Chain Lube...

[Neil]

GT85

GT85, like WD40, is useless as a chain lubricant.

It's just a tiny bit of lubricant in mostly solvent so it actually does more harm than good.

Useless is a bit harsh.

It's not for me, personally, but if applied frequently, does a reasonable job. Frequently would be the key, though.

It's apt really.

It will disperse water and apply a fine film of ptfe which will be gone afeter a few miles at best.

on the other hand it won't attract dirt and crud.

over the years I've found Finish line or Pedros to be good at lubing and not attracting too much uck, gunk and gunge.

Still say it's harsh - I used it for years growing up in my teens, never had a rusty chain, nor one that snapped.

In fact, when I first started off roading, I used WD40, frequently, too. It was only when I started getting lazy and chain lubes started to be fashion items, that I moved on, really.

 

[lewis1641]

i use whatever fluffychicken has in his rucksack shortly after he shouts at me for having a dry chain again (because i spray it with gt85 normally...)

 

[KeepItSteel]

I cringe when I see people using WD40 & GT85 (Halfords anyone?)

Its a dispersent and pretty much designed to remove/disolve everything, including lubrication. (apart from in local/interior applications where the PTFE lends a helping hand)
GT85 will work if you keep applying every couple of miles, but it will add barely zero protectective element to the metal on metal action of rotation/changing gear.
It should be used primarily as a degreaser.

I usually use a combo of WD40/GT85 and/or petrol to clean my chains, then apply a good quality lubricant after throughly drying it.

I dont think science has created a 'dry' lubricant that is perfect for our needs as yet...Im not a fan of that dry formula White lightning stuff, it just cakes up the drivechain in wax...messy stuff.
I'll be giving the Rock'n'Roll stuff a try after hearing the praise for it here though!

 

[xerxes]

Just bought a bottle of Finish Line Wet Lube, seems to work well enough and is easy to apply.

I have also used old car engine oil, dirt cheap and OK for a winter hack that's ridden a lot in the wet and needs constants re-oiling.

Super thin WD40 and GT85 are OK for cleaning, rust prevention and stopping squeeks on door hinges etc. but bad for chains: http://bicycletutor.com/no-wd40-bike-chain/

 

[MADJEZ]

KY jelly or Johnsons baby oil.

...... oh sorry wrong forum !

 

[perry]

Doesn't matter what you use as long as you apply it correctly ! Neil has it right , a drop on each link so it soaks in between the rollers , any lube on the outside of the chain is foolish . When fitting a new chain I wipe the chain with a degreaser so the outside doesn't collect dirt .

I often use old engine oil applied with a syringe , or did when I was putting in up to 30 miles a day in the mud . Other than that I prefer finish line wet ( this is England , it's always muddy ) . There's a bottle of the ceramic at work , white looks iffy and it smells of furniture polish .