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From: joels@tektronix.UUCP (Joel Swank)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: chain lubricants
Message-ID: <3562@tektronix.UUCP>
Date: Sun, 9-Sep-84 16:18:57 EDT
Article-I.D.: tektroni.3562
Posted: Sun Sep  9 16:18:57 1984
Date-Received: Thu, 13-Sep-84 19:40:04 EDT
Organization: Tektronix, Beaverton OR
Lines: 25


   I have tried various lubricants on my chain over about 30,000 miles.
The best lubricant I have found is chain oil, or similar heavy oil.
Unfortunately, this type of oil also picks up dirt rapidly and the
chain and derailleur get covered with black goo. Then I have to use
a solvent like WD-40 to clean everything, and re-oil.
   Finding this amount of labor unacceptable I searched for a better
solution. WD-40 and similar solvents are too thin. They soon evaporate
leaving a squeaky chain. I have tried several different brands of
lubricants. The one that offers the best combination of long lasting
lubrication and resistance to dirt and water is LPS-3. I get it at a
local electronics store. LPS makes a series of solvent/lubricants
numbered 1-4. 1 is a very thin solvent similar to WD-40. 4 is a very
thick lubricant almost as thick as motor oil. LPS-3 works well for
chains as well as cable housing and car door locks. The second best
lubricant is a Teflon lubricant, TRI-FLO. It lubricates a little better
than LPS-3, but also picks up a lot more dirt. Either of these products
are superior to WD-40 and chain oil.

Joel Swank
Software Center Tools Support
50-487
Tektronix
Beaverton OR 97077
(503) 627-4403