Appreciation post: the moment I stopped lubing my chain like a goofball

For like 4 years I would spray lube on the chain and then immediately wipe it off, wondering why it always sounded dry. Saw a mechanic at a shop in Denver wait 10 minutes before wiping, and now my drivetrain actually stays quiet for more than one ride. Anyone else learn something basic way later than they should have?

2 comments

2 Comments

jordang321mo ago

My buddy Mike spent two years complaining about chain noise and buying expensive fancy lube... turns out he was wiping it off after like 30 seconds instead of letting it soak in. A bike shop guy finally showed him the exact same trick you saw, wait ten minutes and the stuff actually works. He texted me after his next ride all excited that his bike wasn't screaming anymore, felt like a total idiot but he was laughing about it.

patriciap521mo ago

Honestly I've been wiping mine off after 30 seconds for like 5 years and my drivetrain works fine. Maybe you guys just need to use better lube in the first place.