Which chain lube and why

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wisdom

Guru
Location
Blackpool
Just Mickled my chain and was wondering what lube does everyone use and why ?
I use finish line wax and bikehuts own brand.But it can be a bewildering choice out there.
 
I've used almost all the 'bike' ones over the years, but I now use chainsaw oil.

It's relatively cheap, it goes a long way and it's designed for chains that have a far harder life then the ones on my bikes :thumbsup:
 

Berties

Fast and careful!
I've used almost all the 'bike' ones over the years, but I now use chainsaw oil.

It's relatively cheap, it goes a long way and it's designed for chains that have a far harder life then the ones on my bikes :thumbsup:

Ive got 10+litres of sthil, in my work shop,thats good to know,is it not a bit sticky and how easy is it to clean off??
 

Jenkins

Legendary Member
Location
Felixstowe
Finish Line ceramic wet lube on the wet use bikes - does what it says on the bottle and isn't easily washed off by spray

Morgan Blue Synthetic lube on dry use bikes - again it seems to work for me and does last.
 
Ive got 10+litres of sthil, in my work shop,thats good to know,is it not a bit sticky and how easy is it to clean off??
It's Sthil stuff I've got. TBH it is a bit thin compared to stuff marketed as specific bike chain lube, but I just apply carefully and sparingly.

I tend to lube my chain at night, then I leave an old cloth on the chain stay and on the floor under the cassette to catch any drips, (I've always done this anyway, even with the 'official' bike stuff), then I wipe the chain 'dry' before I ride.

Does me well, if it's good enough for chainsaws then it's arguably too good for a bike chain :thumbsup:
 

Berties

Fast and careful!
It's Sthil stuff I've got. TBH it is a bit thin compared to stuff marketed as specific bike chain lube, but I just apply carefully and sparingly.

I tend to lube my chain at night, then I leave an old cloth on the chain stay and on the floor under the cassette to catch any drips, (I've always done this anyway, even with the 'official' bike stuff), then I wipe the chain 'dry' before I ride.

Does me well, if it's good enough for chainsaws then it's arguably too good for a bike chain :thumbsup:

thanks,I've also got a tube of grease i use on the sprocket on the saw bar,i expect that would also do the trick
 

Rickshaw Phil

Overconfidentii Vulgaris
Moderator
Another vote for chainsaw oil here. I'm finding it great so far - just don't apply loads and do wipe the excess off thoroughly, a la the Mickle method, otherwise it goes into sort of strings and spatters everywhere.

What I like is that it penetrates the innards of the chain well but stays put when it's there. It also doesn't seem to attract as much dirt as other oils I've used.:thumbsup:
 

djb1971

Legendary Member
Location
Far Far Away
Another finish line ceramic wet user here. Very happy with it too!

Smells weird though!!
 
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