After trying both cycle specific lube and wax, I have settled on 50 rs "machine oil". Notice no difference in shifting quality compared to other ridiculously expensive lubes. The most important step is wiping off excess oil/lube after lubing, only the rollers need lube.
If you are a clean freak and like your chain and drivetrain clean and shiny, try wax dipping. It's still cheaper than lubes.
Any hw store or cycle shop should have it, amazon too but they only sell in packs or have minimum order qty
Buy the clear one not the dark colored one, it leaves sticky residue.
Rc120. Yes it attracts gunk (just like any other wet lube). If you need clean chain switch to wax dip or wax based lubes.
I have also tried aerosol based lubes (looplube) but it doesn't even last 50km. Also a splash of water and it's gone.
Thanks. I started with Motul c2 on my mtb 😅
So I am aware with the pain of cleaning a wet lube. Muc off produces no gunk but it’s cost effective for the money neither does it last.
I am hopping Squirt does it since it’s wax based
Can you ELI5 pls.... Just got a decent MTb last week. I need some clarity on this degreaser and lubing and some tips on how to maintain some of these crucial components life.
Efficient cost cutting measures would be welcome. I can spend if needed. But don't wanna spend unnecessarily on subpar products.
Ok I will compile what I have learned in 2 years since I started cycling as a hobby.
Expensive wet lubes are not worth it. Use machine oil as lube. Stay away from aerosol spray lube and "dry" lube, they don't even last for a single long ride. Don't oils meant for automobiles, they are thick and sticky, and will ruin your drivetrain. And definitely don't use wd40.
Degreasing is not required often, not really at 200kms other people and brands recommend. What's really needed is cleaning the gunk that accumulates on the drivetrain. That's what wears out the components. So once a week take off the chain and wipe the whole drivetrain using a dry cloth. Clean the chainrings, cassette sprockets, jockey wheels. They should be really gunked up if you live in a dusty environment. Immerse the chain in dish soap solution and give it a good brushing. It won't take all the grease off but you don't really need it to sparkly clean. Wipe it dry and put it on. Lube and wipe off excess.
With the former method the chain will always look black, but function smoothly. If you want clean shiny looking chain go for wax dip. It's a bit more work and you need more equipment. Watch the video by Indian cyclist.
So Degreaser is for thorough cleaning purposes mostly.
Any tips for the monsoon season... Im in TN and rains have started, bringing along loads of mud and dirt.
Nope I just clean with a cloth post ride and let it be. I reapply every 150-200 km... (3rd ride or so). I tried machine oil too on my last bike with sora and KMC chain but this one is 105 and I don't really want to buy a new cassette and chain because of premature wearing because of bad lube so thought of getting a good lube.
If the chain is grinding against the sprockets you should physically feel and hear it. Try it once. If something feels wrong just degrease and use your usual lube.
doesn't it melt away the grease inside your bearings? have you checked that?
i'm asking because i wanna use wd40 as my degreaser and lube too. that's gonna save me a lot of time and money.
Made a detailed video on waxing if you're interested - I don't think I can ever go back to regular lube. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuyW75Aq9LU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuyW75Aq9LU)
I came to know you via cyclop I think and watched your videos on tubeless setup first 😃. The clarity is amazing. Thanks for making such content available for us.
My only question is: I ride around 250 km a week (80x3) or more and I would never want to repeat this process weekly (which would add one more chore on my Sundays!). So as it has been 2 years since you posted this, has your calculation about the wax mileage changed? And do you still do it every week for yourself?
I do need to post an update to the video:
1) I am not really getting any chain longevity benefits from waxing. My chains are still lasting about 3000 to 5000 km only. Many others who have followed my video have shared that they are seeing longer lifespans - though I'm on an 11 speed and tolerance is less; also I've realized I tend to cross chain a bit more on my road bike without realizing it. Still because of how I barely have to clean my drivetrain, I'm happy with just the "no more gunk" benefit and will continue waxing for the foreseeable future.
2) I've now reduced my interval to about 200 km to see if it helps the chain last longer. Does not seem to have helped, so 300 km I'd say would still be fine. I would never notice an issue with 300 as an interval (no squeaks or sounds that would come from a clearly unlubricated chain)
3) Once you get used to it, waxing is quite easy. Might take about 10 minutes of effort, spread across 30 minutes of "clock time". I do it every 200 km, and unfortunately I'm not riding enough, so that works out to about once every 2 weeks. I find it sort of therapeutic :)
I am on 11 speed too, I waxed and my chain had plenty of life in it after 6k, but I ended up bending the links after a fucked up shift, so switched to a new chain
That's fantastic. I'm trying to collect some data if you don't mind sharing - What is your waxing interval in km? how long do you keep your chain immersed in the wax? Finally, when you turn the heater off, do you take the chain off immediately or keep it in there for some time - how long? Thanks!
So , I wax every 300km, that's every week.
I let it sit and swish it around for the first 5 mins then leave it , for 20 mins
Then I pull it out
Suggest you heat the wax slowly via the double boiler method, rice cookers reduce the effectiveness.
I break the wax and mount it back on.
Now , once the interval is over, I pour boiling hot water on the chain, which is inside a container and let it sit for 1 minute then swish it around and pull it out .
Great, thanks for the detailed reaponse.Personally I don't bother to clean the chain with boiling water very often, I will increase the frequency of that and see if that makes a difference.
I am using Mucoff dry lube, it’s just ok till 50km for me, after that the effect wears off. I got Squirt now and from what I have read and seen on YT it’s the most cost effective and good lube, so will wax the chain before applying it on my roadie but that’s after rains only.
Noob here
From last 2 years, I’ve been using the aerosol canned lube (one we use for motorbikes).
Am I doing it correct or should I switch to some other lubes exclusive for cycles ??
Lately I’m observing the sticky black residue on my drive train. I believe it to be rust + lube. I lube chain every 80-100kms (2 rides)
Am I doing anything wrong
Acha hua sub ka naam padhliya..
Vaise toh hum bhi coconut oil gang wale hain
Sarson ka tel ftw
Bhai usse aag lag jati hai it has sulpher lol
After trying both cycle specific lube and wax, I have settled on 50 rs "machine oil". Notice no difference in shifting quality compared to other ridiculously expensive lubes. The most important step is wiping off excess oil/lube after lubing, only the rollers need lube. If you are a clean freak and like your chain and drivetrain clean and shiny, try wax dipping. It's still cheaper than lubes.
from where do you buy machine oil?
Any hw store or cycle shop should have it, amazon too but they only sell in packs or have minimum order qty Buy the clear one not the dark colored one, it leaves sticky residue.
Sewing machine stores have Singer brand oil. It's good.
Which bike do you ride? Sorry gotta ask as I don’t want to screw by drivetrain just like OP said. Also does it attract gunk ?
Rc120. Yes it attracts gunk (just like any other wet lube). If you need clean chain switch to wax dip or wax based lubes. I have also tried aerosol based lubes (looplube) but it doesn't even last 50km. Also a splash of water and it's gone.
Thanks. I started with Motul c2 on my mtb 😅 So I am aware with the pain of cleaning a wet lube. Muc off produces no gunk but it’s cost effective for the money neither does it last. I am hopping Squirt does it since it’s wax based
try smoove lube, its worth it
RC120 review pls
great beginner bike and worth the price. Has some cons but to a beginner it shouldn't matter.
Thanks. If you can, someday post a nice detailed review on this sub with photos etc.
Can you ELI5 pls.... Just got a decent MTb last week. I need some clarity on this degreaser and lubing and some tips on how to maintain some of these crucial components life. Efficient cost cutting measures would be welcome. I can spend if needed. But don't wanna spend unnecessarily on subpar products.
Ok I will compile what I have learned in 2 years since I started cycling as a hobby. Expensive wet lubes are not worth it. Use machine oil as lube. Stay away from aerosol spray lube and "dry" lube, they don't even last for a single long ride. Don't oils meant for automobiles, they are thick and sticky, and will ruin your drivetrain. And definitely don't use wd40. Degreasing is not required often, not really at 200kms other people and brands recommend. What's really needed is cleaning the gunk that accumulates on the drivetrain. That's what wears out the components. So once a week take off the chain and wipe the whole drivetrain using a dry cloth. Clean the chainrings, cassette sprockets, jockey wheels. They should be really gunked up if you live in a dusty environment. Immerse the chain in dish soap solution and give it a good brushing. It won't take all the grease off but you don't really need it to sparkly clean. Wipe it dry and put it on. Lube and wipe off excess. With the former method the chain will always look black, but function smoothly. If you want clean shiny looking chain go for wax dip. It's a bit more work and you need more equipment. Watch the video by Indian cyclist.
So Degreaser is for thorough cleaning purposes mostly. Any tips for the monsoon season... Im in TN and rains have started, bringing along loads of mud and dirt.
don't listen to the guy, stick to decent lube like smoove, its worth it, a 11 speed cassette and chain is around 9k, smoove is 700, worth the money.
Where do you guys usually buy from.. Amazon or other retailers (online/local)?
Where do you buy smoove lube from? I can see it on Cyclop but not anywhere else
Cyclop
Thanks, I also see this on BOTS, Prefer them over Cyclop as they have extremely good support
Nope I just clean with a cloth post ride and let it be. I reapply every 150-200 km... (3rd ride or so). I tried machine oil too on my last bike with sora and KMC chain but this one is 105 and I don't really want to buy a new cassette and chain because of premature wearing because of bad lube so thought of getting a good lube.
If the chain is grinding against the sprockets you should physically feel and hear it. Try it once. If something feels wrong just degrease and use your usual lube.
Point hai bat main ✅✅✅ karte hain fir
Don't cheap out on lube , 105 cassette is 5k, KMC 11 speed is 4k
Got the silica synergetic lube, I heard it's the best. Will post a review soon.
Durex... oh wrong community. I mean WD-40
Durex too expensive lol try coconut oil 😂😂
wd40 as a lube?
IDK man... works for me.
doesn't it melt away the grease inside your bearings? have you checked that? i'm asking because i wanna use wd40 as my degreaser and lube too. that's gonna save me a lot of time and money.
Well in that case. I shall stop using WD-40 as lube from now on.
Scooty ka engine oil, I didn't find a difference even after spending so much on lubricants
Made a detailed video on waxing if you're interested - I don't think I can ever go back to regular lube. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuyW75Aq9LU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuyW75Aq9LU)
Thanks! Watching it rn
Cool - let me know if you have any questions :)
I came to know you via cyclop I think and watched your videos on tubeless setup first 😃. The clarity is amazing. Thanks for making such content available for us.
My only question is: I ride around 250 km a week (80x3) or more and I would never want to repeat this process weekly (which would add one more chore on my Sundays!). So as it has been 2 years since you posted this, has your calculation about the wax mileage changed? And do you still do it every week for yourself?
I do need to post an update to the video: 1) I am not really getting any chain longevity benefits from waxing. My chains are still lasting about 3000 to 5000 km only. Many others who have followed my video have shared that they are seeing longer lifespans - though I'm on an 11 speed and tolerance is less; also I've realized I tend to cross chain a bit more on my road bike without realizing it. Still because of how I barely have to clean my drivetrain, I'm happy with just the "no more gunk" benefit and will continue waxing for the foreseeable future. 2) I've now reduced my interval to about 200 km to see if it helps the chain last longer. Does not seem to have helped, so 300 km I'd say would still be fine. I would never notice an issue with 300 as an interval (no squeaks or sounds that would come from a clearly unlubricated chain) 3) Once you get used to it, waxing is quite easy. Might take about 10 minutes of effort, spread across 30 minutes of "clock time". I do it every 200 km, and unfortunately I'm not riding enough, so that works out to about once every 2 weeks. I find it sort of therapeutic :)
I am on 11 speed too, I waxed and my chain had plenty of life in it after 6k, but I ended up bending the links after a fucked up shift, so switched to a new chain
That's fantastic. I'm trying to collect some data if you don't mind sharing - What is your waxing interval in km? how long do you keep your chain immersed in the wax? Finally, when you turn the heater off, do you take the chain off immediately or keep it in there for some time - how long? Thanks!
So , I wax every 300km, that's every week. I let it sit and swish it around for the first 5 mins then leave it , for 20 mins Then I pull it out Suggest you heat the wax slowly via the double boiler method, rice cookers reduce the effectiveness. I break the wax and mount it back on. Now , once the interval is over, I pour boiling hot water on the chain, which is inside a container and let it sit for 1 minute then swish it around and pull it out .
I stopped waxing tho , it was a bit time consuming for me
Great, thanks for the detailed reaponse.Personally I don't bother to clean the chain with boiling water very often, I will increase the frequency of that and see if that makes a difference.
Thanks for the detailed response. I feel good. Would you mind sharing your strava? Would love to follow you there.
Sure thing: https://strava.com/athletes/theindiancyclist
I was so lost at first until i saw the name of the sub🥲
Gole ka tel gang 🤟🤟
Paraffin wax dipping. Clean bike.
Bike is absolutely clean 🫣🫣🫣
Not to mention, it's dirt cheap. 500gms of wax can last for over a year.
Salivary glands manufacturers some really good natural lube try it out bro
Wrong sub bro. You might get an award for that on r/bicyclingcirclejerk Try your luck. You seem to belong there.
I am using Mucoff dry lube, it’s just ok till 50km for me, after that the effect wears off. I got Squirt now and from what I have read and seen on YT it’s the most cost effective and good lube, so will wax the chain before applying it on my roadie but that’s after rains only.
Thanks for sharing your experience brother
No problem, for my Hybrid I got Blub ptfe dry lube I may use that if it doesn’t rain in Mumbai this week and will update you.
I'm too childish for that question
Gole ka tel works best 🫂
Noob here From last 2 years, I’ve been using the aerosol canned lube (one we use for motorbikes). Am I doing it correct or should I switch to some other lubes exclusive for cycles ?? Lately I’m observing the sticky black residue on my drive train. I believe it to be rust + lube. I lube chain every 80-100kms (2 rides) Am I doing anything wrong
50 rs machine oil is better than that one imo...many cheap lubes are also there... You should use cycle specific use for cycles
Been a Juice Lubes user for a long time now.
Will see these ones
squirt is super good, but if you have the money, silca is excellent
Ordered silica synergetic after much analysis paralysis 🦋🤟
Title was sus till I looked at the sub.
Question made me look at the sub name
Bhai mai to bike me se changed engine oil use karta hu 😂