Recommended Dry Lubes
#77
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I dont touch the C3 as it turns the chain into a black, sticky mess. I use the dry. Yesterday, I applied it liberally, let it dry, and went for a ride: it lasted about 1.5 hours before the chain started to squeak.
#78
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1.5 hours? That's really weird.
#79
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I may have dried off too much of the Absolute Dry lube I applied a bit more (it wasn't sopping wet this time) and am letting it dry properly. Will take for another ride tomorrow!
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First ride this morning with my Absolute Dry. Definitely noisier than my MucOff. Will give it more time.
#81
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If you want quiet, stick with wet oil lubes. Paraffin/wax, PTFE, moly and other dry/dry-ish lubes I've tried all sound a bit clinky within a few miles. In this case noise doesn't seem to translate to increased friction, per Friction Facts tests. Rock 'n' Roll Gold seems to be the compromise, adding a bit of light oil to the PTFE in naphtha carrier/solvent.
A GCN video a couplafew years ago basically said the same thing.
A GCN video a couplafew years ago basically said the same thing.
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#83
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I can’t imagine ever going back to an oil based chain lube. Without exception you soon end up with a black grinding paste, which is the last thing your chain needs for longevity.
My latest experiment with Silca SS is going really well. The chain is so clean that it’s hard to tell if there is any lube on there at all. The drivetrain runs quietly too. I haven’t done enough mileage on it to check on chain wear, but the tests Zerofriction did were very encouraging.
I’m still using up the last of my Squirt on my Mtb and that is definitely more sticky on application and doesn’t seem to get inside the links so readily.
My latest experiment with Silca SS is going really well. The chain is so clean that it’s hard to tell if there is any lube on there at all. The drivetrain runs quietly too. I haven’t done enough mileage on it to check on chain wear, but the tests Zerofriction did were very encouraging.
I’m still using up the last of my Squirt on my Mtb and that is definitely more sticky on application and doesn’t seem to get inside the links so readily.
#85
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My experience with the Muc-Off C3 Dry has been mostly good. Lasting pretty good. Chain gets a bit dirty, but I just wipe it down and reapply.
The big downside is that when it starts raining, the lube washes away pretty quickly and the chain makes a terrible grinding noise over the chainrings.
The big downside is that when it starts raining, the lube washes away pretty quickly and the chain makes a terrible grinding noise over the chainrings.
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I keep trying others- Prolink, Dumonde Tech, Dumonde Tech Lite, WD-40 chianlube, Squirt, White Lghtning, and so many others. I keep coming back to the Rock N Roll Lube line...usually the Gold or Extreme. They keep the drivetrain the quietest and cleanest.
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Tried many dry and wax lubes. Too much work and results are not that good IMHO. Then tried Chain-L and liked it the best. Quiet, chain shifts well, apply once in about 3 weeks. Disclaimer - I do wipe the chain after each ride to keep it clean.
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Gotta say, I'm a Rock N Roll convert. I have been giving a go a various lubes, landing most recently on RnR Gold. So far, after a couple of rides I am impressed. Drivetrain is keeping clean and quiet. I think I've found my lube of choice.
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#93
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WorldIRC That's pretty much what convinced me to give it a try.
#95
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Just applied the Gold. Definitely "wetter" than the absolute dry. Will give it the night to dry and test run it tomorrow.
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#96
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Drivetrain “sounds” amazing now with the Gold lube applied and dried.
And a shout out to Bettershifting.com for their amazing guides!
And a shout out to Bettershifting.com for their amazing guides!
Last edited by WorldIRC; 06-20-21 at 10:38 AM.
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#97
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So far so good. Been several days, including a dirty gravel ride. Lots of dirt caked onto the frame and tires but the drivetrain remains quite clean. Nothing more than a quick wipe with a rag.
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#98
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I've mostly been using R'n'R Gold on my road bikes for the past year. No problems. I used Absolute Dry for about a year before that. Gold seems to have a tiny bit of oil of some kind, in addition to the PTFE and naphtha. It's a bit quieter and doesn't pick up much gunk. I apply about a dozen droplets, using a needle dropper, every ride or so, randomly distributed. So far, so good.
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As we get closer to winter or if I know there is a chance of quick storms in the mountains, I use the Extreme version (blue in color). It holds on to the chain better when wet. I also use it on my mountain bike in the Fall/Winter. Between those two, I have never found a better lube though I suspect waxing chains is excellent. I just can't do all that chain disassembly, cleanup, soaking in a crockpot, etc.
#100
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I've been using my own home brew paraffin based lube for almost 3 years now. 1 part paraffin with 20-30% gear lube, dissolved in 4-6 parts naphtha or camp stove fuel. I relube about every 150 miles. It's a very clean lube that does not attract dirt, but it does need to be warmed in hot tap water to restore its water like viscosity.