I might get flamed for this link wd40

[EvanD]

I gave up this year on lube. http://bikefat.com/it-is-okay-to-use-wd-40-on-your-bike-chain/ i have to agree with this link.

I am a FAN OF WD40 used more frequently than anything else.

I also pressure wash my bikes avoiding bottom bracket and rear hub.

I have my mountain bike, road bike, touring bike and significant others bikes to keep in repair. No more time for lubing the old fashion way. I bet most of these guys with lube recommendations can not even adjust a derailleur or replace a spoke or cable.

 

[SLCraig]

I always use Finish Line dry lube on my chains. Reason being, it does not attract grime like wet lubes do.
I have never used WD-40 on a bike chain, and based on my experience with wet lubes, have no intention to every try it.

You need to apply dry lube more often, but it's so clean.

 

[NHGUY]

WD40 has a new line of products out.I guess they realized the regular WD40 was dying on the vine and nowhave branched out into engine cleaners,silicone,dry lube,rust penetrant...etc.

 

[JOD]

WD-40 is a poor choice for a chain lube in most conditions. It works very well as soon as it's applied, but wear (and noise) increase exponentially as soon as you start riding. And if you ride in the rain it's practically useless. Here's some actual data on it if you're interested: http://www.biketechreview.com/forum/1-general-discussion/21680-comparison-of-chain-lubes

There's no need to use an expensive lubricant though--3-in-1 oil works great! I do use WD40 on my chain, but a little differently. I spray a rag with it, then after riding I hold it over the chain and run the cranks backwards a few revolutions, and it works to pick up the grit on the chain (I stole this from an even nerdier guy). Doing this you'll only have to add the 3-in-1 every 20 hours or so, and the chain stays clean.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Originally Posted By: JOD
WD-40 is a poor choice for a chain lube in most conditions. It works very well as soon as it's applied, but wear (and noise) increase exponentially as soon as you start riding. And if you ride in the rain it's practically useless. Here's some actual data on it if you're interested: http://www.biketechreview.com/forum/1-general-discussion/21680-comparison-of-chain-lubes

There's no need to use an expensive lubricant though--3-in-1 oil works great! I do use WD40 on my chain, but a little differently. I spray a rag with it, then after riding I hold it over the chain and run the cranks backwards a few revolutions, and it works to pick up the grit on the chain (I stole this from an even nerdier guy). Doing this you'll only have to add the 3-in-1 every 20 hours or so, and the chain stays clean.


^^I was about to say the exact same thing. WD40 is a horrible pressure lubricant. 3 in 1 oil is what I always used for chain lube back in the day (used motor oil and bearing grease too). I remember when I was a little kid,I found my dad's WD40 and sprayed it all inside my skateboard wheels' ball bearings. Well,a minute or so later as I was hauling [censored] down a hill,ALL of the bearings came flying out!! I did a hellacious endo and ate the pavement!!

 

[gulian]

I think wd40 would be ok for lower end bikes. its better than what lots of people put on their chains, nothing!

 

[Dyusik]

I've seen people get thousands of miles on liter bike chains, and used for years in ac to oba conversions. Even though outs as good a lubricant as using ky in u-joints

 

[HerrStig]

I know a bike shop owner who soaks dirty chains in a gallon can of WD40.

 

[gulian]

it makes a better cleaner than lubricant imo.

 

[BikeWhisperer]

Former bicycle mechanic here, 8 years experience.

WD 40 will lubricate your chain for a while in dry conditions, less in wet conditions...on the road. Take it off road with a few puddles thrown in and you better bring the can with you. But hey, your chain will be clean right? I replaced dozens and dozens of chains that died an early death, but were sparkling clean...with users that proudly proclaimed they use WD40.

Use at your own risk, but bar oil when applied sparingly and properly is the best chain oil there is and you will not get a black grimy chain with it (this happens from overuse and putting clean oil on a already dirty chain).

 

[mjoekingz28]

Originally Posted By: JOD
WD-40 is a poor choice for a chain lube in most conditions. It works very well as soon as it's applied, but wear (and noise) increase exponentially as soon as you start riding. And if you ride in the rain it's practically useless. Here's some actual data on it if you're interested: http://www.biketechreview.com/forum/1-general-discussion/21680-comparison-of-chain-lubes

There's no need to use an expensive lubricant though--3-in-1 oil works great! I do use WD40 on my chain, but a little differently. I spray a rag with it, then after riding I hold it over the chain and run the cranks backwards a few revolutions, and it works to pick up the grit on the chain (I stole this from an even nerdier guy). Doing this you'll only have to add the 3-in-1 every 20 hours or so, and the chain stays clean.




Might want to rethink the three in one!

I believe it was on the bicycle forums that they said it was acidic or something and was not wise to use on the chain.

 

[JOD]

Originally Posted By: mjoekingz28
Originally Posted By: JOD
WD-40 is a poor choice for a chain lube in most conditions. It works very well as soon as it's applied, but wear (and noise) increase exponentially as soon as you start riding. And if you ride in the rain it's practically useless. Here's some actual data on it if you're interested: http://www.biketechreview.com/forum/1-general-discussion/21680-comparison-of-chain-lubes

There's no need to use an expensive lubricant though--3-in-1 oil works great! I do use WD40 on my chain, but a little differently. I spray a rag with it, then after riding I hold it over the chain and run the cranks backwards a few revolutions, and it works to pick up the grit on the chain (I stole this from an even nerdier guy). Doing this you'll only have to add the 3-in-1 every 20 hours or so, and the chain stays clean.




Might want to rethink the three in one!

I believe it was on the bicycle forums that they said it was acidic or something and was not wise to use on the chain.


I think that's an urban legend started by shop employees in an attempt to explain why you shouldn't use an inexpensive lubricant... I've been using it for about 5 years, which is about 40,000 miles, and it's worked great. If it were destroying chains I think I'd know by now...

I did however switch over to this lube this year and I love it: http://silca.cc/products/silca-nfs-pro-chain-lube

It's heavier and you use less, but the thing I like the most is that it runs very clean while staying on in the rain--a tough combo. The guy who bought Silca and started distributing this is a good guy so I wanted to support his new venture, but it turns out the lubricant is really good--and despite the price you use so little that a bottle will last me about a year split between 2 riders and multiple bikes. Not bad!

 

[HerrStig]

I have a can of Three in One which went to the Pacific with my father in WWII. A Marine favorite. Acidic... consider the source.

 

[HerrStig]

Originally Posted By: BikeWhisperer
Former bicycle mechanic here, 8 years experience.

WD 40 will lubricate your chain for a while in dry conditions, less in wet conditions...on the road. Take it off road with a few puddles thrown in and you better bring the can with you. But hey, your chain will be clean right? I replaced dozens and dozens of chains that died an early death, but were sparkling clean...with users that proudly proclaimed they use WD40.

Use at your own risk, but bar oil when applied sparingly and properly is the best chain oil there is and you will not get a black grimy chain with it (this happens from overuse and putting clean oil on a already dirty chain).
So what's your opinion on motorbike chain products?

 

[totegoat]

The WD-40 Specialist Silicone works very well on my bike chains and any place I don't want a wet lube.

 

[ZeeOSix]

I use Maxima chain wax for motorcycle chains on my bicycle chains ... works good. Gos on thin to penetrate and then solidifies. If it's good enough for a 180 HP motorcycle it's good enough for a 1 human powered bicycle.

Chain Wax

 

[Olas]

There's another thread about chain lube with lots of good suggestions

 

[AHC]

I use WD40 on my bike like in this video except I use Finishline bike lube for the final chain lube.

https://youtu.be/QvzVRxlIUL0?list=PLUdAMlZtaV11U9AtszkMh0bpRqM4dtlDC

 

[weasley]

I use a product called GT 85 on my MTB - after washing it displaces the water and it has PTFE which leaves a lubricating layer. This is for summer/dry use - once the winter arrives I'll use the GT 85 to dewater everything, then add an oily oil to the chain - currently using an old pack of Castrol GTX Magnatec.

My 2007 bike has only done around 3,000 miles, but it is still on the original chain (although perhaps getting near to needing a new one).

I think keeping a chain clean is as important, if not more, than keeping it oiled.

I also use the GT 85 for cable lubrication and it makes a great degreaser, plastics renovator etc on the motorbike. Smells nice too!

 

[29662]

I've been mountain biking since '97, and in that time I've used so many different lubes I couldn't count them all. For me, WD40 simply doesn't hold up well. The chain is only quiet for the first few miles. After that it just becomes loud and annoying. Being a bigger guy who cranks, I don't believe that it has sufficient viscosity to provide adequate lubrication. I started using Rock n Roll lubes last year and have used nothing else since. It keeps my drivetrain the cleanest of anything I've ever used(very important for longevity), is quiet, and typically lasts for about 4 or 5 rides.