Re: Caught in rain

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.