Wet Chain Lube - Cold Environment

[trebor]

Question for the cold weather crowd:

What lubrication would you recommend to be applied to a cold drive train on a trip? I like Rock N Roll Blue. Love it actually. But when applying to a cold drive train, say in the morning before you take off for the day, and the temps are below about 40F the stuff practically solidifies on contact with cold metal.

I live in Florida, so this is rarely a problem. But I anticipate I'll need to deal with it this summer at higher elevations.

What do you like?

[Done]

Hi Rob,

I don't have much experience with truly cold temps (well below freezing), because I'd rather ski than bike in the winter. But it sounds like you're asking about summer in places like Colorado, where it can get to freezing or so? If so, here are my thoughts:

For long rides, I don't like dry lubes. Most of them require some time and warmth to evaporate their volatile components, and that just isn't going to happen when it's cold and wet. Plus, adding more dry lube to a filthy chain just doesn't seem to work that well, and needs to be reapplied too soon.

On the CTR last year, I used Pedro's Wet. I tried to wipe off as much of the grime as I could (which was generally pretty futile), and then I just dumped a bunch of Pedro's on the chain and rode off. I needed to do this about once or twice a day, depending on rain and trail conditions. It worked very well--I only had chain suck for about 5 minutes during a huge storm on a very muddy trail, and I resolved it by adding a LOT of lube. My chain was still usable by the end of the ride, as measured by a Park chain tool.

Short rides, where I can properly clean the chain first, and then wait for the lube to dry before riding, are a different matter. I've tried Boeing Shield, Squirt, Rock N Roll, etc.--and they all seem to work pretty well when the conditions are nice. But if I'm riding all day, or if the weather is crappy, I revert back to applying copious amounts of the old-fashioned wet lube.

[trebor]

good info!! yes, summer time say between Canada and Colorado....

[jp3d]

I agree. Use Rock N Role most of the time, but anything beyond 8 hours (or in wet conditions) it seems there is no choice but to give up on keeping an immaculate chain and switch something more substantial.

[elitheknife]

Rob,
  I've found Dumonde lubes to be stellar.  I use the blue lube that smells like blue cheese (really!).  I run it on all my bikes year round here in frigid KANADA.

  Scott

[Mike Brown]

+2 for Dumonde Tech lubrication.  Also comes in handy travel size! 

[trebor]

Awesome recommendations everyone. I have ordered several lubes.

Imma put them in the fridge and the freezer for S&G's to see what they do.

Thanks so much.

[trebor]

Thanks for all the input.

After putting several lubes through some testing -- I've decided on Dumonde.

The others I was trying would thicken or solidify at freezing temps. The Dumonde did get a little thicker but still flowed.

It stays pretty clean on the drivetrain too. Being in sandy Florida the difference between a wet "oil" lube and the Dumonde was incredible. It took me an hour (and some degreaser) to clean my drive train after the "oil" wet lube to get the crud off and only a quick wipe down and a little soapy water with the Dumonde. If the product hype about lasting longer than other lubes holds true, then I believe we have a winner!

And, it totally smells like blue cheese. How awesome is that?!

[Done]

Thanks for posting your results, Rob. Looks like I need to add a bottle of Dumonde to my collection!