What lube for you?
So after my last post from Frank (shop owner & mechanic) on being “Winter Wise” with your
machine… Will, of Cycling Challenge, asked me, “What’s the best winter lube?” Then Ron, of Cozy Beehive, followed up with the three types of lubes out there: Dry (lithium or PTFE based), Synthetic and Wax-based.
He also said Purple Extreme and Pro Link Gold has been recommended by many for cold weather.
Well, I would love to ask Frank his opinion but he’s busy at the US Cyclo-cross Nationals right now… I’m hoping I’ll have a post with him on that sooon.
Anyway… over the years, I’ve used brands all three types but I don’t have a specific favorite. I fact, I’m still trying to figure that out. I am now in dry conditions using Pedro’s Extra Dry.
The chain remains clean and so far… so good. But I know we’re all riding in different conditions right now. Some warm and dry, some wet and cold or just plain freezing! What lubes do you love or loathe? Please take part in this little survey so we can compare notes. Thanks!
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One of my cycling buddies is convinced that he had trouble changing gears due to the freezing cold the other day - I think he just has a crap mechanic.
I can’t be much help.
I have been using a cheap french store brand spray that says low viscosity oil.
I need to stick my head in the local fancy bike shop for a chat.
I use Pro link.
What does the bike geek Sheldon Brown suggest at his site? I figure he might have sound advice. Bottom line is, don’t worry too much about lube. Ride.
A few years ago my then-new mechanic told me to switch over to ProLink. I had tried a range of lubricants, from White Lightning to Finish Line to Pedro’s, and I have to say that ProLink is indeed the very best. I do not use anything different for winter riding but with all the grit and junk on the roads here in Canada I clean the drivetrain an awful lot. Ah, to be in North Carolina…
Thanks for the input guys… I think I may just try ProLink.
Maybe it’ll end up in my stocking. Donald




















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I don’t really have to worry about winter lubes down here. I won’t use Rock & Roll. I see that stuff settling out on the shelf at my shop. I work in the chemical industry and know that when things settle out, it is not good. They try to explain it away that you need to shake it, but that is BS. There is a formulation problem with that stuff and if it separates out in the bottle, it will separate out when applied.