Re: Caught in rain

zen cycle <funkmasterxx@hotmail.com> wrote:

On 5/4/2025 6:16 PM, Mark J cleary wrote:

So I got caught yesterday in the rain. Not a huge down pour but steady
and light for maybe 25 miles. I never cleaned the bike really but was
thinking, should I re-lube the chain? I went out today road 49 miles
never gave it thought about yesterday. Bike road ok I just wonder how
important it really is? My lube of choice is box store 3 in 1 oil rated
for 1/4 HP applications. Used if for the past 17 years
 
I have been refinishing my kitchen cabinets no time to do routine bike
maintenance but I manage a ride in.

 
Yes, clean and re-lube the chain.
 
3-in-1 is not exactly the greatest choice in lubes ( in fact, it would
be hard to do worse). It's sticky, so it catches and keeps dirt,
resulting in more chain wear since it then acts almost like fine-grade
wet sandpaper. Wet lubes are good for riding in wet conditions since
they stay put, but shouldn't be used for all-around chain lube. If you
don't want to take the time to wax, use a dry-wax liquid like Squirt.
It's relatively inexpensive, lasts a long time, and doesn't attract
dirt. Read about it here.
 
https://bikerumor.com/best-bike-chain-lube/
 
According to them, a 4 oz bottle can last up to 6000 miles with regular
chain cleaning.
 

I don’t get that, but then I use it for the commute bikes which I dislike
cleaning so that it runs clean is much appreciated! Squirt that is.

It does wash off if a very wet ride, so you end up reapplying after wet
rides etc, hence I like lots of folks do use wet lubes in winter as the wax
doesn’t last, it does a bit better on the Gravel bike, but is overwhelmed
by the bog riding the MTB gets put though in winter!

I have occasionally used 3in1 for that very specific purpose, as its
ability to hang on there on the chain is very good.

But yes it’s a poor choice possibly only WD40 spray being worse!

Roger Merriman