whats everybody's method for keeping your chain lubed. My buddy told me to use kersone to clean it and use wd-40 to lube after you get it good and clean. Just wondered what people thought

 

You shouldn't have to clean it every time, only if it gets a lot of buildup. Generally I spray chain lube on the inside of the chain after a short ride so the chain is warmed up. Don't over saturate it. Give it a few minutes and wipe off the excess. Don't get any overspray on the tires. After your first ride the lube will work it's way through the chain. After your first ride, make sure to clean any slingage. Hope this helps.

 

how long should it take to warm it up and how warm will it be. just warm to the touch or where it's almost to hot to hold on too.

p.s. thanks for the info

 

I use WD-40 to clean it, then wipe it of, then spray NAPA auto parts chain lube on it let it sit for a few and wipe off any exess.

 

O-ring chains (x-ring if it's a D.I.D.) are internally lubed so all you're doing by lubing the exterior is keeping the o-rings from deteriorating and cracking. Kerosene or diesel or WD-40 to clean are generally fine to use -- gas is a no no. If you use WD-40 to lube you might want to go over it with some 80 weight oil because WD-40 evaporates and leaves nothing to protect the outside of the o-rings.

 

thanks think i will use chain wax to go over it with

 

Chain wax is ok, just after a while it will build up more than oil, just clean it when it gets too built up. Good luck.

 

Chain wax is a good way to go and is less messy than the spray grease or heavy oil. Waxing right after a spirited ride (warm chain) will make the process go very nicely. Waxing a chain in cold weather sux.

 

I use EP90's Gear Oil, pop the bike on a rear paddock stand, and dowse the chain down both sides and centre, putting rags on the floor to catch the excess!

I prefare to leave it soaking untill the next time I ride out, then just before doing so, I wipe the excess off!

I personally do NOT like chain-wax, I've found it LOCKS water inside the chain, all the road grime sticks to it and it does NOT lubricate properly, as well as looking an eye-sore!

I'd be dammed if I'd be paying £160.00 for a Regina gold x-ring chain and sprocket kit, then cover it in grey gunge!

EVERYONE to their own tho!!!!!

A good tip is to pop a dab white paint on one of the chains rivet heads, so you know the start/finnish position on the chain, unless you've a split link of course!


Hope this helps?

Rj.

 

I would never use WD-40 on my chain for cleaning it or lubing it. I seen how corrosive it can be on plastic. I once sprayed that stuff on a plastic clothes line wheel when I was small. 15 minutes later the wheel broke. I once used it on my bike chain & I believe It made the chain kink up a bit (not freely moving in sections).

I use kerosene or a degreaser (Purple Power seems to be fine so far) to clean it.

For lubing the chain:
I always felt that wax was not really a lubricant. Any grade oil even 90W is too thin. It will fly off way too easy and leave you with less.

I use white lithium grease out of a spray can.
Putting on too much is not necessary as it will fly off or just be a place where even more abrasive road dust can stick too.

EDITED for clarity & a typo.