AT Cycling Log - 100,000 miles done! Next stop ???

[2timer]

I did 12 miles today. Because I right alone the beach bike path a lot, my bike chain picks up uncommon amounts of sand. I don't know if anybody has a more effective way of cleaning the gear and chain than what I'm currently doing. I squirt WD40 on it, then spin the crank, which rotates the rear wheel as well as the chain. While the chains and rear wheel are spinning, I put a tooth brush on the gear, lubbing the chain while cleaning the sand out. There are still lots of sand stuck to the chain though. Besides, compressed air, what else do you guys suggest I do to maintain my bike?

Total: 8900

I saw this at Walmart for 9.99: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001XRTZPK

At the very least, it would automate your cleaning a bit.

 

[Baked]

Looks good, I'll hit up Walmart tomorrow and see if they have it in stock.

 

[mechBgon]

I did 25 yesterday, including 23 1/2 on a mellow-to-medium group ride. And today I did another 24, most of it on a steady fast-paced ride after work. I managed 19.2mph this time, which is fine for a mountain bike with a pannier full of laundry.

The original plan for tonight was actually more like 40-50 miles, including some gravel roads, but I decided for intensity over quantity so I picked the shorter route.

Total: 8949

 

[mechBgon]

I did 60.5 miles today: http://app.strava.com/rides/12775733 That was hard for several reasons.

1. temps in the mid-90F range. I took 3 quarts of water and 2 quarts of Gatorade along, and drank all of that in the first 40 miles. Fortunately there's a water fountain at mile 44.

2. being a super-genius, I didn't bring any food along. I was getting light-headed towards the end, and definitely out of energy.

3. it was a mix of paved and gravel roads, so I took my utility mountain bike (it has three waterbottle mounts, so the bike can carry the majority of the water weight).


Anyway, what doesn't kill you... yeah. I got home and guzzled about a quart of chocolate milk, then had a light supper of bean soup with toast.

Total: 9010

 

[_Rick_]

I did 12 miles today. Because I right alone the beach bike path a lot, my bike chain picks up uncommon amounts of sand. I don't know if anybody has a more effective way of cleaning the gear and chain than what I'm currently doing. I squirt WD40 on it, then spin the crank, which rotates the rear wheel as well as the chain. While the chains and rear wheel are spinning, I put a tooth brush on the gear, lubbing the chain while cleaning the sand out. There are still lots of sand stuck to the chain though. Besides, compressed air, what else do you guys suggest I do to maintain my bike?

Total: 8900

I usually clean my chain by de oiling it first, cleaning it with a microfiber cloth, and then lube it up again with some WD40.

Swapped both tires yesterday after I got worried about the number of cuts and little holes in them, even though they were still holding the air nicely.
Also added a second bottle holder to the bike, so I can ride some longer routes this summer. Including a big service, ran me some 130 euros in parts and labor....So I better be riding today, or it'll all have been in vain .

 

[drteming]

29 steamy (and not in a good way) miles this morning.

Total: 9039

 

[_Rick_]

Can't get an exact value, but should have been in the 55 miles, and around one mile vertical (Achievement 'Mile High Club' unlocked!).

My legs still burn, but the total now amounts to

9089

 

[Demo24]

Forgot to add the past few days, 32 miles

Total: 9121

 

[highland145]

8

Total:9129

 

[_Rick_]

And twelve more for

9141

 

[Phanuel]

WD-40 is not a lube! D:

Please use something that is actually a lube and not a degreaser with a light evaporative oil included for funsies!

 

[TridenT]

WD-40 is not a lube! D:

Please use something that is actually a lube and not a degreaser with a light evaporative oil included for funsies!

This.

WD40 ruins your bike.

 

[Baked]

I will take my bike to the LBS tomorrow and have them check out and get tips. Every time I adjust my brakes, it becomes squeaky. Must be the angle.

I did 2 round trips today 'cause when I got home I realized I forgot my keys at work, so I had to ride back again!

Total: 9153

 

[serpretetsky]

65 miles total in last 5 days.

Total: 9218

 

[_Rick_]

WD-40 is not a lube! D:

Please use something that is actually a lube and not a degreaser with a light evaporative oil included for funsies!

"WD-40 Lubricates, Protects, Penetrates & Displaces Moisture"

Is what they claim in the title of their website.

and

"The long-term active ingredient is a non-volatile, viscous oil which remains on the surface, providing lubrication and protection from moisture."

according to Wikipedia, which has it from http://www.wd40company.com/files/pdf/msds-wd494716385.pdf

and finally:

"Did you know...

WD-40® can protect your bike & tools, remove grease, and lubricate locks, hinges, & all moving parts"

from http://www.wd40.com/uses-tips/


Also, the texture and viscosity of the material is very oil/lube-like.


Do you have any literature corroborating your claims?
I'm sure that whoever creates that stuff wants to sell it, but currently I have little evidence that WD-40 will be harmful to my chain links.

 

[Phanuel]

"WD-40 Lubricates, Protects, Penetrates & Displaces Moisture"

Is what they claim in the title of their website. <snip>

From their website -
WD-40 and Bike Chains

Myth: WD-40 Multi-Use Product should not be used on bike chains.
Fact:
While WD-40 Multi-Use Product it is not a grease, it is formulated with strong lubricating oils and other ingredients, and is a terrific product to use for bike maintenance. It does not attract dirt or moisture to metal surfaces – just be sure to wipe off any excess WD-40 Multi-Use Product before riding. For long-term lubrication, a specialized bicycle lubricant may be used.


From the wiki on the formula for WD-40 -
"51% Stoddard solvent (i.e., mineral spirits: primarily hexane, somewhat similar to kerosene)"

From the wiki on Kerosene under uses -
"Industrial

As a petroleum product miscible with many industrial liquids, kerosene can be used as both a solvent, able to remove other petroleum products, such as chain grease, and as a lubricant, with less risk of combustion when compared to using gasoline."



The fact that it is being used for both removal and lubricant should tell you something about what it's actually doing. It doesn't last long, and I doubt you guys are religiously lubing your chain directly before each ride. WD-40 is not a proper long term lube, and they even say as such.

 

[_Rick_]

thanks for the info.
Guess I'll have to religiously lube, much like I religiously inflate my tires. Guess once a week is more than enough. But then my chain has been running pretty cleanly for quite a while.

Well, add another 12 miles to the counter!

9230

 

[mechBgon]

Yesterday's after-work ride: http://app.strava.com/rides/12986667

67 miles, pretty fast... 18mph on the utility mountain bike, carrying about 10 pounds of water/Gatorade. Mostly paved, a few miles of gravel roads.

Oh, and 3 today.

Total: 9300

 

[serpretetsky]

13 today

Total: 9313

 

[Baked]

Combining yesterday and today, 18 miles.

Total: 9331

 

[highland145]

15

Total:9346

 

[Demo24]

6 yesterday, had to outrun some thunderstorms

Total: 9352

 

[_Rick_]

+12

9364

 

[drteming]

Pissing down rain today so I wimped out and hit the gym (totally violated rules #5 and #9). I got on the spinner for 45 minutes at around 100 RPM. The stupid machine indicated I was generating a steady 550 W! What a piece of dookie.

 

[FleshLight]

+26

9390

http://app.strava.com/rides/13156154

Is there an ATOT group?