If utilised correctly, you will surely increase the life of the bicycle, its parts and thereby improve your ride if you utilise the variety of lubricants in the local bike shop. In case you are uncertain which parts of the bike need lubricating, this blog will help.
A bicycle lubricant can be divided into three types:
- Chain Lubricants (dry/wet)
- Grease
- Lubricants for all purposes
CHAIN LUBRICANTS (DRY/WET)
Wet and dry are pretty much universal terms, so most manufacturers lubricate chains with these two variants at the very least. It is straightforward to use dry lubricants during dry conditions and wet lubricants during wet conditions.
DRY LUBRICANTS
Applied wet, they dry to a waxy finish. It usually takes a couple of hours to dry, so allow for this when planning the ride. A dry lubricant won’t accumulate much dirt when cycling in dry conditions, making it ideal for dry conditions. Despite their advantages, dry lubricants wash off very quickly and need to be reapplied after wet rides.
WET LUBRICANTS
Lubricants that stick to the chain remain wet until rubbed away and are thicker in texture. They offer a highly improved level of resistance to rain and are more arduous to wash away, thus making them ideal for wet environments. Due to its ability to accumulate, dirt is required to be cleaned more frequently. By doing this, parts of the bicycle won’t get damaged.
It’s only appropriate to use wet lubricants if the conditions call for it. When it is cold, and the wish is to ride in harsh conditions, they are ideal for the winter bike. But in the summer, you should clean up the chain and switch back to dry lubricant to prevent grime from building up within the cassette.
How To Use Bicycle Lubricant?
Make sure the chain is clean.
Always clean the chain before applying lubricant. To keep the essential components clean & undamaged, don’t use lubrication over dirt. If the chain is rusted, you can use a scrubbing tool. Don’t forget to clean the cassette and jockey wheels as well.
Application
The ideal way to apply lube is when the back wheel is off the ground, or the bike is on a stand. It is best to lubricate each chain link with a drop of lube. Then manage your bicycle by changing as many gears until all segments are covered with lube. It is needed to force the bicycle lubricant into the inside parts of the links as it is most required there.
Mop-up
As a new rider, leaving excess lubricant on the chain should be the first thing while taking the bike for its initial service. The most vital place for the lube to be operating on is the internal components of the chain, so one must not expect to observe it coated on the outside.
Apply the bicycle lubricant to the chain and run it through the gears a few times. Now, mop up with an old rag and any surplus lubricant. This helps to stop excess grit from sticking on the outside surface of the wheel. If using a dry lubricant, wait a few hours for it to dry entirely before riding.
Conclusion!
For proper maintenance of the bicycle, chain oil and chain lubricant are essential items. It keeps the bike chain’s hardworking moving parts from rubbing against each other, prevents it from wearing down, and makes riding more comfortable.
