Is the myth that a clean chain is a lubricated chain actually doing more harm than good?
Ive always been told that a sparkling clean chain is the key to maximum efficiency, but what if I told you that might not be the case? What if, in our zeal to remove every last speck of grime, were actually stripping away the very lubricant thats supposed to be helping us? Ive heard some whisper that a slightly dirty chain can actually be more efficient, as the tiny imperfections in the metal provide a surface for the lube to cling to, rather than being wiped away by a pristine surface.
Is it possible that our obsession with cleanliness is actually leading to a self-defeating cycle of over-cleaning and under-lubricating? And what about the type of lube being used? Are we sacrificing long-term efficiency for short-term gains in cleanliness? Should we be using thicker, more durable lubes that can withstand the rigors of the road, rather than relying on lightweight concoctions that may not provide the same level of protection?
Id love to hear from those whove experimented with different approaches to chain maintenance - are you a die-hard cleaning enthusiast, or do you take a more laid-back approach to keeping your chain running smoothly?
Ive always been told that a sparkling clean chain is the key to maximum efficiency, but what if I told you that might not be the case? What if, in our zeal to remove every last speck of grime, were actually stripping away the very lubricant thats supposed to be helping us? Ive heard some whisper that a slightly dirty chain can actually be more efficient, as the tiny imperfections in the metal provide a surface for the lube to cling to, rather than being wiped away by a pristine surface.
Is it possible that our obsession with cleanliness is actually leading to a self-defeating cycle of over-cleaning and under-lubricating? And what about the type of lube being used? Are we sacrificing long-term efficiency for short-term gains in cleanliness? Should we be using thicker, more durable lubes that can withstand the rigors of the road, rather than relying on lightweight concoctions that may not provide the same level of protection?
Id love to hear from those whove experimented with different approaches to chain maintenance - are you a die-hard cleaning enthusiast, or do you take a more laid-back approach to keeping your chain running smoothly?