In the fiscal year 2020, Australians bought about 1.4 million bicycles, whether for sport, recreation, or to reduce their environmental effect. In 2020, the global cycling participation rate was around 29.2%. With more Australians moving to the bicycle, bicycle care and associated products have become very popular and important. Bicycle lubricant is one of the most important care products in the market for your bike. The range of lubricants available at your local bike shop such as Morgan Blue Australia offers special care and an advantage to your beloved ride. They are essential for maintaining your cycle and keeping things working smoothly. When used appropriately, they extend the life of components and improve your ride. If you’re unsure which sections of your bike require lubricant, this blog will help you figure it out.
Lubricants For Dry Conditions
These lubricants are wet when it is being applied to the chain and then dried to a waxy finish. The drying process generally takes a few hours, so before heading out do make a note of the same. A dry lube’s plus point is that it doesn’t attract much dirt, making it perfect for cycling in dry circumstances. On the contrary, dry lubes wash off readily and will need to be reapplied after a wet ride.
Lubricants For Wet Conditions
Wet lubes are thicker and adhere to the chain, staying wet until they are brushed away. They’re ideal for wet weather because they have a higher capacity to resist moisture or wetness and are more difficult to wipe away. However, the downside is that they accumulate dirt and must be cleaned more frequently to prevent part damage.
Wet lubricants are great for your winter bike in severe conditions, but in the summer, clean the chain and switch back to dry lubes to avoid gunk piling up in the cassette
Using Regular Daily Lubricants For Chain:
There’s no need to look elsewhere because chain lubes were developed expressly for the job. The most common novice error is to use an oil like WD40, which is formulated for low-usage parts. While this will temporarily oil the chain, it is not meant for outdoor use and will swiftly wash away. Motor oil is the other extreme. This is usually too viscous for use on a bike chain, and it won’t penetrate the bike’s tiny components. It’s also incredibly sticky, so it’ll readily pick up gunk from the road.
How To Use The Lubricant?
Having your chain cleaned before lubing is very important. It’s inappropriate to lubricate over dirt itself because it will continue to scrape around all of your essential components. If your chain is in very bad shape, you may use a scrub tool, but a rag and degreaser will typically suffice.
How Often Should The Chain Be Lubricated?
The answer is not very straightforward because the interval of chain lubrication greatly varies depending on the bike’s usage, the current weather conditions, the geography, and the terrain where the bicycle is being ridden. But as a general thumb rule, once a month could be a good ballpark figure, possibly slightly more in inclement weather.
Summing Up:
When choosing a lubricant, weigh in all the factors mentioned above and always prefer lubricants specially designed for bicycles like Morgan Blue Australia. With practice, you’ll detect when the chain isn’t moving smoothly and respond appropriately. Don’t feel obligated to relubricate your chain every time you wash your bicycle; in the long run, this will only cause more gunk to adhere to the chain. Click dailyjunkies for more informative articles.