Oiling pivot points?

[Catrin]

Should I oil the pivot points on my FD and RD periodically? I have been told conflicting things on this - by people with a great deal more experience than I - it seemed good to see what people here do.

If you do this - how often is your practice to do so? I have right at 600 miles on the Wanderer and just gave him a good bath, applied some Rock and Roll to the chain, and polished him with a little Pledge. He is looking pretty sharp Also spruced up Stella, though more from dust than road grime, sadly.

[KnottedYet]

I do it every time I oil the chain.

I use an oily rag to wipe everything, so it all gets a little cleaning then as well.

[OakLeaf]

I do the same. They get a thorough cleaning and lube when I clean the chain. Brake calipers also.

You also want to put a drop of oil on the jockey wheel axles.

[Catrin]

I do the same. They get a thorough cleaning and lube when I clean the chain. Brake calipers also.

You also want to put a drop of oil on the jockey wheel axles.

jockey wheel axles? Guess it is time for me to learn the smaller parts of my bike.

I do have ProLube left - though I no longer use it on the chain. Is it appropriate for these other places or should I use Tri-Flow? The Tri-Flow is a lighter oil and while I can't seem to find the little straw applicator that came with it the mouth seems small enough for use.

Thanks - I will do this right now!

[Melalvai]

jockey wheel axles? Guess it is time for me to learn the smaller parts of my bike.

I think these are the 2 little wheels that are part of the rear derailleur mechanism.

I do have ProLube left - though I no longer use it on the chain. Is it appropriate for these other places or should I use Tri-Flow? The Tri-Flow is a lighter oil and while I can't seem to find the little straw applicator that came with it the mouth seems small enough for use.

Again going by what my mechanic tells me, Tri-Flow is good for the moving parts that aren't the chain (and he says it's ok for the chain although he prefers me to use something else based on the kind of grit & weather I encounter in the type of riding I do). It is less messy with the little straw but you can do it without. Just be sure to wipe any oil off your rims.

[EasilyLead]

anything with bearings "or" a pivot that is large, should be greased not oiled. oil will washout and collect sand/dirt.

on chains, clean with WD-40. it is a degrease not oil. wipe really well with a rag being careful not to catch your fingers in the cogs.
then lube your chain with a dry lube. it will last longer and not collect gunk.

its good to re-dry lube your chain every week or every other wash. clean as needed or once every 2-3 months.

[Melalvai]

on chains, clean with WD-40.

I'm surprised to see this because I've always been told that WD-40 is the wrong type of oil for bicycle chains, and that it will ruin the chain. There is a lot of conflicting advice out there. I do what my bike mechanic says because I'm not interested in becoming an expert on chain oil!

[Catrin]

I'm surprised to see this because I've always been told that WD-40 is the wrong type of oil for bicycle chains, and that it will ruin the chain. There is a lot of conflicting advice out there. I do what my bike mechanic says because I'm not interested in becoming an expert on chain oil!

I've been told that WD-40 is a good CLEANER - but to make sure it has plenty of time to evaporate before lubing the chain. Personally prefer to use Simple Green.

I am looking for a picture of the jockey wheel axle. I am pretty sure I know what it is, but would like to find a picture just to be sure. Regardless I will lubricate all of the moving parts that I can find

[EasilyLead]

I'm surprised to see this because I've always been told that WD-40 is the wrong type of oil for bicycle chains, and that it will ruin the chain. There is a lot of conflicting advice out there. I do what my bike mechanic says because I'm not interested in becoming an expert on chain oil!

i kinda thought that the mention of WD-40 would be confusing. a lot of people use it as oil. its meant as a degreaser.


many jockey wheels don't have bearings. just a little washer that has curved edges and those ride in the groves of the jockey wheel. its good to grease the inside when doing occasional maintenance and oil the outside when cleaning the chain.

i mentioned chain because it is intimately involved. sorry sometimes i am too full of info.

[sarahspins]

You also want to put a drop of oil on the jockey wheel axles.

Don't most modern jockey wheels use sealed cartridge bearings?

[Catrin]

Don't most modern jockey wheels use sealed cartridge bearings?

I assume the jockey wheel is the wheel at the bottom of the RD that the chain passes through?

[KnottedYet]

http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_i-k.html#jockeypulley

I give 'em both some love. And anywhere else that moves. I can spend a lot of time playing around with a bottle of Boeshield and the drive train.

My, that sounds somewhat dirty...