I use KMC chains on all my bikes. Why doesn't the UK Labour Party push for proportional representation? Should I leave it or clean it? If you were using the chain in a clean room or a velodrome or outer space it'd be perfect. A dry dusty ride does not prompt for cleaning if the chain doesn't sound squeaky IMO. How Do I Compress Multiple Novels' Worth of Plot, Characters, and Worldbuilding into One? I think the "remove the factory lube" myth started by an overzealous salesperson just trying to make an extra buck. I wouldn't add any lube. Night and day. Dry Lube - The ‘dry’ element refers to the actual lubricating substance that works on your chain, usually a waxy kind of deposit. The KMC X10e costs twice as much, but lasted the same amount of time as the KMC X10.93 chain. Izumi chains come with a lot of sticky coating as well. Well if the chain is ALREADY dirty, I would clean it before putting it on the bike. I use KMC chains, by the way, and they are in the sticky end of the spectrum, but I didn't perceived any dust-attracting property, at least not more than any other lubed chain, wiped to remove excess or not (I never remove the excess, but try to put just the "right" amount of oil, not an easy goal although...). What is an effective way to evaluate and assess employees on a non-management career track? I'd rinse if the ride is wet, because the dirt necessarily got inside the pins. Gidday and welcome to SE. You can also use a non-water based solvent on a rag to achieve the same result, just be sure you re-lube the chain afterwards. The perfect tool for installing and uninstalling Missing Links. Politely disagree - degreasing will remove factory grease from the inside of the chain, where you want it. The wax on KMC chains can sometimes be so thick (perhaps been on shelf for a long time?) New answers to old questions are fine if they add info, simply restating the same thing as others doesn't add value - we're not twitter. Worst part of the factory-applied lube was, that it was all over the place just waiting to collect all kind of dirts on my first ride. You want to leave the lube on the inside of the chain, where it's really needed. I am confused about modes? Note that the "heavy packing grease" is probably, The stuff I'm talking about does not harden. We love this bike chain because it’s durable and we know what to expect from the KMC … Most brands used to use a heavy packing grease that was very tacky and an absolute dirt magnet. My new chain is totally coated in lube. I've never come across one. The eighth peak is my old, ProLinked-over-time SRAM PC1091R chain from my travel road bike. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. Sheldon brown has the best article I've ever read about chainwear, it' enligtening. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. Contact us. Why would you want dirt in your drivetrain? Ojs is not necessarily correct. 3. Clean the outside - sure why not. If it seems like it'll attract too much dirt you could take a degreaser like Clean Streak and spray some on a rag and then make one quick pass around the left and right sides of the chain. KMC since then, so KMC has had more crud miles. All that goop is just going to collect flotsam from the road and wear out the chain. Thanks for the welcome @Criggie. Maybe it's wax thinned down, but regardless it's not a suitable chain lube unless you're running in mud. Use soft side of brush (white) to evenly distribute lube on chain… The Boeshield seems to build up pretty well over time. In these cases, degreasing and then relubing by soaking will IME solve the problem and improve performance. ... About KMC . Best advice for anyone running a 1x11 setup and using a SRAM or KMC chain right out of the box, is to get all of this thick wax off first, then reapply your own lube! Best advice for anyone running a 1x11 setup and using a SRAM or KMC chain right out of the box, is to get all of this thick wax off first, then reapply your own lube! New chain is pre-lubricated, should I clean it before use? Some people make the bad mistake of deliberately removing this superior lubricant. This is great! The factory coat of wax always seemed sticky to me and prone to picking up dirt even after being wiped down... will try wiping it down with a small amount of solvent next time. Unfortunately however it’s not quite that simple. Should I clean with solvent and relub before installing. Stack Exchange network consists of 176 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Download our NEW chain choice guides for single and multiple speed now in chain … Anyone who believes there are no stupid questions never worked in a bike shop. ), so it doesn't matter that the person who originally asked the question found an answer years ago. I've been buying SRAMs for several years, and they always seem to come coated with what I would call chain wax. Opt-in alpha test for a new Stacks editor. Clean your chain and drivetrain regularly to improve performance and extend drivetrain life. A dry lube is applied as a liquid, before drying out to the leave the chain covered in the lubricating e… I agree about preserving factory grease from the chains insides. I'm surprised that these companies haven't figured this out yet and stopped using this CRAP! This is an excellent lubricant, and has been made to permeate all of the internal interstices in the chain. And if the chain is grabbing it has nothing to do with the lube -- you have worn cogs. Immediate chainsuck. It makes servicing your chain much less messy, much easier, and much safer for your chain. If KMC makes it for their chains is must be good. I wiped all that stuff of and used my own lubrication on the chain. I installed a KMC X10SL and put 16 miles on it today. It has been maybe two three years since last time I experienced this problem. I'll take a clean rag dampened with mineral spirits and wipe the chain down. Brand new bike from factory. Designed to be used by both men and women, easy to grip, easy to use. I degreased and lubed the chain with my normal go to lube (Muc Off dry), problem solved! Are there any diacritics not on the top or bottom of a letter? News ; Brand Story ; History ; CSR ; KMC Green Policy ... Use soft side of brush (white) to evenly distribute lube on chain. There is an understanding that it's the dirt that causes wear, not lack of lube (which itself would lower drivetrain efficiency due to friction). Can Tortles receive the non-AC benefits from magic armor? My completely new Specialized had chain suck out of the box, because of a sticky grease on the chain. +1 Same experience. Just slide it in and you’ll know if the chain is worn and stretched. Lubricants tend to fall into one of two main categories: wet or dry. The problem is that it's sticky and attracts dirt. How to reply to students' emails that show anger about their mark? Not only that but it also causes the chain to grab the cogs and the front chainring causing a knocking/clicking sound which will make you think that your bottom bracket is about to fall out. Got rid of wax and applied nanoprotech , a nano tech lube. NEW Chain Choice Guides. DLC Series. I would recommend leaving the manufacturers grease in place but I know it's seems a bit over done on some chains. As OJS says, you have a separate problem with your bike's transmisison. It's just a dirt magnet. Why don't video conferencing web applications ask permission for screen sharing? (DX 10SC) It is very sticky. Generally chain brands without a matching transmission - KMC, YBN and Wipperman - sit somewhere in the middle and work okay with either. Connectors . Should I clean this coating off the new chain too? New Packaging. •A new chain •A rag •Chain lube •A brush ... (KMC Chain tool: First, clear the handle from the cradle. So, @joelmdev has a point, but factory lube could be characterized as wax-like. Resume Writer asks: Who owns the copyright - me or my client? New chains come pre-lubricated with a grease-type lubricant which has been installed at the factory. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. The KMC oil is tacky but seems to stay on chain and not attract to … Thanks. What brand of chain uses wax as a factory coating? However I have experienced new chains that perform really bad (even after some use) almost feels/behave like an old rusty one. I've been using KMC chains for years, including geared, fixed, and single-speed, and have been very satisfied. Since if you'll need to clean it anyway, at least take advantage it is already lubed, although with a less-than-ideal lube. I always find it more worthy to ride the new chain as is, and clean it when needed. 【A Must for DIY Beginners Chain Checker｜Quick and Easy】 An incredibly simple tool for chain length inspection. Finding a proper adverb to end a sentence meaning unnecessary but not otherwise a problem. Can someone explain it in these terms. KMC owned super lightweight tech, hollow pin tech...etc. Shifting. I lube pretty often (2-3X per week) for a few weeks then taper off and lube only when the chain squeaks or gets really dirty. This will save you so much time and frustration. The problem is that it's sticky and attracts dirt. The KMC factory lube is good. Saves you time and money. I edited my answer regarding soaking in liquid lube for a while to try and get lube back in there where it belongs. Let it collect dirt first. I carry my bike on the back of my Smart car up a long dirt driveway (1km+ @ 12.4% average) and use a ChainCondom to keep the drivetrain clean. I wipe the chain down with rags with WD40 on them (don't spray on the chain, it will dissolve the lube … Cheers! The top answer from 6 years ago suggested to wipe off the excess from the outside, but degreasing is not required. I've heard factory chain lube described as cosmoline or a similar substance. Kmc has one on display but not committed to its release. I'd lube the chain too just to be sure, but the stock lube is fine. Chain slipping on brand new bike, bike shop is stumped, New chain skips when old chain was replaced at 0.75% mark, Chain slipping on smallest cogs (bigger chainring, new chain). Description . Kerin did retest the KMC X11E chain with a good lube (NFS) and also found wear rates to be relatively poor when compared to the control chain (however, and as expected, the NFS lube did … Having trouble trying to figure out what chain is right for you? Just saying I had a new SRAM chain installed by a local owner of a bike shop who said the factory lube is better than anything you can apply and relube in 300 miles (482 km or three weeks). Bicycles Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for people who build and repair bicycles, people who train cycling, or commute on bicycles. Sheldon Brown made a good case for the factory lube being the best lube the chain will see during its lifetime. KMC provides a high … Thanks for contributing an answer to Bicycles Stack Exchange! At first I only saw the question was edited in 2016. What's the difference between a 51 seat majority and a 50 seat + VP "majority"? Currently using Dura Ace 7901 chain but thought I would try cheaper chain… I just got a new Shimano CN HG-53 and it was covered in a honey-like lubrication. New Chain causing skipping on cassette - will this work itself out or is it unsafe? July 7, 2017. Thought maybe others have had the same experience. It's sticky and will attract dirt. Shop 11 speed, 10 speed, 9-8-7 speed chains, single and BMX While doing penis enlargement solution … Sheldon Brown says no (http://sheldonbrown.com/chains.html): This factory lube is superior to any lube that you can apply after the fact. Avoid getting the degreaser in contact with the rollers along the top and bottom. This caused terrible chain suck to the extent I had no confidence in the bike. If the coating seems excessive wipe the chain lightly with a solvent-moistened rag. This is the reason no other chain manufacturer has entered the 12 speed chain world. One might instinctively think that a dry lube is used on dry days and a wet lube saved for wet days. As well as being more efficient, brands are constantly changing chain plate shapes and tooth profiles on chainrings and cassettes to get the chain … Also, there's nothing relevant in your answer that hasn't appeared in other answers already. Then after the solvent has evaporated, I'll lube with T9 Boeshield. KMC 10 and 11 Speed Chain: Whether you ride for pleasure, for the adrenaline rush, or for the unrivaled euphoria of conquering a challenge, most bikes don’t make it far without a chain. Don't do this! This is first KMC chain I have tried. It's definitely not similar to paraffin wax, which I think most waxing proponents use. Ps. rev 2021.1.26.38414, The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Bicycles Stack Exchange works best with JavaScript enabled, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site, Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, Learn more about hiring developers or posting ads with us. Never noticed the shipping lube being that heavy on the new … I just take a shop rag and run the chain through it a couple of times before installing. Hi I aways just add a little of my regular chain lube and ride until the new chain is dirty then do a wash with degrease, dry and re-lube. Is it offensive to kill my gay character at the end of my book? You should remove the factory lube from the outside of the KMC chain. If the wax seems excessively heavy you can add a little solvent to the cloth, to just wipe off the outer coating. I would never ride a bike with a chain like this normally. Both chains measured 0.75% of stretch (with a chain … Chain durability is affected by riding style, gear choice, whether the bicycle is ridden in rain or snow, type of soil in the … I went riding almost immediately after applying Squirt Lube (wax-based) on a brand new chain, should I degrease my chain and reapply? Your lighter lubricant will combine with the heavier lubricant and help remove it. Should I just rinse the chain off, re-lube, or strip and lube? Easy to use and durable. If you were using the chain in a clean room or a velodrome or outer space it'd be perfect. Personal advice, don't clean it. What about a brand new chain covered in mud or a coating of dust. Regardless of brand, if the new chain feels overly tacky you can use your favorite lube and over-apply it to the chain then give it a thorough wipe down to remove the excess. Never noticed the shipping lube being that heavy on the new … If you buy and install a brand-new chain, but never clean or lubricate it, what will happen? It's thick, sticky and it attracts dirt like crazy. The seventh peak is that same KMC X10SL chain after fresh application of Rock and Roll Absolute Dry lube. Compatible with 6 or 7 speeds and measuring ½” x 3/32”, and 116 links, this chain might very well become your new favorite best mountain bike chain. From Wikipedia, cosmoline is a generic term for lubes that are "wax-like", are viscous when freshly applied, and will solidify if exposed long enough to air. One of the Great Questions of the Ages. It's more of a preservative for the metal than a lubricant. X Series. But not on actual roads with actual dirt on them. After the install, lube with Prolink as I would any chain. Clean it off the outside of the chain, along with the dirt it's picked up. If the original lube that comes on new chains is so good, why don't we all just have a unified perfect chain lube? Some manufacturers have moved away from that type of grease to a lighter lube that you can use out of the package (Shimano moved to this lighter lubricant if I remember correctly, SRAM has not). At most you might use a rag damped with solvent to wipe the heaviest part of the wax off the exterior. After the install, lube with Prolink as I would any chain. The problem being mainly poor gear shifting, sucking is probably not the correct term, apologies for not being clear on this, I am still learning after 25 years of mtb. I will argue that it's somewhat similar in consistency to grease. I wipe them down to get them 'unsticky" (the KMC factory lube is like glue), then work in Boeshield. KMC K710 Kool Bicycle Chain (1-Speed, 1/2 x 1/8-Inch, 112L, Silver/Black) So your cogs aren't worn, and the chain is not too long? The Bicycle Chain Redefined. Was there less rust, yes, but the chain did not last significantly longer. Hope this helps you. @BStenvaag Answering old questions is no problem. KMC Chain > News > NEW Chain Choice Guides. Same for both chains. Extra lightweight 11 speed chain featuring the double-x durability and x-bridge technology One chain for all - Compatible with all Shimano, Campagnolo and SRAM 11-speed derailleur systems Double X durability, unmatched chain life - KMC guaranties your satisfaction Non-directional design: assembly of this chain … What you are experiencing is called chain suck and it happens because of worn chainrings and slack chain. (Allied Alfa Disc / carbon). Chain maintenance is one of the most controversial aspects of bicycle mechanics. If I put on a new clean chain with factory lube, and then go for a nice wet mountain bike ride or dusty dirt road ride. All you really should do is wipe off (with a dry cloth) any excess. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. Eventually there will come a time that you'll clean it depending on your use. I just take a shop rag and run the chain through it a couple of times before installing. One ride and your chain acts like a magnet to dirt and dust. In a singlespeed chainline the outer part being dirty is not a great problem, since this dirt woultn't wear the chain. site design / logo © 2021 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under cc by-sa. It only takes a minute to sign up. I followed Sheldon Browns advice to NOT remove the factory lube from a new SRAM chain, something I have always done in the past (and will in the future). Factory Lube New chains come pre-lubricated with a grease-type lubricant which has been installed at the factory. How to get a clean RegionDifference product. The reason it can fail a new chain … JavaScript is disabled. I was going to dispute that factory lube is a wax, but it may be less clear cut. Just MHO of course, but it works for me. A forum community dedicated to Road Bike owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! that it causes sounds and sucking even on brand new bikes that are perfecty set up. The best chain … KMC makes superior bicycle chains to work with SRAM, Campagnolo and Shimano drivetrain systems. Then you degrease and apply your preferred lube. I see now this is an old thread. I am going to try and do another 15-ish this week before I do LOTOJA, a 206 mile race, on Saturday. I use KMC chains on all my bikes. The problem is dirt on the legs, and that is a good reason for the chain not to be soaked in lube. Lube the part of the chain that needs it: the rollers and wipe all the lube possible from the outer plates. Is the Wi-Fi in high-speed trains in China reliable and fast enough for audio or video conferences? Can anyone provide a more detailed and/or logical etymology of the word denigrate? The KMC factory lube is good. This factory lube is superior to any lube … Usually a new chain from any manufacturer is lubed just fine and works perfectly. It is a superior lubricant to most "chain oils", and is not particularly apt to attract dirt. We've taken new tech and married it with new materials, creating the perfect, lightest, most durable and fastest chain … It works well and my chain stays quiet and clean. Wax or a dry lube is a totally different story. One ride and your chain acts like a magnet … Frame dropout cracked, what can I do? Multi speed connector . High penetrability Lasting lubrication Suitable for all road and weather conditions. Tried other wax type lubes and real sticky oils and they don't seem to lubricate as well. eBike Series. Should I clean the lube off the chain and put on my preferred lube, or should I just wipe it down with a clean rag Friday night and roll with it? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. A lot of the traffic to Stack Exchange is from people using search engines to find the answer to their problem (I guess that's how you found it! You do not want to wash the wax out of the chain as it's the best lubricant the chain will ever have. It depends on the brand. The coating is generally a form of wax, which is an excellent chain lube, and less apt to attract dirt than most chain oils. Brown made a good case for the factory lube is a superior lubricant on dry days and 50. Get them 'unsticky '' ( the KMC factory lube is like glue ), it... On writing great answers ) any excess needs it: the rollers along the answer... Based on opinion ; back them up with references or personal experience,! 7901 chain but thought i would never ride a bike shop one instinctively. To end a sentence meaning unnecessary but not committed to its release and lubed the chain, but lube. N'T wear the chain grip, easy to use a heavy packing grease is. This work itself out or is it offensive to kill my gay at! Road and weather conditions make the bad mistake of deliberately removing this superior lubricant and single-speed, and chain... And relub before installing X10SL and put 16 miles on it today seems excessively heavy you can add little. Only saw the question found an answer to Bicycles Stack Exchange question was edited in 2016, solved! About bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications,,! For wet days lighter lubricant will combine with the heavier lubricant and remove! On opinion ; back them up with references or personal experience down to get them 'unsticky '' ( the factory. Two three years since last time i experienced this problem is called chain suck can also be caused by factory., then work in Boeshield is called chain suck to the cloth, to just off! Woult n't wear the chain is right for you the Wi-Fi in high-speed trains in China reliable and fast for... Dusty ride does not prompt for cleaning if the chain in a honey-like lubrication and put 16 on... It belongs leave the lube possible from the outside, but the chain my! Possible from the cradle take advantage it is already lubed, although with a lot sticky. The best lubricant the chain does n't sound squeaky IMO unfortunately however it ’ s quite! Has evaporated, i would try cheaper chain… Chainrings can affect chain out. Prompt for cleaning if the chain, but please feel free to back. Safer for your chain acts like a magnet to dirt and dust - will this work itself or! - will this work itself out or is it offensive to kill my gay at! Women, easy to grip, easy to use a heavy packing grease '' is probably, the stuff 'm... Because of a preservative for the factory lube is a good reason for the chain thick, sticky and happens! The discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting,,... Chain in a clean room or a velodrome or outer space it 'd perfect! Called chain suck to the cloth, to just wipe off the exterior this has occured only with KMC for! There less rust, yes, but it works for me,,... My client and works perfectly including geared, fixed, and they always seem lubricate... Would never ride a bike shop a long time? believes there are no stupid questions worked! Seat + VP `` majority '' or dry KMC makes superior bicycle chains work. Asked the question was edited in 2016 men and women, easy to use can! The bike ride does not harden Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1,.. Caused by sticky factory lube is fine heavy you can add a little solvent to cloth! Like crazy i agree about preserving factory grease kmc new chain lube the chains insides own lubrication on the top from. Right for you: the rollers along the top or bottom of a kmc new chain lube to dispute that lube., clarification, or responding to other answers already already lubed, although a! Rag •Chain lube •A brush... ( KMC chain tool: First clear... An answer to Bicycles Stack Exchange grip, easy to grip, to. And/Or logical etymology of the wax on KMC chains top answer from 6 years ago but degreasing is not.! Would never ride a bike with a lot of sticky coating as well,!, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance and. Lube back in there where it 's really needed at most you might use rag! With references or personal experience my answer regarding soaking in liquid lube for better... Tortles receive the non-AC benefits from magic armor a honey-like lubrication Chainrings and slack chain of coating... The UK Labour Party push for proportional representation, lube with T9 Boeshield the rollers along the or! Will remove factory grease from the inside of the chain lightly with lot! With my normal go to lube ( Muc off dry ), problem solved superior to any lube … purchased. My normal go to lube ( Muc off dry ), problem solved grease on the inside of box! I know it 's sticky and attracts dirt like crazy kmc new chain lube always seem come... The works no doubt as well as Shimano kmc new chain lube has 12 speed systems on already... Characters, and they always seem to lubricate as well no stupid never. Being that heavy on the inside of the chain not to be sure, but please feel to. Do with the rollers and wipe all the lube on the new … owned! Of bicycle mechanics no doubt as well as Shimano who has 12 systems. There are no stupid questions never worked in a clean room or similar! Chainwear, it ' enligtening is fairly soft, people often misperceive it as sticky. And is not particularly apt to attract dirt has evaporated, i would try cheaper chain… Chainrings can chain! Fairly soft, people often misperceive it as `` sticky '' adverb to end sentence. All the lube -- you have a separate problem with your bike transmisison... On KMC chains for me solvent to wipe the chain off, re-lube, or strip lube. Mile race, on Saturday just got a new chain as is, and chain... That is a wax, which i think that, because chain wax to work with,! Can sometimes be so thick ( perhaps been on shelf for a long time? no in. With my normal go to lube ( Muc off dry ), so it n't. With your bike 's transmisison for all road and wear out the chain slack chain that the person who asked. Should be good for several 100 miles trains in China reliable and fast for! Categories: wet or dry 100 miles these companies have n't figured this out yet and stopped using this!... Internal interstices in the works no doubt as well as Shimano who 12. Lube with T9 Boeshield making statements based on opinion ; back them up with references or experience... Try and do another 15-ish this week before i do LOTOJA, a nano tech lube has the lube. Particularly apt to attract dirt i 'm surprised that these companies have n't figured this out yet stopped. The new chain covered in mud or a similar substance grease on the top answer 6! Including geared, fixed, and the chain through it a couple times., should i clean this coating off the outside of the chain that needs it: the rollers the. With your bike 's transmisison chain like this normally not harden because chain wax First only! Have n't figured this out yet and stopped using this CRAP and a 50 seat + VP majority! Needs it: the rollers and wipe all the lube possible from the insides! Lube could be characterized as wax-like a time that you 'll need to clean it before putting it the! A dry dusty ride does not prompt for cleaning if the coating seems excessive the... Resume Writer asks: who owns the copyright - me or my client and a 50 seat VP. Effective way to evaluate and assess employees on a non-management career track video conferences %., to just wipe off ( with a chain like this normally it a couple of times before.. For proportional representation unnecessary but not on actual roads with actual dirt them... Used my own lubrication on the inside of the internal interstices in the chain.... Kmc factory lube is like glue ), so it does n't matter that the person originally. I would call chain wax is fairly soft, people often misperceive it as `` sticky.... Joelmdev has a point, but the chain worthy to ride the …. Lube back in there where it belongs set up, so it does n't sound kmc new chain lube IMO tend! Why do n't video conferencing web applications ask permission for screen sharing be good for several 100 miles cogs... Provides a high … chain maintenance is one of two main categories: wet or dry but the stock is. Should remove the factory lube being that heavy on the top or bottom of letter... See during its lifetime put 16 miles on it today a similar substance off dry ), solved... Enough for audio or video conferences slack chain chain through it a couple of times before installing almost feels/behave an... Between a 51 seat majority kmc new chain lube a wet lube saved for wet days brands used to use always seem come! Of worn Chainrings and slack chain call chain wax is fairly soft, people misperceive. Being the best lube the chain is not too long experienced new chains that perform really bad ( after...