[Closed] what chain lube?

scottoiler ultimate bike spray, been using it for a while now and my chain has been 100% gunk free since. it looks like new and takes seconds to apply. /thread
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Finish Line XC wet Lube.

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Chain-L. Bit of a faff but completely worth it.

In my opinion your chain lube is very specific to your riding location. Experience has lead me to going back to C3 Muc off as a default. Nothing else seems to resist the clay mud sticking or torrential wet Cannock Paste washing it off half way round an off piste ride.
Having ridden at Woburn I would safely say you would get away with Squirt all year round!
Chain -L was great but ultimately real hard effort to clean the chain between rides and the stench of it is hideous.....
I wouldn't leave the chain coated in multiple applications of oil either because you can bet that's the time you either destroy your rear mech or snap tge chain and then end up with black hands, black gloves, black riding kit..... 😆

I've been using UBS for the last 4 or 5 months and have had much the same experience as carlphilips.

In the real world being as that scotoiler stuff easily washes off according to the blurb on their website, how well does it actually hold up....trail centre use only or riding natural super muddy or long wet Welsh rides?

+1 for UBS. Been using it for 18 months, keeps chain and cassette like new, also doesn't have any effect if you accidentally spray some on your brake discs.

I've tried many.
Only to realize there is only one for me.
Green Finish Line.

Fenwicks Stealth, I quite like it for Cannock in these horrid conditions

Squirt.

That UBS stuff, where do you get it from? Only place I can find is scottoiler direct.

I'm quite happy with White Lightning Epic round my way (Leicestershire)

Chain stays clean, needs to be reapplied about every 4 hours.

Used to use Finishline Green but it makes a right mess of your chain!

Suggsey - I'm riding in the Highlands so soaking wet is an appropriate all year round description of conditions. My understanding is that it builds up inside the chain, which is where it matters. I just wash my bike with the hose, brush plus water on the drivetrain, reapply UBS onto links of chain with dropper bottle, wipe off sides of chain. Sometimes drop a bit into mechs and shifters. Folk I know spray it onto stanchions and droppers too. It's quite popular amongst people I know up here.

Mrblobby, yes, direct from scottoiler.

i can't quite believe I didn't try UBS sooner!
most xc rides around here are claggy mud and it holds up well.
also have it on my dh bike chain and roadbike...excellent stuff.

Ok, ordered some UBS to give it a try. Do you get the dropper and the spray in the same package? Sounds ideal for the winter road bike.

I use the various rock n roll lubes, extreme, gold and absolute dry.

My first ride with UBS didn't go so well, I have a feeling it mostly washed off after a very wet descent. Will try it again though.

Still a fan of putoline chain wax, the sort you have to melt with fire. Really fantastic.

I just asked for an empty dropper and they sent one FOC. The price for the full dropper bottle is poor value vs the spray, so I just decant it from the spray bottle!

Have just started using UBS on four bikes, 2 MTB and 2 road. too early to tell yet but fingers crossed.

However I don't like the supplied spray bottle as it goes everywhere, onto your braking surfaces and onto the patio so I have decanted some into a smaller pump spray bottle that used to contain some cosmetic from superdrug so that the spray is more contained and I don't waste so much. I tried the dropper bottle but its a very expensive way to buy it and it does so much drop as gush out being water based, so just use my little pump spray now which has the benefit of being just as portable us the UBS dropper bottle.

I have used FS365 in the past for protecting bikes, in particular stanchions from road salt on long drives up to Scotland in the winter and my guess is UBS is a development of FS365 as it shares many of the same properties.

What was nice about FS365 and therefore I presume UBS is its safe to use around suspension linkages and seals. Its water based, so no penetrating solvents to wash your grease away.

So with UBS I spray the chain and cassette using my ex cosmetic pump spray, spray around suspension linkages, fork stanchions and SPDs, then finally spray a small amount onto a cloth and wipe the frame down.

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After using loads of others I'm using this just now. Chain stays clean and it lasted a 100km puffer training ride through ice snow and a sandy beach where it absolutely pissed down all day. Wet lubes fail quicker in those conditions IME. Hose, wipe and reapply every ride.

I think, given scottoilers background is that UBS works best when applied often. Their motorcycle chain lube system is based on a less tacky lube applied as you ride so it does not need to be super tacky.

if its less tacky it wont attract as much dirt and if its easy to wash off (hose it off with garden hose) getting rid of any dirt that does stick is easy. making the whole process of cleaning and lubing a chain far quicker making you more inclined to do it on a regular basis.

I have not used it for long enough to verify the above yet.

From their website

Application

After a long ride wash your bike with water and give it a quick spray with UBS. Just leave it on and your bike is ready for the next run. Pay particular attention to the chain set and chain. If you can’t access a bike wash, spray with UBS as it will protect your bike and make it easier to clean when you can. UBS is safe to use on all bike parts EXCEPT brake pads and discs. If you get UBS on the discs or pads don't panic! It easily washes off with water.

Another UBS convert, still can't believe it works but it does.
I just spray with a rag held behind the chain, then use rag to give cranks and mechs a wipe, I can only assume the low viscosity means it actually penetrates between the rollers and as the chain stays cleaner you don't need to degrease it so the lube has a chance to accumulate.

Fenwicks stealth at the moment. Attracts less shite than finish line wet, which was last winter's regular. Could probably get two wet day rides out of one application if I wanted.

The UBS big bottle has a wide spray and, 180 degrees away, a narrow spray, if that helps?

Muc off wet lube or finish line green bottle. Lube and clean once a week.

The UBS big bottle has a wide spray and, 180 degrees away, a narrow spray, if that helps?

wasn't so much the spray pattern as such but the volume that comes out when you pull the trigger, seemed very wasteful

Thick sticky wet lube will attract shite, period. It's lubricant that is wet designed to cope with biblical flood conditions, not so much lubricant that should be used just because it's wet outside due to a little rain or drizzle. If off road certainly would avoid using it in the mud as it just sucks in all the mud.

I'm a total convert to [i]Squirt[/i] that I mentioned above. Wax based lube that a lot of my friends have been moving to having been recommended it and are generally amazed at how good it is. Degrease chain, apply, then ride and just wipe down the chain and occasionally reapply. Let it dry each time before riding. The key to it is the wax gets into and sets on the rollers inside where the lube actually counts and doesn't coat the exterior with an oily residue that only serves to suck in crud.

My cassette and mech are cleaner than they've ever been and chain generally shiny after a wipe down even when the bike is caked in mud. Hose the bike down and the wax will remain inside, crud off the chain and no grinding mess that you have to degrease. Really am impressed with the stuff.

Oh and the bottle lasts for ages, doesn't spray all over your components, just drips onto the chain and not much required. They do freebie samples from time to time, and that'll last quite a while anyway.

Yeah, it is - even with the dropper bottle lots drips to the floor if I don't drip it on slowly. I reckon its just the viscosity (or lack of) of the solution.

I have been trying Progold Extreme and it seems pretty good - been out in some bad mud with it.

Isn't the UBS stuff pretty similar to Rock 'n' roll lubes then? That is quite thin, keeps the drive train clean and I wash with water and reapply after every ride.

Is it worth trying this other stuff? - can anyone who has used both comment?

Squirt.

TurnerGuy - Member
I have been trying Progold Extreme and it seems pretty good - been out in some bad mud with it.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^THIS^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Actually cleans the chain during use - even the sloppiest of conditions

Got a few using it now and all have spotless chains

Tried em all (except UBS 😉 )

This is what my drive train looks like

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That green Finish Line stuff will turn your chain into a junk magnet!

Been using Squirt here without any issues.

Yeah, I used green Finish Line - terrible terrible terrible

The UBS ia a tenner a container then - how long does it last?

Mmmmm, think I'm going to give it a go.....nothing ventured nothing gained and all that!
Great price too, so ordered two big bottles.
🙂

Isn't the UBS stuff pretty similar to Rock 'n' roll lubes then?

Still trying it ATM but it's a fair bit cheaper than RnR(which I've been using for a few years) so I'll see what it's like over the next few weeks. So far it seems OK though.

mrblobby - Member
That UBS stuff, where do you get it from? Only place I can find is scottoiler direct.

it's a fair bit cheaper than RnR

Fair point I hadn't seen the price, I might give it a go when my current bottle is nearly gone.

Used to like Green Finish Line until they introduced that god awful child safety cap

Its annoyed me so much that i now use the Muc off stuff

That green Finish Line stuff will turn your chain into a junk magnet!

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Cool, will do.

Just ordered some UBS

Good thread. Nearly started the same thread myself

Bugger at this rate they will probably out of stock. Hope all our orders get delivered 😆

Currently using RnR Extreme, think I might give this USB stuff a whirl next time I run out.

Be good to hear what you lot think of UBS. I was out riding with a mate last year and he had to borrow some of my finish line as it had washed off half way through.

Obviously it depends on your local trail conditions, and if you have applied it correctly.
Progold xtreme looks interesting.

So no one else seems to be using purple extreme. I used to use Rock n roll extreme but tried this and preferred it.

Did use it purple extreme and Rock nRoll extreme but found on really claggy rides that after an hour or so I would start to get chain suck....switched back to Muc off C3 and issue went.....plus Rock n Roll was do expensive because of the way you slosh it on.

Rock n roll gold http://www.probikekit.co.uk/bicycle-tools-and-maintenance-nc/rock-n-roll-gold-chain-lube/10772075.html

Usually about a fiver a bottle with discount

I used to use Purple Extreme, and R&R before - I switched to Purple Extreme 'cos I liked the name more...

Stihl chainsaw oil, its pretty light stuff and a litre is 8 quid. I think rather than the make of oil the application is what matters. I've transferred some to a little bottle with a thin nozzle and stick a tiny drop on each roller. I reckon lots of people just use too much and end up with a black oily nightmare that attracts dirt.

Stihl saw chain oil.

Stihl chainsaw oil, its pretty light stuff and a litre is 8 quid. I think rather than the make of oil the application is what matters. I've transferred some to a little bottle with a thin nozzle and stick a tiny drop on each roller. I reckon lots of people just use too much and end up with a black oily nightmare that attracts dirt.

Almost exactly that ^^ 🙂

I quite like the Finish Line Ceramic Wax lube - one of those lubes where it makes a very noticeable improvement instantly to the smoothness & noise of the chain, once the solvent evaporates off it dries in then migrates off the chain leaving it fairly clean, quick wipe every couple of rides & another light application & you're good to go. I used to use the Finish Line Green stuff which is pretty good but does attract road/trail grime like the aforementioned crap magnet... been thinking about the UBS for commuting as I only do it when the weather's half decent & the drivetrain seems to stay reasonably clean unless it's left to fester for weeks at a time.

I do like the idea of stuff like the UBS & Progold Extreme that apparently leave the drivetrain clean-ish - probably give the UBS a try next time.

J

On the Sthil chainsaw oil - is it just a cheaper "normal" oil, i.e. - attracts crap over time like Finish Line Wet etc.?
J

Comparatively and in my experience it doesn't run as clean as something like Squirt.

Finish Line XC wet Lube.

I used squirt across the board during the drier months and have alternated that and prolink (which is still a bit wet for summer use I reckon) so far this winter. Not much in it TBH, with proper application they'll keep your pedals turning without horrible noises coming from your chain, in shitty conditions they will both get full of mud and will need cleaning later on. (With prolink you [i]could[/i] apply wipe apply wipe repeat until you have a nice clean chain but you'd have spaffed an inordinate amount of lube to do it)

Currently prolink is winning out on my commuter just coz it's easier to apply, squirt need a coat, several hours to dry then another coat and dry. Putting loads on at once will result in blobs all over your chain and 1 coat may not go the distance on longer rides.

I nearly liked Squirt- I used it for a while and it was great most of the time. But every so often it'd just take offence at some particular mud and everything would explode- I remember it going from perfect shifting to total chainsuck in the space of about 20 seconds one time. Very near miss.

Another Prolink user for road stuff here for pretty much the same reasons as Donk. Well, after the original coating has worn away. It's thin so gets in the gaps but it still gets quite dirty if you leave it long enough, especially with winter road grit.

I also use Squirt in dryer times and Prolink Progold currently. I have the regular one on cx/winter road and the extreme version on mtb. Definitely better in manky west of Scotland stuff that Muc Off C3 ceramic which I used on mtb previously. Have also tried RnR but found that it didn't last long.

Purple Extreme is my current favourite - seems to be a good balance of durability and staying clean particularly out on the wet and gritty Peak District trails.

Since going 1x and NW with a clutch mech I never get chain suck whatever the conditions or chain lube.

UBS has been delivered, genuinely quite excited by new lube 🙂

I've a bottle of squirt in the workshop doing nowt as i detest the stuff.
free if you pay postage

squirt taken..(good riddance)

Chain L, tried loads, this is the best. Lasts as you don't need a lot, doesn't go sticky and black.Will clean off relatively easy for another fresh app when the conditions are crap.
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Well, I use UBS and quite like the fact that it sprays on a bit more than you need, seems to wash all the dust and dirt off that can get onto your chain if you leave the bike standing about for a few days or use it much on the road.
Not a fan of chain wax in general, seems to just eat away at my chain every time I try it.

My UBS was delivered this morning too.....I'll get back to you all be next week to let you know what I think of it in claggy conditions.

I've been using UBS since June.

My first bottle lasted 6 months. I use FS365 on the frame though (lighter oil and can be purchased in 5l bottles!)

carlphillips - Member
I've a bottle of squirt in the workshop doing nowt as i detest the stuff.

Really? Out of interest, why?

And what use? (off road, road, what conditions ?)

I've a bottle of squirt in the workshop doing nowt as i detest the stuff.

I'm still searching for a good winter road bike lube. I want something that will stay put for 100 miles of rain so the chain does not squeak for the last 50 miles. Ideally it will not turn into a horrible black mush either. Finish Line Dry (not bad actually, particularly if you apply 3 or 4 layers and allow to dry between coats.) and Finish Line Wet (not bad either, but very mucky) are as close as I've found, not neither are perfect.

^^^^^ prolink progold meets those criteria for my winter road riding.

Re squirt. Degreased chain cassette etc then dried thoroughly.. Applied squirt. Allowed to dry.
Went riding (MTB) and sticky waxy mess covered everything. Shifting went to pot as it was so sticky. Oh well must be me I think so thoroughly clean etc and tried again only to get the same result... Contacted squirt and although they were good at comms they couldn't really offer an explanation apart from not degreased properly (which it was in white spirit then rinsed then dried).

I use Finish Line Green and manage to not have mucky chains, The oil is needed inside on the pins and rollers, not all over. Apply liberally, then clean all the excess off the outside. I mean all - but there is always a film left that stops surface rust.

I've tried other lubes like RnR and it doesn't come close to Finish Line Green.

I use muc off c3 wet lube and muc off c3 dry lube, obviously not at the same time. I generally give my chain a good wipe down with a cloth soaked in brake cleaner once a week then relube carefully with a drop on the inside of each roller then I run my finger and thumb over the lubed area to flex the rollers , also a good check for possible stiff links or a kinked/damaged chain. All my bikes live in the bedroom though so I guess their chains gets to dry off rather than sitting in a damp shed.

I'm quite happy with it, tried pretty much all the others over the past 25 odd years including a particular sticky/molasses like chain oil back in the mid 90s called black gold, that stuff was a magnet for all sorts of grief.

carlphillips - Member
Re squirt. Degreased chain cassette etc then dried thoroughly.. Applied squirt. Allowed to dry.
Went riding (MTB) and sticky waxy mess covered everything. Shifting went to pot as it was so sticky. Oh well must be me I think so thoroughly clean etc and tried again only to get the same result... Contacted squirt and although they were good at comms they couldn't really offer an explanation apart from not degreased properly (which it was in white spirit then rinsed then dried).

ah maybe as I ride road to get to my local trails it could be a componant that reacts with road grime? mine was black gunktastic

carl - I read some tecky stuff about it not being good on road due to static electricity causing pickup of stuff or something - might have been a pile of bull though 🙂 I certainly know a few others who rate it highly on mtb but hate it for road

ah weird that, anyway I've found my 'holy grail' of lubes so won't be changing for a wee while!