chain maintenance question

[junior varsity]

Just want to note that it helps to do the 5-min or so "warm the chain up ride" before you wax (or after a real ride), and then you apply the lube (I use the max wax that's been noted above, but wouldn't mind using the dupont dry stuff) to the inside of the chain, the side that contacts the gears, and wipe it in good. i got tons of fling when I over-lubed and didn't wipe, and my purty gold chain would be a nasty color to boot. So, I think the wipe-in is kind of key.

[alexisonfire]

My method:

Every 300 miles: Apply lubricant

Every 600 miles: Clean and apply lubricant

Lubricant: Dupont Teflon
Cleaner: Kerosene

Almost no fling.  And yes I can confirm the Dupont smells like Pina Coladas.  That smell keeps me comin back for more.

[bryant8]

maxima chain wax on a regular basis

periodic kerosene spray down to really clean it up and the reapp the chain wax

[fastwin]

All good folks, thanks for the replies. I agree with the "wipe in" technique. It helps a little (sling off wise) with standard lube but I believe it helps even more in getting the lube/wax into the rollers where it needs to be. I'll pick up a can of the Maxima wax, sounds good. Never too old to try new things!

[DLSGAP]

At the risk of bucking the trend:



Du Pont Teflon Multi-Use Dry, Wax Lubricant.

$5/can from Lowe's or Home Depot.

O-ring safe.

Dries clear with almost no fling.

Smells like pina coladas. No, seriously.

Also, umm, I'm sure you know this already, but if you wax/lube your chain after you ride, it flings less. Just sayin'.

This is what I've started using for chain lube... it works just as well as the more expensive options and doesnt collect dirt like the stickier ones do.
it does kinda small like pina coladas too.. lol


I always go for a little ride to warm the chain up, then i clean it with simple green, hose it off... let it air dry for a little bit, wd40 it to displace any water that may be in the seals... then I'll  wipe off any wd40 slop on the chain and hit it with the lube.

also for those that may not know... wd40 is GREAT for cleaning black wheels...

[ducatiz]

i would not use simple green on the chain unless it is diluted like 50:1 .. it is too strong of a solvent for greases/wax.  you only need enough solvent to float off the dirt, which is why several chain manufacturers recommended WD40, which is a very weak solvent. 

i know that everyone has different results, but that's based on a huge number of variables, which we can't all kepp track of (or even know about)...

[junior varsity]

http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/videos/

There's a video there for reminder on good technique.

[DLSGAP]

i would not use simple green on the chain unless it is diluted like 50:1 .. it is too strong of a solvent for greases/wax.  you only need enough solvent to float off the dirt, which is why several chain manufacturers recommended WD40, which is a very weak solvent. 

i know that everyone has different results, but that's based on a huge number of variables, which we can't all kepp track of (or even know about)...

HA... forgot to mention that.. yes... make sure the SG is diluted. once in a while though i'll dilute it a little less and do a good thorough cleaning of it to get any grit or grime out.. immediately followed by the wd to displace water. between track days and random acts of hooligan-ness I abuse my chain pretty well... only got 10k on the bike.. but no excessive wear, stretching, no tight spots etc... so i guess i'm doin somethin right