How do you lubricate a bicycle chain?

Question

I need to lubricate my chain it's rusty.

Answer 1

Yes, and you should. Go to a bike shop, sporting goods store, hardware store, or department store that sells bikes. Look for a can of chain lube. It's usually in a spray can, often with a plastic straw to help put it where you need it. Turn your bike upside down, or have someone lift the back tire and turn the pedals, and spray the chain as it goes by. You don't need the lube dripping off the chain, or it will spray off as you ride. But you want to get at least some on the entire chain.

WD-40 will work, but it's not the greatest stuff for this. But it's better than nothing.

Answer 2

Don't be fooled by WD-40. Yes, it's good at dissolving that rusty junk, but it evaporates into the air and won't protect your moving parts for long. Use it as a first step then use a chain lube. There are chain cleaning devices that will help.

Answer 3

Let's get one thing perfectly clear here:

WD-40 IS NOT A LUBRICANT! DO NOT USE WD-40 ON ANY PART OF A BICYCLE FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER! IT OFFERS NO MORE PROTECTION THAN VEGETABLE OIL!

If your chain is rusty, stop leaving it outside! In fact, leaving a bicycle outside is right up there with microwaving a baby!

If you leave a bicycle outside, you should expect to have a bicycle that squeaks and works crappy. Replace a rusty chain.

You WD-40 die-hards need to stay out of the Bicycling section and go back to NASCAR!

Answer 4

Hey,

WD 40 is not a good idea. I use Pedro's products. They are a bit dearer - not much though - and do a great job. I use the Syn Lube, which works well but also the Ice Wax - this product not only lubes but also degreases. Put a thick coat on your chain to start and leave for 10 minutes. Then wipe off with a cloth and it is like new. Apply another thin coat and you are right to go!!!

Answer 5

I usually clean my chain just before i ride. My boyfriend and I will clean our chains and apply small amount of lubricant (pedros ice wax). It goes on dry. Sometimes i dont do it at all if i just put lube the day before. This other guy i rode with would clean his chain right after and apply lube. I guess its a matter of preference. I was told not to overdo it either with lube.

Answer 6

WD 40 is great to break up the rust and lube the chain ...
and if you throw on a rubber glove, smear the palm w/ a handful (approx. 1/4 cup) of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) and grease the chain. It's easy to do:
1. Turn the bike upside down
2. gently wrap hand around a section of the chain so that you can let it contact the Vaseline without stopping the chain
3. Keeping the hand in one place, SLOWLY turn the pedal so the chain slides through the Vaseline, allowing the chain to be lightly coated.

Ideally, axle grease is best, but most folks have Vaseline readily available. Have fun riding!

Answer 7

If the chain is rusty, Try some WD-40. Its the easiest to get ahold of, and its just a quick spray on to apply. Make sure you get all the chain, not just one side. If that doesnt work, you might need to get a new chain

Answer 8

NEVER use WD40 on ANY part of the bike

for chains, I recommend Pedros Dry Lube spray for drier conditions, and Tri Flow Teflon spray for wet conditions

follow the directions on the bottle, and use a clean rag to wipe down the excess

if the chain is really rusty, then it needs to be replaced
go to your local bike shop

Answer 9

Spray some WD-40 on the chain and be careful not to spray the rims, disks, or brake pads. Use a towel to shield the bike so that only the chain is sprayed. Wipe off all excess Wd-40. You can also use Finish Line or Pedros chain lube. tfw

Anti WD-40 folks...look she is not in the Tour De France or the Markleeville Death Ride, so stop trying to push fancy lubes.

Answer 10

I always clean and degrease my chain before I lube it. There are devices that you can attach to your chain, but I wouldn't recommend the expense unless you ride alot. I lube my chain with a dry lube. You simply spray it onto the chain, wait about ten minutes and then wipe off the excess. Dry lubes are less likely to attract dirt but wd-40 will attract dirt, grime etc.