Anybody know what kind of oil to use on the chain of my bicycle??????

Answer 1

One of best lubricant out there is ProLink Chain Lube. I see others are saying WD 40, I personally wouldn't use it on a bike chain because it tends to evaporate leaving you with very little lubrication.

WD 40 is an excellent cleaner to clean your chain with but that's about its extent and after you're done with cleaning you need lube with something else.

Remember it's the rollers inside the chain that need lubrication not the outside of the chain. So many people tend to believe that once the chain is oily that's all that's required and that would be completely wrong.

ProLink promotes smoother shifting, it doesn't build up like alot of lubes so there's less cleaning, and you can also use it on your cables and derailleurs.and anything else that needs lubing.

Answer 2

DON'T USE WD 40, 3in1, or MOTOR OIL!

This is probably more info than you want, but here goes:

The chain is the only exposed drive part of the bike so you need to use a lubricant that is, for the most part, resistant to picking up dirt...

1) WD-40 is a solvent based low pressure lubricant. This means when you start placing pressure on the pedals the part of the chain with the most tension will "squeeze out" the lube and the chain will run dry. If you did use it, you need to clean the chain and apply every day;

2) 3 in 1 oil is vegetable based, like Crisco. It just doesn't do a good job, plus it will pick up dirt shortening the life of the chain;

3) Motor oil is very sticky to help it adhere to cylinder walls and other engine parts. It attracts dirt and crud like a magnet.

I recommend first using WD 40 and then a good degreaser to completely clean the chain. Then apply a good bicycle chain lube like Pedro's. If you don't want to clean and lube every week then they have a parrafin based oil, otherwise use their other stuff.

I can't tell you how many times I have seen everything from "funny noises" to "shifting problems" to bad wear because the rider used the wrong stuff on the chain.

Answer 3

Obviously most machine type oils will do the job, but at one time you could get a sort of 'dry' lubricant which did not pick up road dirt/dust like conventional oils. Try asking at a motorcycle shop since the this lubricant was quite popular with motorcyclists.
I have two push bikes one of which is used almost every day (I prefer a bike to my car for short trips), and when lubricating any part of the machines I use fully synthentic car engine oil left over from an engine oil change! So far I've had no problems.
But the main thing is to keep grit out of all of the bike's mechanisms. Hence to clean and lubricate regularly is probably more important that the actual oil used (though some can be too thin - e.g., WD40 - and 'disappear' quickly).

Answer 4

It depend on the state of your bike chain. If it is not too old use a light lubricating oil but if it is in it's old age you might need to mix some lubricating grease with the oil

Answer 5

To prevent wear on the links and pivots, you need a graphited oil. DO NOT use any solvent, kerosene, as this will remove oil and encourage corrosion. WD 40 will dry up. If at all possible, remove the chain (some have joining links) , clean with kerosene, dry as much as possible, then soak in warm graphited oil, then allow to drip-dry before re-fitting

Answer 6

Go to Halfords or most D.I.Y shops and you will find Bicycle chain oil in spray cans, near the bicycle shelves

Answer 7

A proper bike Chain oil, definitely not WD40 it removes all lubrication off the chain and wears it out.

Answer 8

I own a big bike shop and I ALWAYS use a LIGHT oil, not WD-40.
Teflon oils are good or even a dry power teflon lubricant. This may sound dumb, but some people use hydralic fluid...it makes everything shiny, lubricates, and cleans.

Answer 9

Tri-flow is the best thing for your chain or i have this lube called icy wax or something like that. its waxy so it doesnt attract dirt just dont use WD-40 cause your chain will look like you drove through a lake of mud when your dun riding

Answer 10

I've always used automotive bearing grease. It last a long time and adheres to the metal very well. The important thing to do however is to wipe it down thoroughly with a rag so that you don't have a lot of grease glob that can attract grit.