oil and lube recommendations

[jnb]

OK I'm up to having done a few hundred miles on the bike and I really should start to learn a bit about maintenance. Obviously there are bits that I'm going to need to oil every so often, basically anything that pivots or turns and the chain. So what oils should I use. I just asked at a LBS and their recommendation was "use GT85 on everything except the brake blocks and rims". Can it really be that simple? is there really a one lube does everything solution?

 

[ttcycle]

GT85 is really useful for nuts and bolts etc.

I like Finish Line Ceramic Pro Road teflon lube- I know they call it something different now but it came in the gold bottle previously.

 

[numbnuts]

I like WD40 but I'm an old fart, what would I know.

 

[ttcycle]

I like WD40 but I'm an old fart, what would I know.

wd40 is no good for a chain as it's not thick enough to be a decent lubricant. It can be good to chase water out of nuts and bolts once you've given the bike a wash but it's not good for properly lubing the bike.

 

[tyred]

On the other hand, Numbnuts claims 6,500 miles from a chain so it works for him.

 

[gbb]

I remember this discussion with numbnuts and using GT85 on chains and while i accept his experience....personally i wouldnt.
For me its too similar to WD40...and thats a definate no no for chains....but if it works for numbnuts, who am i to argue, i've never tried it. Its one of those things you shy away from, without really knowing why (talking about myself here)

For chains, i have my own method, but Mickles method is probably the most comprehensive and best method for chains IF you are happy using ordinary oil (engine oil etc) and an oil can. No need for removing chains, cheap, simple and relatively cheap compared to using Finish Line etc. If you like the idea of spending a bit more, Finish Line's range (and others) are good.

TBh, there's not a lot more you really really need to do lubrication wise in the summer. I do spray my calipers / derailleurs etc with WD once in a while, but its more for cleaning and very light lubrication than anything else, then wipe clean and dry with an old cloth.

 

[numbnuts]

On the other hand, Numbnuts claims 6,500 miles from a chain so it works for him.

and I still stand by my claim, just try it and see

 

[Cletus Van Damme]

I just use the cycling oil from Wilkinsons made by Weldite, it is dirt cheap and seems to be doing an ok job.

 

[gbb]

and I still stand by my claim, just try it and see

Give us the lowdown numbnuts
Frequency...anything else in particular ? Are you a 'steady' rider, do you like to push on ? Hills ?...anything that is likely to wear a chain faster...or slower ?

I may even try it, god knows my chains get a good looking after, but i dont get good mileage out of them.

 

[Hacienda71]

Finish Line wet lube for me on the chain and rear mech.

 

[400bhp]

GT85 is excellent for cleaning the bike without the need for water. It contains PTFE so is good for preventing rust and keeping water away from moving parts. Hellfrauds often have the cans for sale for £2.50 a go which means its not too expensive.

I use it to clean the bike by simply spraying on and dusting off. With the little straw it's good for removing crud in difficult to reach parts

I don't use it on the chain , the cassette or the chairings though. I'll use white spirit or degreaser. I may try watered down swarfega in the future as someone on here recommended it.

I used dry lube for a while but found that the chain needs constant lubrication after any ride that involves anything but the driest condisions. I have since used muc off wet lube which has been excellent so far - will last a good 300 miles between a re-oil assuming you aren't going through lots of mud/standing water.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Green Oil - because it matters (to me) where all that oil ends up, especially if riding off road.