@eq asks:
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@ascentale @eq @bikenite #BikeNite A5. I use two things:
1. waxing a chain with paraffin and/or beeswax with no additives (which works great). On the road bikes.
2. Squirt chain lube (which is supposed to be just wax/wax emulsion), which needs to be reapplied, but use that on anything that goes offroad and needs frequent cleaning.
@ai6yr @ascentale @eq @bikenite
don't they have sealed links for bikes? motorcycles have had for years. basically spray lube, wipe off excess, ride.
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@eq asks:
Q5. Is there something for oiling the chain that is
1. PFAS-free
2. Not old black, second hand engine oil?#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite
A5. After trying several products (I'm never going back to Muc-Off, thank you!) I'm now using Silca Super Secret Chain Lube. Apart from the advertised tungsten disulfide, I'm not sure what's in it. The safety data sheet says:
There are no ingredients present which, within the current knowledge of the supplier and in the concentrations applicable, are classified as hazardous to health or the environment and hence require reporting in the section.
Anyway, it does the job and doesn't gunk up the cogs. I haven't yet had the bikes out in a huge downpour with this one, though.
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@eq asks:
Q5. Is there something for oiling the chain that is
1. PFAS-free
2. Not old black, second hand engine oil?#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite
@ascentale @eq @bikenite A5: Effetto Flowerpower (Liquid) Wax Chain Lube. 100% PFAS-free, biodegradeable, and Zero Friction will tell you it's the best liquid.
I want to try some hot wax at some point but this is my gold standard to date. A little spendy compared to others, sure, but worth it.
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@eq asks:
Q5. Is there something for oiling the chain that is
1. PFAS-free
2. Not old black, second hand engine oil?#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite
@ascentale @eq @bikenite #BikeNite A5. Worrying about the sustainability of bicycles is sort of irrelevant in the grand scheme of industrial civilization. Even if everyone on Earth bought and used a bicycle heavily, that would still be a tiny fraction of the environmental impact that the use of PFAS/PFOA on textiles represents.
You can lubricate a chain with jojoba oil, which is actually mostly not "oil" but liquid wax esters.
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@eq asks:
Q5. Is there something for oiling the chain that is
1. PFAS-free
2. Not old black, second hand engine oil?#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite
@ascentale @eq @bikenite A5. Wax. I now have two bikes with waxed chains, I won’t go back. I do understand that wax doesn’t do as well in the wet, but I don’t have that problem. I’ve had to put the chain back on a few times, only mildly waxy fingers! #BikeNite
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@ascentale @eq @bikenite #BikeNite A5. Worrying about the sustainability of bicycles is sort of irrelevant in the grand scheme of industrial civilization. Even if everyone on Earth bought and used a bicycle heavily, that would still be a tiny fraction of the environmental impact that the use of PFAS/PFOA on textiles represents.
You can lubricate a chain with jojoba oil, which is actually mostly not "oil" but liquid wax esters.
@gcvsa @ascentale @bikenite The question was not about if I worry about systainability of bicycles, it was about getting rid of second hand engine oil and PFAS. The problem with PFAS is not only the amount that gets off the chain and into the drain/nature when I clean the bike, it is mostly the very concentrated pollution around the production sites.
The problem with old reused engine oil is the sticky dust-grinding wear on the chain that makes me change chains four times per year. #bikenite
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@ascentale @eq @bikenite A5. Wax. I now have two bikes with waxed chains, I won’t go back. I do understand that wax doesn’t do as well in the wet, but I don’t have that problem. I’ve had to put the chain back on a few times, only mildly waxy fingers! #BikeNite
@rand @ascentale @eq @bikenite
Wax for the win.
I carry my bike up / down 4 flights of stairs for every ride and I hate getting oil everywhere. And I find chain wears less. It looks nicer. The cassette, derailleurs, and chain ring stay clean.
I used motorcycle racing wax which is sold as with added solid particulate lube and is a fraction of the same stuff sold for push bikes
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@ascentale @eq @bikenite #BikeNite A5. Worrying about the sustainability of bicycles is sort of irrelevant in the grand scheme of industrial civilization. Even if everyone on Earth bought and used a bicycle heavily, that would still be a tiny fraction of the environmental impact that the use of PFAS/PFOA on textiles represents.
You can lubricate a chain with jojoba oil, which is actually mostly not "oil" but liquid wax esters.
@gcvsa @ascentale @eq @bikenite
I did not know you could use Jojoba oil for that. Then again, I don't have a source for pure jojoba oil.
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@gcvsa @ascentale @bikenite The question was not about if I worry about systainability of bicycles, it was about getting rid of second hand engine oil and PFAS. The problem with PFAS is not only the amount that gets off the chain and into the drain/nature when I clean the bike, it is mostly the very concentrated pollution around the production sites.
The problem with old reused engine oil is the sticky dust-grinding wear on the chain that makes me change chains four times per year. #bikenite
@eq @ascentale @bikenite Why would you even reuse engine oil, in the first place?
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@gcvsa @ascentale @eq @bikenite
I did not know you could use Jojoba oil for that. Then again, I don't have a source for pure jojoba oil.
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@rand @ascentale @eq @bikenite
Wax for the win.
I carry my bike up / down 4 flights of stairs for every ride and I hate getting oil everywhere. And I find chain wears less. It looks nicer. The cassette, derailleurs, and chain ring stay clean.
I used motorcycle racing wax which is sold as with added solid particulate lube and is a fraction of the same stuff sold for push bikes
@MatthewNewell @rand @ascentale @eq @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!
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@rand @ascentale @eq @bikenite
Wax for the win.
I carry my bike up / down 4 flights of stairs for every ride and I hate getting oil everywhere. And I find chain wears less. It looks nicer. The cassette, derailleurs, and chain ring stay clean.
I used motorcycle racing wax which is sold as with added solid particulate lube and is a fraction of the same stuff sold for push bikes
@MatthewNewell @rand @ascentale @eq @bikenite Thanks, this is the route I'll adopt starting next time I pass a motorbike shop! Until then it's one of those light oils with dissolved wax. #BikeNite
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@eq asks:
Q5. Is there something for oiling the chain that is
1. PFAS-free
2. Not old black, second hand engine oil?#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite
@ascentale
All those wax that people recommend are good.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
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@eq asks:
Q5. Is there something for oiling the chain that is
1. PFAS-free
2. Not old black, second hand engine oil?#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite
@ascentale @eq @bikenite A5. I did some experimenting with cooking oil when I was young and in a situation where cooking oil was available but oil meant for bikes was not.
Olive oil would clot but rapeseed oil worked in that situation. -
@MatthewNewell @rand @ascentale @eq @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!
@Pionir @rand @ascentale @eq @bikenite
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
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@ascentale
All those wax that people recommend are good.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
@jfparis @ascentale @eq @bikenite
Interesting - can you post update on how you find it?
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@ascentale @eq @bikenite A5. Wax. I now have two bikes with waxed chains, I won’t go back. I do understand that wax doesn’t do as well in the wet, but I don’t have that problem. I’ve had to put the chain back on a few times, only mildly waxy fingers! #BikeNite
@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
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@Pionir @rand @ascentale @eq @bikenite
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
@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)
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@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)
@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
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@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)
@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
