BigMac on Chain lube

Originally posted on the Serotta Forum.

William

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The mineral spirits just thin the oil, allowing it to better penetrate bushings. This has been a standard diy lube for decades. Used sparingly, as is true with almost all chain lubes, its effective and durable for dry road usage. If used in dusty or dirty conditions, the results are typically pretty ugly. While the oil will not wash off in rain, it will attract debris, dust, etc.

I have used White Lightening with rather poor results. Yes chains appear clean but chain wear is generally poor due to this products poor lubrication/friction coefficient. The Finshline Teflon Plus is better than White Lightening but requires frequent applications for reasonable results.

I've used Dumonde chain lubes for several years on various chain driven motorcycles. I've also used the Dumonde 2 cycle oil on snowmobiles with excellent results. I've yet to use a product of thiers that has not been equal or better than other products on market. I was among the 1st to beta test the bicycle chain lube, it is a bit different formulation from the motorcycle chain lube, primarily because I had been discussing the usage of the motorcycle chainlube on my bicycle, thus they offered for me to demo the bike chain lube. In my experience, this is the best chainlube available. I've never used ProLink but friends that have, later switched to Dumonde Tech with better results for wear, longer lubrication intervals and cleaner chains. Boeshield T9 is a great steel preservative as was its original design by Boeing, it however was not intended to be a lube and in my opinion should not be used as such.

Great care should be used when applying Dumonde. The original and Lite versions are in fact identical, the lite is simply a 6:1 dilute solution of original. If you like to slather lots of lube on, use the Lite and use 1/4 what you think is correct. If you use original, 4-5 drops is sufficient for entire chain. If you use more than that, you risk chain collecting dust, dirt, etc. While most "dry" lubes are teflon or some polymer in suspension, Dumonde is actually a liquid polymer that vulcanizes under pressure. The liquid penetrates bushings and under load it becomes a plastic-like substance that acts as dry lubricant. What liquid does not penetrate bushings must be wiped off or it will remain a liquid which in time and usage will attract dust, etc. This stuff should also be used in a well ventilated area, while some may find the odorous liquid not overly objectionable, something that pungent cannot be good for olfactory senses.

If you do choose the Dumonde Tech lube, I do beleive most will find it a very fine product, if used properly. Always apply initially to a clean and dry chain, yes new factory fresh chains must be cleaned as well. Most importantly, whatever you think is the correct amount, use 25% or less of that amount and you'll still probably be applying too much. For many the Lite is easier application in that its harder to apply too much. For owners of chain driven motorbikes, both primary and output as applicable, the Dumonde motorcycle chain lube is really good stuff, especially for off-road/motocross duty.

Ride on!