Proper Chain Lubrication

Here are the steps:

FIRST: Clean the drivetrain thoroughly
to remove all petroleum-based products. This includes any previous chain lube or the thick, sticky coating brand-new chains come slathered in. We like to use dish soap, warm water and a bristled brush.

SECOND: Let the drivetrain dry completely.

THIRD: We like Squirt for our dry conditions. No need to shake the bottle. Squirt lube is an emulsion that prevents the particles from separating. Read the label of your lube. They are all different.

FOURTH: Apply Squirt liberally to the inside of the chain, covering the pins and rollers. It is not necessary to coat the whole drivetrain, only the internal moving parts of the chain itself.

FIFTH: Do NOT wipe the excess from the chain with a rag. Simply allow the lube to dry (best overnight) and go ride.

SIXTH: Reapply as necessary. Once you begin to use Squirt lube on your drivetrain, degreasing between applications will be unnecessary as the lube runs extremely clean. We only find it necessary to reapply when the drivetrain begins to sound dry, which should be every few rides.

Reprinted from the December 2011 issue. Like us on Facebook