Originally Posted by
DaveSSS
There's a big discrepancy betweeen the manufacturer's recommendation to apply celan ride generously, every 50-75 miles and the application rate suggested by posts here. Even if you only used 1/2 ounce per application, an 8 ounce bottle wouldn't last long. What's shown on the video is probably closer to 1 ounce per application.
Yes, the "suggested" application is every 50-75 miles. Through 20+ plus years of experience with the stuff, that interval is extremely conservative. If the chain squeaks, I apply fresh lubricant. If the chain gets wet, I certainly apply fresh lubricant. But I have found the chain squeaking or shifting poorly or even wearing excessively if I extend the application rate by about 10 fold. I certainly don't apply it every 2.5 days of commuting (20 mile round trip). It's just not needed. I generally go 6 to 8 weeks between applications and ride 4 to 6 times per week. That works out to be 500 to 700 miles between application.
On tour in 2015, I had cause to actually quantify my usage. I put a new chain on at the beginning. I got caught in rain on my 3rd day so I applied lubricant after the rain in Chatham, Ontario after 200 miles. I washed the bike in a car wash prior to staying in a hotel in Philadelphia and reapplied it there. That was 760 miles later. I got caught in rain around Clear Springs, MD and reapplied it after 297 miles. I then rode 262 miles to Pittsburgh and went home. I didn't apply it again before I got to Pittsburgh. I can't tell you exactly how many times I applied lubrication after that...I'm not the OCD about lubrication...but I do know that the chain I put on at the beginning of the tour was replaced after 3500 miles of riding due to wear and I didn't apply lubrication at any more frequent intervals than I did on tour.
As for the volume of application, the amount in the video doesn't approach a fluid ounce. A fluid ounce is 1/8th of a cup or 6 teaspoons or 2 tablespoons or 30 mL or a bit less than a shot glass holds (1.5 fluid oz or 45ml). That's a lot comparatively. When I apply it, I flood the chain and have some dripping off. I have a 2 oz bottle (HelMart used to sell them) in my bag that I use occasionally on the road. I don't half empty the bottle even with it dripping off the chain.
Finally, do you think that suggesting application after every 50 to 75 miles might just fall into the "wash, rinse, repeat" method of increasing sales?