Pete Geurds writes:
>> Just icked up a new DA chain as well as some White Lightning lube. Seems that I'm supposed to
>> clean the chain of the oil that comes on
>> it. Should that oil be removed in all cases, or just when you're going to use a wax-based lube?
When using an oil, there is no need to remove original lubricant although for wax type lubricants,
the original greasy oil should be removed to convert to solid lubricant, although these have
problems of their own, such as not working after riding in rain.
> There's this little gem on the SRAM site:
http://www.sram.com/tech_info/faq_display.asp?faq_id=14
> I e-mailed for more info. They seem to think the lube they used is good enough and you should just
> clean the chain externally. I'm having trouble believing I can clean the chain without soaking.
I have trouble believing they didn't get that text from wreck.bike where this type of care has been
promoted by "don't touch that dirty thing" proponents. They don't seem to understand what cleaning
is, the most important grit being that which is inside the chain and in the crevices leading to that
inside. This dirt cannot be wiped off. Only the external, cosmetic dirt can be "wiped" off.
SRAM:
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"Here are steps to cleaning your chain:
A. We suggest leaving the chain on the bike.
B. Wipe off any excess dirt, water, etc.
C. Apply your favorite bio-degreaser, agitate and then rinse/wipe it off.
D. Apply a coat of your favorite chain lube (hopefully something with at least a little Teflon in
it) and then be sure to let it dry or at least sit for a bit.
E. Using a rag/shop towel remove any excess lubricant and "clean" off the side plates of
the chain.
- lastly, feel free to repeat steps C and/or D more than once. You may find a combination that
works better in your area.
Additionally, a lot of people that replace their chains often would actually skip step C and just
go straight to step D. Also, if you feel the need to degrease the chain while it is off the bike,
we would warn against letting a chain sit in solvent of any kind (kerosene, gasoline, SimpleGreen,
bio-degreasers, etc.) for any length of time. And be sure to follow all dilution recommendations
found on degreasing products."
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I don't understand how to agitate bio-degreaser on the chain when it is on the bicycle but then none
of this makes any sense.
Jobst Brandt
[email protected] Palo Alto CA