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

#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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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)

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

Interesting - can you post update on how you find it?

I do it about as regularly as I used to lube. IE as soon as I notice it needs doing. I am not right headed enough to know how many miles that is - but way over 100! In summer I do that every 3 or 4 days and waxing is not even monthly.

My chain wears is much less so I think I am keeping yo a good schedule

Need to apply them on clean chains (that's tricky to get). I am trying the new KMC waxed chains to save myself the first degreasing session

@eq @bikenite

#BikeNite

Does it last any longer than push bike stuff? I keep reading about re-waxing every 100 miles and definitely can't be arsed with that!