Bike grease

ch33zw1z

Lifer
Nov 4, 2004
38,220
18,682
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What kind of lubes/grease do you guys use?

For chain?

For front fork?

I'm new to DIY repair/replace/upgrade, just trying to get an idea of what to stock in the toolbox.

I ride a 2011 Specialized Hard Rock 29"
 

Necrolezbeast

Senior member
Apr 11, 2002
838
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I've always just used Finish Line Dry Lube... can find it in any store, doesn't cost too much, and works fine in more conditions. And since I've moved to China, it's really the only recognizable brand I find in my local stores.

That noted I ride a 2006 Specialized Enduro SL, a 2013 Merida Rambo 29, and the wife has a Merida Challenger 600. Fully lubed front to back with the Finish Line Dry for their entire life-cycles... which is approaching 8 wonderful years with my true love, sexy Enduro!
 

smackababy

Lifer
Oct 30, 2008
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I don't know how far the bicycle technology has some in the last 12 or so years, but I used to just use WD40 for the chain and some generic bearing grease for things like the forks. I raced BMX pretty hardcore for awhile. I even had a $1000 BMX bike (which was really expensive at the time).
 
May 13, 2009
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Read this on a bike forum and it works.

Homebrew chain lube. 1/2 odorless mineral spirits 1/2 motor oil. Stuff lubricates and cleans all in one just like the high end chain lube. Got enough chain lube for 10 years for under$15.
I'd stay away from any wax as crud can accumulate when using wax. A nice chain lube should clean and lube.
For grease I use the synthetic grease that I use to pack my trailer bearings that I have laying around.
 
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GasX

Lifer
Feb 8, 2001
29,033
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I don't know how far the bicycle technology has some in the last 12 or so years, but I used to just use WD40 for the chain and some generic bearing grease for things like the forks. I raced BMX pretty hardcore for awhile. I even had a $1000 BMX bike (which was really expensive at the time).

WD40 is not a lube - it's a solvent. After it evaporates there is very little left behind to protect your chain.

For chain maintenance, the best thing to do is wet down your bike, spray degreaser liberally on the chain, run the chain through a chain brush, hose it off, dry it off a bit and then lube it up. Wipe off the excess lube and you are good to go. Repeat once in a blue moon or after riding in the rain or through puddles.

I use white lightning.
 

smackababy

Lifer
Oct 30, 2008
27,024
79
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WD40 is not a lube - it's a solvent. After it evaporates there is very little left behind to protect your chain.

For chain maintenance, the best thing to do is wet down your bike, spray degreaser liberally on the chain, run the chain through a chain brush, hose it off, dry it off a bit and then lube it up. Wipe off the excess lube and you are good to go. Repeat once in a blue moon or after riding in the rain or through puddles.

I use white lightning.
I never had a problem in the years of riding I did. I would hose the bike down after riding, then hit the chain with WD40. I rode nearly every day, weather permitting. I also stored it indoors.
 

_Rick_

Diamond Member
Apr 20, 2012
3,941
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There are special greases and lubes for everything.

Lithium is pretty much standard for mounting, but something tougher might be needed occasionally. Apparently there are greases that are more compatible with carbon fibre, my last grease-up was at the shop though.

As for lube: dedicated chain lube is good to have, but WD40 will do a good job too, as the part of the chain that needs the lube is usually enclosed anyway, and the creeping characteristics of WD40 help getting the oil where it needs to go. For mountain bikes it's probably a good idea anyway, as you need to clean that chain quite often, and with frequent applications WD40 should be fine.
People claiming WD40 is not a lube are getting caught up in the fact, that there are light oils present, which do evaporate, but they are used to deposit a heavier compound which will lubricate wherever it is left. Of course, this will be a rather fine sheen, and therefore you'll need to reapply. Still, application is comparably painless, no need to wipe.

Finally, the other day I saw someone use baby oil on the forks.
 

GasX

Lifer
Feb 8, 2001
29,033
6
81
I never had a problem in the years of riding I did. I would hose the bike down after riding, then hit the chain with WD40. I rode nearly every day, weather permitting. I also stored it indoors.

As long as you frequently reapply, it'll work...
 

smackababy

Lifer
Oct 30, 2008
27,024
79
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As long as you frequently reapply, it'll work...

How often is frequent? I only reapplied after getting it wet (which I did to clean it) because I figured it lost some. I've known people that never, not a single time, lubed anything their bike and it remained functional.

I don't know the OPs use case for the bike, but I imagine unless he is racing or doing heavy riding, he probably doesn't need to lube all that often.
 

Drako

Lifer
Jun 9, 2007
10,697
161
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I've been using Blaster dry lube for the chain/cassette:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Blaster-9-3-oz-Dry-Lube-with-PTFE-Lubricant-16-TDL/202532762#.Uido3Kzfu5k

What's nice about the dry lube is that sand and dirt is repelled, although water isn't. I spray before and after the ride as needed.

I was thinking about getting some Slick Honey for the stantions

I just use silicone based like this.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Blaster-11-oz-Dry-Lube-Silicone-Lubricant-16-SL/202529794#.UieSJMakqvk

Use if for everything :)
 

ch33zw1z

Lifer
Nov 4, 2004
38,220
18,682
146
Good to hear someone say that Drako. I wasnt sure if that would work, but now I'll give it a shot.
 
May 13, 2009
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Pblaster for a bicycle chain isn't a good idea. First off that stuff is very thin and will just drip right off your chain onto your garage floor. It's very thin as its meant to get into rusted bolts and loosen them up. Also it outright stinks. Have fun having your whole garage smelling like a gas can.
I already told you a good chain lube that is dirt cheap and works just as good as the high end bike lube.
 

drteming

Senior member
May 9, 2005
694
0
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Ask any cyclist and he/she will give you a different answer as to chain lube. The mechanical components on a bike are very simple. It doesn't matter what you use on a chain, as long as you use something. Personally, I use Mobil 1 5W-30. I wipe down the chain and relube it after every ride. And yes, I floss the cassette too. As to the fork, well, I'm a sissy roadie so I don't know, but I am looking into getting a 29'er hardtail soon.
 

Phanuel

Platinum Member
Apr 25, 2008
2,304
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Suspension fork - use a damp towel to wipe off the stanchions (exposed metal at the top near the crown). No need to lubricate any part of them, they are self lubricating when they cycle naturally.

However, you will need to do fork rebuilds every X number of hours depending on the fork. Read your manual for this. And it's probably best to just go to a local real bike shop and pay for this service than do it yourself.
 

iluvdeal

Golden Member
Nov 22, 1999
1,975
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I use to use Clean Ride from White Lightning but had to apply it every 40 miles or else the chain would start making noise. I've since switched to T9 Boeshield, also a wax based lube, and it lasts much longer.