Cold weather oil and chain lube.
#1
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Cold weather oil and chain lube.
Like everybody else, my shifting is getting slow and not crisp. What do you use for winter riding? I live in a dry climate that runs in the 30's and get snow?
#2
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I've never noticed chain lube (other than wax) causing problems. Phil Wood, Finish Line Wet, automatic transmission home brew, all seem to work down to the 15F that winter typically bottoms out at here.
I have learned to stick with oil for cables. Grease will slow shifting down. Way down.
I have learned to stick with oil for cables. Grease will slow shifting down. Way down.
#3
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I doubt 30F degrees would require special consideration/lube. but always smart to clean derailleurs, chain, cables & housings. that should improve performance
I've stopped using "wet lube" after seeing what it turns into on my chain. too thick & goey. now I like clean chains w/ a nice thin dry lube & not a lot of it
I've stopped using "wet lube" after seeing what it turns into on my chain. too thick & goey. now I like clean chains w/ a nice thin dry lube & not a lot of it
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#4
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As a mostly daily commuter in most often salty liquidy conditions, even at -15c, I wash all the salty crap off my bike every day.
I've tried the various chain lubes I have, but in the end for a few years have settled on wiping the chain with a rag well after the wash, wiping the chain rings quickly and spraying the chain with wd40.
I figure the water dispersing thing is a good thing, and it does keep the chain from being less gunky and grit accumulating.
caveat-- I'm riding about 5kms, 3 miles to work, the bike is a dedicated winter bike but that I do care about and take care of. Chain and cassette life has been good, and I easily go 2 winters on a chain and the last cassette was there for probably 3 chains, so for me this method works well enough, is fast and keeps the drivetrain less gunky, which = faster clean time.
probably not as good as a good thin proper chain lube, but the convenience outweighs it for me.
My shifting problems aren't chain related, but the usual cable housing and 25 yr old shifters stuff when it's below -10c or so. No idea in F
-10c is 14f
-15c is 5f
I've tried the various chain lubes I have, but in the end for a few years have settled on wiping the chain with a rag well after the wash, wiping the chain rings quickly and spraying the chain with wd40.
I figure the water dispersing thing is a good thing, and it does keep the chain from being less gunky and grit accumulating.
caveat-- I'm riding about 5kms, 3 miles to work, the bike is a dedicated winter bike but that I do care about and take care of. Chain and cassette life has been good, and I easily go 2 winters on a chain and the last cassette was there for probably 3 chains, so for me this method works well enough, is fast and keeps the drivetrain less gunky, which = faster clean time.
probably not as good as a good thin proper chain lube, but the convenience outweighs it for me.
My shifting problems aren't chain related, but the usual cable housing and 25 yr old shifters stuff when it's below -10c or so. No idea in F
-10c is 14f
-15c is 5f
Last edited by djb; 01-19-22 at 08:09 AM.
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if your dry and you can warm the chain been using this in winter. it will last a few hours in the rain too. rock and roll holy cow.
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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
#6
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For reference, T-9 kept my drivetrain happy for 50 miles in these conditions (2018 Filthy 50 ... AKA The Filthiest 50) ... this ride caused many riders drivetrain pains.
photo credit Markman Outdoor Photography
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#7
Senior Member
I've biked daily through Minneapolis winters 10+ years and I'll let you knw that I just picked up two more bottles of Boeshield T-9. It works great in all kinds of conditions!
For reference, T-9 kept my drivetrain happy for 50 miles in these conditions (2018 Filthy 50 ... AKA The Filthiest 50) ... this ride caused many riders drivetrain pains.
For reference, T-9 kept my drivetrain happy for 50 miles in these conditions (2018 Filthy 50 ... AKA The Filthiest 50) ... this ride caused many riders drivetrain pains.
Good reminder on that boeshield t9, I've been meaning to look around for it. Perhaps because I've not actively searched, it seems to me that it's not common around here, but I would like to try it sometime.
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#8
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For reference, T-9 kept my drivetrain happy for 50 miles in these conditions (2018 Filthy 50 ... AKA The Filthiest 50) ... this ride caused many riders drivetrain pains.
photo credit Markman Outdoor Photography
photo credit Markman Outdoor Photography