Erik Long

Congratulations! You've taken the first step toward making your drivetrain parts last as long as they should.

I,
too, made the mistake of thinking that paraffin-based "lubes" actually
lubricated (On the recommendation of a former employer who shall remain
nameless - this would've been the summer of '98, I think). How wrong I
was! I had never before - or since - worn out so many parts in such a
short time. I eventually figured out that the reason my drivetrain
stayed so clean and wore so fast was that there was nothing on it!

Since
then, I have found that any petroleum-based lube is the way to go. You
will need to wipe your chain on occasion, but you'll have the pleasure
of wiping the same chain for 2,000 miles, rather than a new chain every
300 miles (results may vary depending on riding style, maintenance
habits, etc).

I personally prefer Dumonde Tech Lubricants.
They have standard(wet/off road) and a light (dry/on road) formulas
that I've used and had great success with.

But really, as long
as you use something oily (you know, something that's actually
SLIPPERY), you'll be alright. Hell, Tri-Flow is better for your bike
than that waxed crap, as long as you use it properly.

***The key here, folks, is that you make sure to wipe off all excess lubricant before you put your bike away***

Wipe
your chain with a rag, and when that part of the rag looks dirty, use
another part of the rag, etc - your chain should look dry when you're
done. Just takes an extra 2 minutes, gains you an extra 1,000 miles -
Promise.

From: davecampbell828@charter.net
To: obra@list.obra.org
Date: Mon, 3 Mar 2008 22:28:20 -0800
Subject: [OBRA Chat] Lube question

I have used Pedro's Ice wax for yrs. Love it
because of cleanliness. However...
I have become convinced with recent long rides that
it really isn't much of a lubricant! Seems to flake off (the clean thing)
and chain is squeaky/dry by end of a 4/5 hr ride. When I go to dry areas
like Arizona it is pretty un-lubing from the get go!

What are people using that lasts, protects, is good
in wet, but doesn't get all black/gunky (like triflow used to) and make a big
greasy mess!

???
Thanks,
DC

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