What lube do you use ?

[fin]

The subject matter is possibly a very personal one and on the whole I have not experienced any problems in the past.  However I'm a bit baffled by a recent event.

I've been using  ProGold's ProLink for the last couple of years and have been quite happy with its performance during that time.

That is until now, when I discover that nearly every link in the chain is stiff.   

I confess to not having ridden my bike since the Snow Roads 300 a few weeks ago. 
But:

• the chain was lubed the day before the ride
• it did get wet during a 15 minute rain shower, but that was still with some 4 hours to ride
• the bike was taken home otherwise dry and returned to its living quarters in the house where it has rested until now

The chain (a conneX 900 steel job) is not discoloured (in the way some change to a bright orange during winter months) and judging by the state of my hands, there still appears to be lubricant present.

Anyone using ProGold ProLink ?
Anyone experienced anything similar ?

What chain lube do you use during the summer ?

[Rapples]

White Lightning keeps my chain looking nice a shiny

[D0m1n1c Burford]

White Lightning keeps my chain looking nice a shiny

+1

[Andrij]

Astroglide.  Sorry, wrong thread.   

[Biggsy]

Anyone using ProGold ProLink ?

Yes.  I like it because it is relatively clean.  It leaves chains drier than when ordinary oil is used, but I've not had one become so dry that links stiffen, even when I'm been lazy enough to let some weeks pass without re-lubing, even when that included a few short wet rides.

Perhaps you need a more luby lube anyway.  I do have doubts that ProLink doesn't lubricate enough for optimum chain life unless it is re-applied very frequently indeed.  Frequent use would make it very expensive.

[Wowbagger]

I use Purple Extreme and although the chains get pretty dirty, it lasts a long time and seems very effective. It's twice the price of White Lightning but I reckon lasts 4 times as long.

[Greenbank]

Winter/Spring/Autumn: Finish Line Wet Cross Country
Summer (so not really this year then): Finish Line Dry w/Teflon

[Sergeant Pluck]

Purple extreme.

[fin]

I use Purple Extreme and although the chains get pretty dirty, it lasts a long time and seems very effective

What is your definition of 'pretty dirty' wowbagger ?

I have not used Purple Extreme or knowingly seen it used, but it sounds very viscous and sticky.

goes away and has a look at purple extreme

Hhhmmm.  Apparently not.  Manufacturer's blurb states "Runs Clean – Doesn't Attract Dirt".  But don't they all say that ?
 

[bobajobrob]

3 in 1 or finish line wet lube.

[The Mechanic]

Purple Extreme.  Looks like purple water but does a great job in all weathers IME

[fred the great]

3 in 1 or Sewing Machine Oil for over 60 years

Your turn Nutty

[Gattopardo]

I use finish line dry in all weathers.

Sorry to wander off topic but is that the right thing to use or should I use the finish line wet?

Would it be better to use gt85 or spray 3in1 oil.

Oh this is for an off road bike and an on road bike.

[andygates]

Finish Line wet here.  Chain gets mucky but always smooth.

[Jurek]

Purple extreme.

And another here . . . . .

[nuttycyclist]

3 in 1 or Sewing Machine Oil for over 60 years

Your turn Nutty

 

White Lightning does me 


But    I put 3 in 1 on the Tandem in May.  After a ride on Saturday Mrs Nutty has oil sprayed all up her legs, the jeans (from the colder night ride home) are soaking in the wash, and marital tensions are high.

I have been hearing "bl**dy f***ing bicycles" from the kitchen since we got back in.

[iakobski]

Mazola

[fred the great]

3 in 1 or Sewing Machine Oil for over 60 years

Your turn Nutty

 

White Lightning does me 


But    I put 3 in 1 on the Tandem in May.  After a ride on Saturday Mrs Nutty has oil sprayed all up her legs, the jeans (from the colder night ride home) are soaking in the wash, and marital tensions are high.

I have been hearing "bl**dy f***ing bicycles" from the kitchen since we got back in.

At last the truth comes out   You are using too much young man

[Regulator]

Shouldn't this thread be in 'Health & Fitness' or Not Safe for Work'... 



Sorry - I've spotted what sort of lube you're referring to.  As you were.

[fred the great]

Ah, you must be a newcomer.

This discussion between Nutty and I started about 3 years ago

[nuttycyclist]

Definitely not "too much".  I hardly put a drop on.

3 in 1
Tandem - oil still spraying off and splattering everywhere a good 100 miles after it was applied.
Frankenfixie - sandy grit been picked up and is grinding into the rollers.

White Lightening
all other bikes.  They are clean and have a clean well lubed chain that picks up no grit.



And I think this discussion has been running longer than 3 years 

[fred the great]

Try sewing machine oil then

I'm sure your better half has a machine with a little bottle that is rarely used, mine does

Seriously though, I have yet to find a maker of sewing machines that recommends a lube like Finish Line, Purple Hearts or similar.

Spraying oil after 100 miles could be the chain design perhaps ? A chain guard will solve this

[Wascally Weasel]

Recently switched to 'Epic', same manufacturer as 'White Lightning'.  I think it's better but the fumes are quite strong, don't apply in too enclosed a space.

[nuttycyclist]

...
Seriously though, I have yet to find a maker of sewing machines that recommends a lube like Finish Line, Purple Hearts or similar.
...

That's probably because a sewing machine is full of fine and delicate items, whereas a bicycle chain is a chunky industrial beast.

[Charlotte]

Astroglide.  Sorry, wrong thread.  

*bites tongue*

For bicycles, I'm a Purple Extreme fan as well.  Less mucky, just as slippery.

In the winter time or onna fixie, I tend to use something gloopier.  I picked up some Phil Wood "Tenacious" oil last year and it's lovely stuff.  in reality, it's probably no better than chainsaw oil, though.