@eq asks:

[asphaltandearth@mastodon.me.uk]

@rand @ascentale @eq @bikenite I’m a wax user as well although I’ve ordered two of these - interested to see how well they work. Note the kickstarter is now closed.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cha-bike-lube/cha-the-smart-cycle-lube

[pionir@masto.bike]

@MatthewNewell @rand @ascentale @eq @bikenite

My approach has always been to slap on Squirt lube when it's noisy & change the chain when it's worn. On my (7sp) road bikes chains are cheaper (£4) than most lube so cleaning is rarely worth it as they last at least 5000 miles with factory grease before stretching (which is years for my road bike usage)

My (11sp) gravel/commuter bike seems to be a slightly different equation. Chains are more (£12) & seem to wear a bit quicker (maybe 3500-4000mi)

[dan@axillae.telent.net]

@Pionir @MatthewNewell @rand @ascentale @eq @bikenite chain on my "gravel" bike seems to be an annual cost, but this is less about miles ridden and more about how much time it's spent coated in wet clay while riding around epping forest in winter

[matthewnewell@mastodon.social]

@Pionir @rand @ascentale @eq @bikenite

Makes sense I guess the 11spd (what I have) are much more delicate

11, 10, 9, 6/7/8, 5, single. It's not surprising that far left wears out quicker, it's noticeably finer

[matthewnewell@mastodon.social]

@dan @Pionir @rand @ascentale @eq @bikenite

I am a Chigwell lad at my roots so I know well that claggy clay. My Dad used to claim you could use it for fine detail polishing it was so smooth.

It's been too long since I went mad in Ambresbury Banks (never riding - that would be desecration) but we felt we had our own iron age fort when we were kids.

And the paths round there are great fun - I envy you if you're close by.

[morgan@sfba.social]

@Pionir @MatthewNewell @rand @ascentale @eq @bikenite I also use Squirt lube on nearly all* my bikes. It's some sort of liquid wax lubricant, doesn't play nice with oil lubes, requires a clean, dry chain to begin with.

I was handed a bag of tiny try-me bottles of the stuff, after an event for which I volunteered. Figured I'd try them for free, was surprised how well it works. Chains stay clean, seem to last longer. Does require reapplication nearly every ride. The downside; if my bike gets rained on, or stays wet for hours, Squirt does not do a good job of preventing rust.

* Single speed mountain bike gets oil-based lube, usually Phil's Tenacious, because it gets ridden in all weather, often wet, and that bike gets nearly no maintenance.

I may try Dumonde Tech when I run through this stuff. Historically I've been a fan of the dry lubes. Most recently, the WD-40 bicycle specific lubes, before that, Pro Gold. These are USA brands.

[nnn@bettercities.top]

@ascentale @eq @bikenite
A5)
If you're coming from the "used motor oil" camp, I'd suggest trying used ATF transmission fluid.
I like the thickness of it: I brush it on (with toothbrush) then wipe-off excess

That said, it will stain your pantlegs red if you brush the chain, and it isn't biodegradeable, so there are probably better choices

Speaking of: I clean my chain with 90C water and washing-up liquid in a Pedros Chain Pig, then blow with compressed air, then lube. No solvents needed.

[eq@mas.to]

@NNN Thanks, will try that. Just a compressor needed then, those compressed air cans are realy expensive

[nnn@bettercities.top]

@eq
Yeah, compressed air is definitely not something everybody has access to.

If it's a sunny day, just sling the chain around in a circle for a while, then lay it in the sun.

[etp@indieweb.social]

@gcvsa Thanks. I still have quite a lot of a decathlon chain lube left, but maybe when that’s gone.

[cutting@sfba.social]

@ascentale @eq @bikenite I use Dumonde Tech light lube. Lasts a few rides and doesn't collect dirt.

[dan@axillae.telent.net]

@MatthewNewell @Pionir @rand @ascentale @eq @bikenite I'm a bit further west (walthamstow) but yeah. Every spring in the space of three weeks it goes from wet sticky clag to brick-hard. In some ways I prefer riding it in winter, its a lot softer to fall off onto

[pionir@masto.bike]

@dan @MatthewNewell @rand @ascentale @eq @bikenite

Ah I lead a club run out to Epping Forest a couple of years ago at the start of April. I think it was in the sticky clay stage!

[ascentale@sfba.social]

@eq @bikenite A5. Not an answer, but I once bought a used bike where I suspect the chain was lubricated with used motor oil. The chain was messy, dirty, and scary to touch. I didn't like it as a chain lube.

#BikeNite

[the5thcolumnist@ottawa.place]

@ascentale @eq @bikenite

I used to use chain saw oil on my winter bike for a few years.

[matthewnewell@mastodon.social]

@Pionir @dan @rand @ascentale @eq @bikenite lovely stuff .

[myphatself@mstdn.social]

@ascentale @eq @bikenite dry lube?