Every cyclist knows about the need to care for a bicycle chain - however, not everyone is aware of how to lubricate it in order to avoid rapid wear and other unpleasant consequences. Choosing the right lubricant for your bike chain is quite simple - the main thing is to understand its types and their purpose.
Lubricants
Lubrication is vital for a bicycle chain, as it reduces friction in the contacting links and parts - because the chain is in constant motion and in contact with the cassettes and sprockets of the system. These mechanical influences quickly wear out parts and cause the bike to malfunction. The two-wheel friend should be maintained regularly, limited to cleaning and lubricating the chain.
For smooth operation of the bicycle chain, you need to use special oils that prevent the appearance of "rustling" and the adhesion of dirt.
Some cyclists often use household motor oil as a lubricant, which is easy to buy at a cheap price in any store. This type of lubricant is not suitable for maintaining a bicycle chain, as the machine oil literally collects dirt and dust on itself, damaging the chain itself and the stars. It is by no means recommended for use on expensive modern bicycles that require the best handling of their parts.
Lubricant selection
Bicycle chain lubricants are classified into aerosol, liquid, and two-component. Aerosol lubricant is a liquid oil in cans with tubes and is intended for the treatment of moving chain elements. It should be chosen for lubrication of hard-to-reach places and for long journeys, since it is absolutely safe to carry in a backpack (oil does not leak through the straw). The disadvantage of aerosol cans is the likelihood of spraying the lubricant on the rims or brake discs of the bike.
Typically, this type of lubricant is used for maintenance in garage or home conditions, as well as in bicycle workshops.
Liquid Lubricant is a specialized liquid material that is ideal for handling bicycle chains due to its characteristics and convenient dispenser packaging. A two-component grease consists of a solvent and a thick oil. Once the chain is lubricated, the solvent evaporates quickly and the oil stays on the chain joints for a long time.
An excellent choice for wet weather is a wet weather grease that is dirt-repellent, protective and water-repellent, as well as low rinse off with excellent adhesive properties. It is usually used in high humidity and other aggressive environments.
