt in this race is it is a waxy lube so the sand shouldn't stick to it. Many other lubes are a bit "wet" and this might cause problems in with the sand.

 

And the plan is to re-apply lube at each support stop.

[sias]

Yes Slowbee, I'm going again! I need to go and find my pride back after last year's asswhooping! I think I left it somewhere around the 3rd checkpoint!