Quote Originally Posted by Kalidurga
I've started noticing ProLink at some of the LBS's I frequent (stalk, haunt, whatever...) and KnottedYet mentioned it in another thread. Any testimonials for that brand?
I'll testify on its behalf.

Where I live, I've gotta go either 1.5 or 2 mi (depending on which direction...) on dry, dusty gravel roads to get out to the 'real' road... and where I used to live, the singletrack I frequented was little more than a little dust-ditch we could ride through.

...Then in the winter, this being OR, everything changed 180 deg. and everything was gross and muddy and wet.

All that said,
Prolink is the only lube I'll use again. Nothing else has proven itself even close to equal (yet) and it's not just good for the chain and drivetrain; it works for the cables, etc, too. It's just fantastic stuff. If ever I have a metal/metal joint around the house that's squeaky or sticky, I drip some there, too. (much to my GF's annoyance) "that smells like bike lube!!!" ...

It's fantastic stuff.

What I did to pre-treat my chain:
1 Break chain and clean with solvent- I soaked it awhile, then brushed it pretty thoroughly, as the Dumonde Tech acted more like glue than anything...
Thoroughly dry chain, and lube thoroughly with Prolink.

2. Throw it in a plastic bag and work all the little links/pins/joints. Allow to sit overnight to penetrate (if you're patient enough)

3.Take chain out of bag and coil up on an oven-safe pan (pref. disposable pie tin) and put in the oven at 300 degrees for half an hour. Bake. It smells vaguely of lighter fluid, but I've never had any problems arise.
This stage allows the metal to expand and the lube to work into the crannies. It also helps some of the more stubborn debris loosen.

4.Remove and allow to cool. Once cool, spray down with Simple Green (or any solvent-free cleanser/degreaser)
clean and dry thoroughly.

You now have a very clean, very dry chain.