Aside from the normal stuff that is always mentioned (lights, clothes, locks etc etc) how about chain lube. Rain , shine and snow my bike is my only way to get to work. After 2 weeks my chain is already getting rust on it, normally in use a normal dry lube but that doesn't seem to cut it. I really don't feel like cleaning my chain daily, I would think most commuters don't do that either. What it use and are there other tricks and tips for people that have their bikes subjected to elements daily.
Little more into, bike sits in my spare room at home. Then for 10+ hours a day it is outside chained to a bike rack getting rained on , snowed on etc etc? I try to get as much water off it when I get home before I bring it in.
The rule of thumb is to use wet lubes for wet conditions. My fav wet lube is Chain-L, if you can find it. Rust is a dead giveaway that you need to up your maintenance game. Bonus tip: Put some Wd40 on a q-tip and rub that in all your bolt heads too before they all start rusting. Do not use Wd40 as a chain lube though. Unless you reapply every day. Even then there are better chain lubes.
Aside from the normal stuff that is always mentioned (lights, clothes, locks etc etc) how about chain lube. Rain , shine and snow my bike is my only way to get to work. After 2 weeks my chain is already getting rust on it, normally in use a normal dry lube but that doesn't seem to cut it. I really don't feel like cleaning my chain daily, I would think most commuters don't do that either. What it use and are there other tricks and tips for people that have their bikes subjected to elements daily.
Little more into, bike sits in my spare room at home. Then for 10+ hours a day it is outside chained to a bike rack getting rained on , snowed on etc etc? I try to get as much water off it when I get home before I bring it in.
Agree with the other guys- try a different lube. I use TriFlow, many people swear by ChainL, some even use bar oil or motor oil. You`ll get some on your leg, but that`s life.
I used triflow for a longtime. Then switched to prolink gold which I liked much better. But then I bought some lightweight chainsaw bar oil for $3 for a gallon. I've been using it ever since, and probably have enough to last at least a decade.
My routine:
I carry a rag in my panniers and wipe off the chain every few days. Nothing fancy - just grab the chain and run the pedals backwards a few times.
In the winter I probably lube the chain once a week. Ideally I'll do that when I get home, spin the pedals a few times, let it sit overnight, and wipe the excess off in the morning. Wiping the chain after lubing is really important when using bar oil because it's gooey, but I think it's a good idea for triflow or anything too.
I carry a rag in my panniers and wipe off the chain every few days. Nothing fancy - just grab the chain and run the pedals backwards a few times.
In the winter I probably lube the chain once a week. Ideally I'll do that when I get home, spin the pedals a few times, let it sit overnight, and wipe the excess off in the morning. Wiping the chain after lubing is really important when using bar oil because it's gooey, but I think it's a good idea for triflow or anything too.
I do a version of this too. I can't be bothered to do the ritual cleaning, and my time is worth enough not to sweat an $18 part so much anymore.
An old roommate of mine left some Boeshield T9 when she left. I'm impressed with how clean it is for a wet lube. Though I can't help suspecting that most medium and even light machine oils are fine. It's just things that evaporate, like WD40, and things that leave a dry film, that really don't last in wet weather. I'm still fond of White Lightning for mountain bikes in the summer, however.
Cartridge bottom brackets, at least as I think of them, are pretty much lubed for life. I don't think they can be opened non-destructively.
Cartridge bearings are a different story, and external bottom brackets (and the various 30 mm ID bottom brackets) can all be rebuilt and the bearings can be repacked.
TBH, I haven't tried to repack a sealed bearing. I just chuck 'em. But I have rebuilt a Shimano Hollowtech II bottom bracket. It's actually not all that hard. Enduro sells kits, but one could also do it with standard industrial bearings and a bit more finesse.
Well got some WD40 , no luck on other chain lubes. The base does offer an assortment of liquid wrench products , I may grab a version to try on the chain. My order came in from Jenson today, extra tubes, warmer gloves , and full set of fenders. My brakes do not like the cold. In Vegas they would overheat and chatter, out here they are cold and chatter, then the noise they make when wet are like nails on a chalk board.
The Korean fitness pants that are everywhere out here, freaking awesome for riding. Not form fitting, well fitted , about an inch of room everywhere and tapered legs. About to buy another set for hitting trails and cruising around town.
Yup, and gun oil is not really accessible for people who don't play with guns. The don't carry gun oil at the store since we are not allowed to have our private weapons in Korea. The bike store on base is pathetic , then off base bike stores are interesting. I think I found a hardware store today on my stroll, going to see what they carry.
I really miss my common stores , not to mention being able to read the signs.
Don't use regular WD40...It rust metal faster than not....I use Rock N Roll Gold. Wet chain with it, then run chain backwards while cleaning with a rag. Wipe chain dry and leave it alone....
How things have changed....I was in S. Korea near the DMZ, 1974, and had my personal handgun...it get cold over there....I'm riding in 10 to -15 degrees here in New Mexico....Wished I had some onion rings from the village...Good Luck!
+1 for rock'n'roll. Works really well in the slush, but you do have to stay on top of lubing in the winter, regardless of which lube you go with. You're chain's just gonna get filthy, and if you have to deal with road salt, rust is going to set in really fast. i try to at least wipe it down and squirt some fresh lube on it whenever it gets wet, and every once in a while i take the chain off and clean everything really well.
you may have to mail order something if you can't find anything at the px. maybe go down to the motor pool and get some CLP off of a tanker?
(hint: you can bribe them with donuts)
Going to see if I can try some VVL out, maybe try get a sample to take home. It's a common light oil used on aircraft. If not, mail order , I need a better headlight anyhow
-1 for rock'n'roll. I love this stuff for wet/muddy/crappy conditions but I can no longer recommend it for winter riding, as it apparently freezes solid around 15 degrees and doesn't seem to provide much in the way of rust protection. Going back to RemOil until I find something decent for riding through the road slush.
Rock'NRoll (GOLD)….Wipe it off before U ride….Been riding in snow,slush,mud….no problems…..
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