Switching Chain Lube
07-06-18, 12:50 PM
#1
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Switching Chain Lube
I'd like to replace the type of chain lube on my bike and I've read that I need to "deep clean" the chain to completely remove the previous brand's lube before applying the new lube. What does a "deep clean" involve? My usual chain cleaning uses a chain cleaning tool and degreaser. Is it more than just that?
07-06-18, 01:07 PM
#2
Non omnino gravis
Get an old container, like a Gatorade bottle. Put some mineral spirits in there. Drop in the chain and jangle it around a bit. Let it sit for like, as long as you feel like. 10 minutes, an hour, whatever. Take the chain out and wipe it down.
That'll do it.
That'll do it.
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07-06-18, 03:00 PM
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If you're obsessive, clean as above, only rinse it twice with clean mineral spirits before the wipe-down.
07-06-18, 04:57 PM
#4
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Deep cleaning only matters if you're switching between oil and wax based lubes. Among like types, it really doesn't matter.
07-06-18, 05:45 PM
#5
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I am experimenting with Fluid Film as a chain lube. Intended for rust proofing, I figured it may just work as a chain lube since it uses lanolin, an excellent lubricant. Hopefully it works as it will be a neat alternative.
07-06-18, 08:52 PM
#6
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The type of lubricant is not important, cleanliness is.
Chain care, wear and skipping by Jobst Brandt
Chain care, wear and skipping by Jobst Brandt
07-06-18, 10:27 PM
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Two methods worked for me:
- Spinny brush chain cleaning doodad with solvent reservoir. Gets between the links and plates easier than anything else.
- Switch to wax. No more worries about cleaning chains. Or chain tattoos on me or the cats.
07-07-18, 02:06 AM
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Some lubes basically act like a solvent. If you're switching to a lube like this I wouldn't bother with a deep clean. Just apply slowly and liberally and wipe off excess as you spin it a few cycles.
07-07-18, 05:29 AM
#9
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Just use whatever the new stuff is over the old after you wiped off the chain. Oil and oil both are non-polar and will mix. Lube manufacturers will make you believe their $15 1ml bottle is much different than the competition, but it is all very similar.
All cleaning i do is wipe off the chain after a ride. Soaking the chain in mineral spirits et al removes lubricant from where it needs to be (rollers etc.) and you can't really hope this gets properly re-lubed. All this chain cleaning-rotating science does is waste riding time and at best gives you same chain life as just wing it off. At worst you get shorter life due to lack of lubrication.
All cleaning i do is wipe off the chain after a ride. Soaking the chain in mineral spirits et al removes lubricant from where it needs to be (rollers etc.) and you can't really hope this gets properly re-lubed. All this chain cleaning-rotating science does is waste riding time and at best gives you same chain life as just wing it off. At worst you get shorter life due to lack of lubrication.
