What should I be lubing?

[kravte519]

I've often read that when lubing the chain, you should also lube "pivot points" or something similar to that. My question is: Where are the pivot points? What all should I be lubing? How often should I be lubing? I take off my chain and scrub the gunk off it, my chainrings and cassette once a week...but it seems like there's more I should be doing. Hmm. Thoughts?

[redrhodie]

I found this diagram which I hope helps.

http://www.highroadcycles.com/bikelubrication.php

If you're still confused, ask your lbs to show you. You basically just want to lube the points to avoid corrosion.

[SouthernBelle]

You take off your chain? :eek: That's extreme overkill. I suppose if you have a single speed and no derailleurs it would be easy enough.

Most of us never remove our chains except to put a new one on.

[Melalvai]

Isn't that a personal question? ;)
Get your bike up on a stand and watch the derailleurs as you shift through the gears. You will see the pivot points easily.

I agree, removing your chain and scrubbing it frequently may not be good for the chain. Put it in a high gear, turn the pedals with one hand, and hold a rag with the other hand around the chain, and let the chain run through the rag. Lube it, let it sit a few minutes to let the lube work into the chain and the alcohol or water component evaporate, then wipe off excess lube the same way. Sometimes the new lube will bring out more dirt or even rust, which never seems to go away, and then I might lube it a 2nd or even 3rd time.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I've often read that when lubing the chain, you should also lube "pivot points" or something similar to that. My question is: Where are the pivot points? What all should I be lubing? How often should I be lubing? I take off my chain and scrub the gunk off it, my chainrings and cassette once a week...but it seems like there's more I should be doing.

Yes, there is definitely more you should be doing. I highly recommend Sheldon Brown's chain cleaning method after every ride:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.html

[Blueberry]

Yes, there is definitely more you should be doing. I highly recommend Sheldon Brown's chain cleaning method after every ride:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.html

LOL!

Seriously, unless you have a power link, breaking the chain once a week may lead to premature chain failure. I'd either 1) get a power link or 2) break the chain less often.

[Veronica]

Most of us never remove our chains except to put a new one on.

Really - I take my chain off probably every 4 - 6 weeks, about every 500 miles, to clean it and my pulleys.

I like to throw the chain into an old yogurt container with some citrus cleaner and water. Shake it up and then let it sit while I take off the pulleys and clean them. By the time I'm done with the pulleys, the chain is clean and I didn't have to scrub at it.

V.

[OakLeaf]

I found this diagram which I hope helps.

http://www.highroadcycles.com/bikelubrication.php

That diagram shows a bike with flat bars and indicates (but doesn't describe) lubing the levers.

Someone told me recently that brifters should NOT be oiled, as it can dilute the grease in the mechanism, requiring the whole assembly to be rebuilt.

Is that correct?

I'd tend to agree with not breaking the chain any more often than necessary. Every time you push that pin through, it weakens the plates.

[redrhodie]

That diagram shows a bike with flat bars and indicates (but doesn't describe) lubing the levers.

Someone told me recently that brifters should NOT be oiled, as it can dilute the grease in the mechanism, requiring the whole assembly to be rebuilt.

Is that correct?


I had one of my lbs guys show me, and he didn't say to lube the brifters, so I don't. I guess if it was suposed to be done, he would have shown me. Maybe it's a flat bar thing?

[kravte519]

Good deal! I do have a power link, so it's not that big of a deal to take it off/put it on, but still, it's a messy, long job...that I now know I only have to do once in a while. Sweet.

[kenshinvt]

I thought this write-up was interesting re cleaning and lubing your bike:

http://sprinterdellacasa.blogspot.com/2008/01/how-to-clean-your-bike.html
(scroll to the "Detailing Your Bike in 30 Minutes or less")

I don't know if I agree with every little step he suggests (especially not to the using WD-40 as a lubricant), but some of the ideas are useful. For instance, making sure you don't use your main sponge on the chain!

[boy in a kilt]

Wipe your chain down and give it a light coat of the lubricant of your choice.

A small drop of oil in the pivot points of your derailleurs helps too.