knobd

I started using Tri-Flow a few months ago and I don't plan on using anything different ever again.

Montag311

Me as well. It's guess it's possible that the "official" bike lubes are better but I don't know. I do know that it's hard to beat the bang for the buck that you get with a homebrew. One quart each of motor oil and mineral spirits will last a long time.

CNC2204

Just bought some thank you !!!

Atakuweh

Pedros Chainj biodegradable chain lube is what I've used for several years, and hardly any of it at all. I think the 4 oz bottle is a lifetime supply, frankly. I think a lot of people tend to really over-lubricate their chains, which only serves to sling excessive lubricant all over their rear wheel and spokes, making them harder to clean, while not really helping the chain all that much. The biggest enemy of your chain is the strain you put on it while accelerating, or climbing; followed by dirt, dust, sand, and similar road abrasives you pick up. Chains stretch and need to be replaced regularly, no matter how much of whatever oil, lube, or personal concoction of your own invention you put on them.

That being said, back in the old days I used to use Tri-Flow spray-on dry lubricant with great success. I'd go back to that now, but modern chains come pre-lubed, and I'd have to clean all that off first in order to use it now. But it was always my favorite — clean, dry, not attractive to dirt. If your chain sounds noisy, it's time for a few drops of lube, whatever you use. But wipe the chain off afterwards with a rag. It's the lubricant on the inside, hidden surfaces and bearings of the chain that count, not what's dripping off the outside and making a mess of everything else.

jon c. 

I've been using Chain-L of late and have been quite pleased with the performance.

Doug28450

3-IN-ONE Oil Corrosion Protection | Stop Rust, Lubricate & Protect

bleui

+1 and it smells nice

Doctor Morbius

Hoppe's #9

allen254

Ive been using Muc-off hydrodynamic team sky lube for the last two months, before that i was usin finish line dry lube and the muc-off is a million times better haven't really tried anything else so idk i feel the muc-off lube makes my drive train super smooth.

halfspeed

Nah, they all pretty much suck. Clean and lube your chain with whatever you've got and don't worry about it.

LesterOfPuppets

That was my go-to when I lived in the desert. Washes off way too quick in the rain, though.

K.Katso

Why bother lubing it when you can get a new chain that is pre-treated with a low-friction coating:

CeramicSpeed UFO Chain Shimano 11s - CeramicSpeed

then just throw it away after 300km and get a new one.

sam_cyclist

For better or worse, tri flow seems to be the standard at the better bike shops I've gone to.

The one downside of tri flow as a wet lube is that it is absolutely a dirt magnet.

In spots where dirt can't easily find it's way in, tri flow is absolutely magnificent. I use it as a do it all lube for a variety of applications. I've used it to completely eliminate any and all door squeaks. It did an amazing job as a lube for ball bearings in my u-lock.

It's great for pivot points in brakes and derailleurs. Unfortunately, you can't easily wipe it off without degreaser. So, any residue will lead to a dirt/triflow mixture which can build up.

I have several cans of triflow however, along with finish line dry lube, so will stick with it for as long as I have more to use.

sam_cyclist

It's toxic though.

I generally agree that just about any lube will suffice. Perhaps the only meaningful distinction is dry vs. wet lube.

scott967

Molten speed wax. Nothing like pulling out that 200 degree chain and hanging it to cool.

scott s.
.

StanSeven

A quart of oil is a few dollars. Mixed with spirits that's probably years worth of lube. Why worry about the cost of chain lube or oil for that amount of time?

RPK79

This looks delicious. Could I get it on the rocks?

Doctor Morbius

Shaken, not stirred.

cydewaze

I've heard that recommended before, and one of my LBSs is listed as a dealer. But when I've asked for it, they always recommend Rock N Roll as superior. Maybe I'll try it anyway and see what I think.


I'm going to look into that, thanks. Back in the 90s, I used to wax my chains, and when I did, I had fantastic chain life and a silent drivetrain. Then the wax I used (Performance's house brand) stopped being sold in thick glass jars and instead started coming in metal containers. Since I could no longer nuke it, and was too lazy to double boil it, I switched to various liquids, but nothing was ever as quiet as the wax.

fstshrk

Chain L is great and it lasts forever.
I also use Prolink Gold and Clean Ride (used to be white lightning).
Clean Ride is great in the dusty season here in the high desert. Just apply and forget it.

TGT1

Been experimenting with a wax based system. The latest test is with a new chain, one application and I'm at about 400 mi. I'll run it till the chain clatters or wears out and see how long it goes.

No dirt pickup at all, but I have my suspicions that it might not work so well in wetter climes.

If I told ya' what was in it I'd have to kill ya'.

Doctor Morbius

Crayons?

Doug28450

and Mobil 1

MagicHour

I have tri-flow and pro gold. Tri-flo does make things nice and smooth, and lasts awhile, but gunks up pretty quickly; pro gold on the other hand, doesn't last as long, but drivetrain is much easier to keep clean. Will give rock and roll a shot next season.

Doctor Morbius

Crayons and Mobile 1 with a pinch of garlic melted into a savory sauce?