new chain, rode in rain, relube?
08-31-11, 04:49 AM
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new chain, rode in rain, relube?
Just installed by first new chain (SRAM) and read about how the factory lubes are supposed to be superior and not to be overzealous and prematurely clean them and relube. My very first ride I got caught in the rain. It was a real soaker. So now the question is do I scrub the chain down and clean it after only 30 miles?
08-31-11, 05:04 AM
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Chains are not religious objects, so don't obsess too much over the factory lube. I use an oil-based lube myself, which usually will go on right over what the factory puts on. I would wipe the chain down with a rag, apply fresh lube on top of what's there, and be done with it.
08-31-11, 06:12 AM
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Chains are not religious objects, so don't obsess too much over the factory lube. I use an oil-based lube myself, which usually will go on right over what the factory puts on. I would wipe the chain down with a rag, apply fresh lube on top of what's there, and be done with it.
08-31-11, 08:35 AM
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Odds are the factory lube survived the rain just fine (though Sram's is the least rain resistant) and you don't have to do anything at all. Just let it dry on it's own. If the water is beaded up on the outside that means the oil film under it is intact, so do nothing. If not, you might wipe off the outside, then put some oil on a paper towel and wipe that on to leave a thin film for next time. Lube works on the inside of chains and it takes serious amounts rain and splashing in puddles to flush decent lube out of a chain.
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
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