|
Free webhosts Streetview photos |
| Once you have given your chain a good clean, or at least run it through
a rag a few times, it is time to oil it. But first we have to look at what
to lubricate it with, as I would not be surprised if you have had conflicting
advice on what to use.
I have had one bike dealer swear by spray-on lubricant you can get for $2 a can. I have even known people to grease it. Now, personally, I have used even the more expensive spray-on lubricants and not been satisfied, as you constantly have to reapply, and it still doesn't feel right. Grease is a no-no as it is way too thick for a nice fluid movement, and attracts dust, which quickly turns to gunk. Once you make the switch to Teflon-based Oil, you instantly notice the difference. You use far less and it makes more of an impact on performance than any other lubricant. Here in Australia, TRI-FLOW is the main brand found in bike shops, though there are others. Though it isn't cheap - around AU$8-10 for a 59ml/2 Fl. Oz bottle - it lasts for quite a while as you only use a few drops each time. You can also get this brand and the others in a spray can, for around AU$12-16. A friend tested another Teflon-based oil he found at an automotive store or hardware. Though not cheap, it worked out a lot cheaper considering he got a couple of litres. Though he admitted that (in his opinion) it didn't seem to work as nicely as TRI-FLOW, you might find one that does. My guess is that the ones recommended for bikes (and sold by bike dealers) are specially formulated, perhaps with higher Teflon levels. My recommendation is to buy a bottle from your local bike shop. Cans are more expensive and wasteful, and believe me, you will see how little you need each time. One thing to watch out for though: "Wet" Teflon-based lubricants. Though obviously used by many (otherwise it would not continue to sell), this variety is supposed to cut down on the amount of gunk that accumulates. This is by basically coating in a Teflon film (one dealer likened it to wax-coating). If you use this stuff, dirt is easier to get off, but this process requires regular application to maintain the protective coating. Teflon-based Grease (around AU$16 for a tube of TRI-FLOW) is also highly recommended for any greasing jobs. The next step up from Teflon seems to be Lithium. I have never tested it, so cannot compare it with Teflon (which I am quite happy with). I am not sure if an oil based on Lithium is available, but there are greases out there. The one thing I do know is that you won't be able to use it in as many places as Teflon lubricants. This is because it corrodes plastic/rubber parts. So, while it may be great for regreasing a hub, it should not be used in fork maintenance (many manuals for new forks expressly state this). If you have a spray can, the method of application is pretty obvious. If you have bought a little bottle of Teflon-based oil, all you have to do is hold the bottle upside-down over the chain, letting one drop fall on each link (don't squeeze the bottle!). Turn the chain around slowly as you simply let a drop fall on each link till completed. This method ensures each link has enough oil, without there being any excess that needs to be wiped (or drips off by itself). |
