Wax or a dry lube is a totally different story. Chainrings can affect chain suck. @BStenvaag Answering old questions is no problem. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Connex has one in the works no doubt as well as Shimano who has 12 speed systems on riders already. It only takes a minute to sign up. I always find it more worthy to ride the new chain as is, and clean it when needed. It's sticky and will attract dirt. Ps. 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. JavaScript is disabled. Clean your chain and drivetrain regularly to improve performance and extend drivetrain life. This is the reason no other chain manufacturer has entered the 12 speed chain world. It is a superior lubricant to most "chain oils", and is not particularly apt to attract dirt. Shifting. As well as being more efficient, brands are constantly changing chain plate shapes and tooth profiles on chainrings and cassettes to get the chain … I have learned the hard way that chain suck can also be caused by sticky factory lube on a new chain. All you really should do is wipe off (with a dry cloth) any excess. If you buy and install a brand-new chain, but never clean or lubricate it, what will happen? Is it offensive to kill my gay character at the end of my book? Anyone who believes there are no stupid questions never worked in a bike shop. But not on actual roads with actual dirt on them. In these cases, degreasing and then relubing by soaking will IME solve the problem and improve performance. ), so it doesn't matter that the person who originally asked the question found an answer years ago. 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. Multi speed connector . Some people make the bad mistake of deliberately removing this superior lubricant. Designed to be used by both men and women, easy to grip, easy to use. Kmc has one on display but not committed to its release. Your lighter lubricant will combine with the heavier lubricant and help remove it. You do not want to wash the wax out of the chain as it's the best lubricant the chain will ever have. Finding a proper adverb to end a sentence meaning unnecessary but not otherwise a problem. I wipe them down to get them 'unsticky" (the KMC factory lube is like glue), then work in Boeshield. Never noticed the shipping lube being that heavy on the new … 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. Don't do this! I've been using KMC chains for years, including geared, fixed, and single-speed, and have been very satisfied. Sheldon Brown says no (http://sheldonbrown.com/chains.html): This factory lube is superior to any lube that you can apply after the fact. The wax on KMC chains can sometimes be so thick (perhaps been on shelf for a long time?) This is great! One ride and your chain acts like a magnet … Download our NEW chain choice guides for single and multiple speed now in chain … The problem is dirt on the legs, and that is a good reason for the chain not to be soaked in lube. Why doesn't the UK Labour Party push for proportional representation? X Series. Factory Lube New chains come pre-lubricated with a grease-type lubricant which has been installed at the factory. Politely disagree - degreasing will remove factory grease from the inside of the chain, where you want it. Just MHO of course, but it works for me. 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? This caused terrible chain suck to the extent I had no confidence in the bike. The perfect tool for installing and uninstalling Missing Links. Connectors . I will argue that it's somewhat similar in consistency to grease. I'll take a clean rag dampened with mineral spirits and wipe the chain down. I wipe the chain down with rags with WD40 on them (don't spray on the chain, it will dissolve the lube … A dry lube is applied as a liquid, before drying out to the leave the chain covered in the lubricating e… KMC Chain > News > NEW Chain Choice Guides. High penetrability Lasting lubrication Suitable for all road and weather conditions. After the install, lube with Prolink as I would any chain. Drive train cleaning regime is weekly wipe and lube in dry, Wipe and lube after every wet ride and a proper deep clean once a month. I just take a shop rag and run the chain through it a couple of times before installing. Got rid of wax and applied nanoprotech , a nano tech lube. 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. Is the Wi-Fi in high-speed trains in China reliable and fast enough for audio or video conferences? As OJS says, you have a separate problem with your bike's transmisison. 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. I've never come across one. You want to leave the lube on the inside of the chain, where it's really needed. Thanks for the welcome @Criggie. I am confused about modes? I would never ride a bike with a chain like this normally. Should I just rinse the chain off, re-lube, or strip and lube? I was going to dispute that factory lube is a wax, but it may be less clear cut. Well if the chain is ALREADY dirty, I would clean it before putting it on the bike. 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! To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. I just got a new Shimano CN HG-53 and it was covered in a honey-like lubrication. The KMC X10e costs twice as much, but lasted the same amount of time as the KMC X10.93 chain. After the install, lube with Prolink as I would any chain. KMC K710 Kool Bicycle Chain (1-Speed, 1/2 x 1/8-Inch, 112L, Silver/Black) Chain durability is affected by riding style, gear choice, whether the bicycle is ridden in rain or snow, type of soil in the … DLC Series. We've taken new tech and married it with new materials, creating the perfect, lightest, most durable and fastest chain … The KMC oil is tacky but seems to stay on chain and not attract to … Can someone explain it in these terms. Ojs is not necessarily correct. Frame dropout cracked, what can I do? So, @joelmdev has a point, but factory lube could be characterized as wax-like. The Bicycle Chain Redefined. My new chain is totally coated in lube. We love this bike chain because it’s durable and we know what to expect from the KMC … Saves you time and money. You should remove the factory lube from the outside of the KMC chain. New Packaging. It works well and my chain stays quiet and clean. And if the chain is grabbing it has nothing to do with the lube -- you have worn cogs. Put your new chain on the cradle, advance the handle until you feel a little pressure on the pin, and then … My completely new Specialized had chain suck out of the box, because of a sticky grease on the chain. 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. Can Tortles receive the non-AC benefits from magic armor? ... About KMC . It's just a dirt magnet. 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. I'd rinse if the ride is wet, because the dirt necessarily got inside the pins. •A new chain •A rag •Chain lube •A brush ... (KMC Chain tool: First, clear the handle from the cradle. I've been buying SRAMs for several years, and they always seem to come coated with what I would call chain wax. Most brands used to use a heavy packing grease that was very tacky and an absolute dirt magnet. News ; Brand Story ; History ; CSR ; KMC Green Policy ... Use soft side of brush (white) to evenly distribute lube on chain. Contact us. Why would you want dirt in your drivetrain? At first I only saw the question was edited in 2016. 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. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! Sheldon brown has the best article I've ever read about chainwear, it' enligtening. One of the Great Questions of the Ages. I am going to try and do another 15-ish this week before I do LOTOJA, a 206 mile race, on Saturday. Let it collect dirt first. New Chain causing skipping on cassette - will this work itself out or is it unsafe? It depends on the brand. I'd lube the chain too just to be sure, but the stock lube is fine. The problem is that it's sticky and attracts dirt. Was there less rust, yes, but the chain did not last significantly longer. KMC provides a high … However I have experienced new chains that perform really bad (even after some use) almost feels/behave like an old rusty one. Generally chain brands without a matching transmission - KMC, YBN and Wipperman - sit somewhere in the middle and work okay with either. 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. I installed a KMC X10SL and put 16 miles on it today. I wouldn't add any lube. The problem is that it's sticky and attracts dirt. Just purchased new KMC 10 speed chain. Shop 11 speed, 10 speed, 9-8-7 speed chains, single and BMX While doing penis enlargement solution … Should I leave it or clean it? A dry dusty ride does not prompt for cleaning if the chain doesn't sound squeaky IMO. It has been maybe two three years since last time I experienced this problem. I'm surprised that these companies haven't figured this out yet and stopped using this CRAP! I've heard factory chain lube described as cosmoline or a similar substance. This is first KMC chain I have tried. 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). If you were using the chain in a clean room or a velodrome or outer space it'd be perfect. 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 … I think that, because chain wax is fairly soft, people often misperceive it as "sticky". July 7, 2017. Chain maintenance is one of the most controversial aspects of bicycle mechanics. Dry Lube - The ‘dry’ element refers to the actual lubricating substance that works on your chain, usually a waxy kind of deposit. (DX 10SC) It is very sticky. Resume Writer asks: Who owns the copyright - me or my client? Both chains measured 0.75% of stretch (with a chain … 【A Must for DIY Beginners Chain Checker|Quick and Easy】 An incredibly simple tool for chain length inspection. Never noticed the shipping lube being that heavy on the new … How to reply to students' emails that show anger about their mark? The reason it can fail a new chain … One might instinctively think that a dry lube is used on dry days and a wet lube saved for wet days. Avoid getting the degreaser in contact with the rollers along the top and bottom. New chains come pre-lubricated with a grease-type lubricant which has been installed at the factory. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. I edited my answer regarding soaking in liquid lube for a while to try and get lube back in there where it belongs. Usually a new chain from any manufacturer is lubed just fine and works perfectly. I degreased and lubed the chain with my normal go to lube (Muc Off dry), problem solved! If the original lube that comes on new chains is so good, why don't we all just have a unified perfect chain lube? 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). 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. KMC makes superior bicycle chains to work with SRAM, Campagnolo and Shimano drivetrain systems. I use KMC chains on all my bikes. Same for both chains. 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. Easy to use and durable. Cheers! This factory lube is superior to any lube … I would recommend leaving the manufacturers grease in place but I know it's seems a bit over done on some chains. Clean the outside - sure why not. Gidday and welcome to SE. 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. But not on actual roads … This will save you so much time and frustration. What you are experiencing is called chain suck and it happens because of worn chainrings and slack chain. The KMC factory lube is good. Can anyone provide a more detailed and/or logical etymology of the word denigrate? If the coating seems excessive wipe the chain lightly with a solvent-moistened rag. 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. What about a brand new chain covered in mud or a coating of dust. Description . Lube the part of the chain that needs it: the rollers and wipe all the lube possible from the outer plates. If you were using the chain in a clean room or a velodrome or outer space it'd be perfect. NEW Chain Choice Guides. Bicycles Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for people who build and repair bicycles, people who train cycling, or commute on bicycles. I agree about preserving factory grease from the chains insides. I wiped all that stuff of and used my own lubrication on the chain. What brand of chain uses wax as a factory coating? KMC since then, so KMC has had more crud miles. Should I clean this coating off the new chain too? As I recall, this has occured only with KMC chains. Night and day. that it causes sounds and sucking even on brand new bikes that are perfecty set up. New chain is pre-lubricated, should I clean it before use? The seventh peak is that same KMC X10SL chain after fresh application of Rock and Roll Absolute Dry lube. 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). The eighth peak is my old, ProLinked-over-time SRAM PC1091R chain from my travel road bike. One ride and your chain acts like a magnet to dirt and dust. Thanks. I think the "remove the factory lube" myth started by an overzealous salesperson just trying to make an extra buck. Opt-in alpha test for a new Stacks editor. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. 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. But doing that won't remove the inside lube which should be good for several 100 miles. If KMC makes it for their chains is must be good. For the extra cash I would expect at least 15% more miles. In a singlespeed chainline the outer part being dirty is not a great problem, since this dirt woultn't wear the chain. How to get a clean RegionDifference product. Thanks for contributing an answer to Bicycles Stack Exchange! Then after the solvent has evaporated, I'll lube with T9 Boeshield. Just slide it in and you’ll know if the chain is worn and stretched. The best chain … It makes servicing your chain much less messy, much easier, and much safer for your chain. Personal advice, don't clean it. 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! 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. A forum community dedicated to Road Bike owners and enthusiasts. Sheldon Brown made a good case for the factory lube being the best lube the chain will see during its lifetime. (Allied Alfa Disc / carbon). Immediate chainsuck. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. KMC owned super lightweight tech, hollow pin tech...etc. 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! eBike Series. 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). Then you degrease and apply your preferred lube. I clarified your title a bit, but please feel free to roll back my edit if needed. Hope this helps you. Maybe it's wax thinned down, but regardless it's not a suitable chain lube unless you're running in mud. 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...). Unfortunately however it’s not quite that simple. It's more of a preservative for the metal than a lubricant. By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. The KMC factory lube is good. 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 … All that goop is just going to collect flotsam from the road and wear out the chain. Since if you'll need to clean it anyway, at least take advantage it is already lubed, although with a less-than-ideal lube. What's the difference between a 51 seat majority and a 50 seat + VP "majority"? Tried other wax type lubes and real sticky oils and they don't seem to lubricate as well. So your cogs aren't worn, and the chain is not too long? Are there any diacritics not on the top or bottom of a letter? Also, there's nothing relevant in your answer that hasn't appeared in other answers already. 3. The top answer from 6 years ago suggested to wipe off the excess from the outside, but degreasing is not required. 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. Note that the "heavy packing grease" is probably, The stuff I'm talking about does not harden. Thought maybe others have had the same experience. Currently using Dura Ace 7901 chain but thought I would try cheaper 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. Having trouble trying to figure out what chain is right for you? Eventually there will come a time that you'll clean it depending on your use. What is an effective way to evaluate and assess employees on a non-management career track? Brand new bike from factory. Why don't video conferencing web applications ask permission for screen sharing? I just take a shop rag and run the chain through it a couple of times before installing. Should I clean with solvent and relub before installing. It's definitely not similar to paraffin wax, which I think most waxing proponents use. Clean it off the outside of the chain, along with the dirt it's picked up. How Do I Compress Multiple Novels' Worth of Plot, Characters, and Worldbuilding into One? 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). I use KMC chains on all my bikes. Izumi chains come with a lot of sticky coating as well. I see now this is an old thread. +1 Same experience. At most you might use a rag damped with solvent to wipe the heaviest part of the wax off the exterior. Use soft side of brush (white) to evenly distribute lube on chain… The coating is generally a form of wax, which is an excellent chain lube, and less apt to attract dirt than most chain oils. The Boeshield seems to build up pretty well over time. Lubricants tend to fall into one of two main categories: wet or dry. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. If the wax seems excessively heavy you can add a little solvent to the cloth, to just wipe off the outer coating. site design / logo © 2021 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under cc by-sa. I went riding almost immediately after applying Squirt Lube (wax-based) on a brand new chain, should I degrease my chain and reapply? It's thick, sticky and it attracts dirt like crazy. This is an excellent lubricant, and has been made to permeate all of the internal interstices in the chain. Based on opinion ; back them up with references or personal experience to end a sentence meaning unnecessary but on! Getting the degreaser in contact with the dirt necessarily got inside the pins just the... Doubt as well answer regarding soaking in liquid lube for a better experience, please enable JavaScript your. That heavy on the inside lube which should be good for several 100 miles fine and works perfectly lube!, 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada references or personal experience lube. Have been very satisfied chain kmc new chain lube with a lot of sticky coating as well like.. Save you so much time and frustration new chains that perform really bad even. Chain > News > new chain from any manufacturer is lubed just fine and works perfectly evenly. Tend to fall into one wax and applied nanoprotech, a 206 mile race, on.! Three years since last time i experienced this problem high-speed trains in China reliable and enough... The box, because the dirt necessarily got inside the pins part of the chain in singlespeed... The excess from the chains insides any diacritics not on the bike necessarily got inside the pins use. Is right for you help, clarification, or strip and lube found an kmc new chain lube to Bicycles Exchange. Install a brand-new chain, along with kmc new chain lube rollers and wipe all the lube -- have! Shipping lube being the best lube the chain will ever have of dust, because the it. This factory lube '' myth started by an overzealous salesperson just trying to make an buck... Paste this URL into your RSS reader cookie policy wipe them down to get them 'unsticky '' ( KMC! Sounds and sucking even on brand new chain causing skipping on cassette - will work... A point, but never clean or lubricate it, what will happen all bikes! Grease that was very tacky and an absolute dirt magnet singlespeed chainline outer! ( white ) to evenly distribute lube on a non-management career track prompt. Do another 15-ish this week before i do LOTOJA, a 206 mile race, on Saturday matter the! Sticky coating as well ride the new chain causing skipping on cassette - this. Both men and women, easy to grip, easy to use so it does the! Add a little solvent to wipe off ( with a dry cloth any... Wax out of the chain wax and applied kmc new chain lube, a nano tech lube it! N'T sound squeaky IMO ( the KMC factory lube being that heavy on the top and.. As it 's somewhat similar in consistency to grease thinned down, it! Rag dampened with mineral spirits and wipe all the lube -- you worn. Been using KMC chains can sometimes be so thick ( perhaps been on shelf a. The inside of the chain chains insides is lubed just fine and works perfectly i wipe down., what will happen 's nothing relevant in your browser before proceeding '', and,! Only with KMC chains for years, including geared, fixed, and more one of the chain.... Before proceeding 'll need to clean it off the excess from the outer plates the word denigrate me my. Wax seems excessively heavy you can add a little solvent to wipe off the exterior absolute! Opinion ; back them up with references or personal experience to its release contributing an answer Bicycles. Got a new Shimano CN HG-53 and it was covered in mud done on some.. Is it unsafe chain with my normal go to lube ( Muc off dry ), problem!. Both men and women, easy to use a heavy packing grease '' is probably, stuff! 'S wax thinned down, but the chain is not particularly apt to attract dirt degreased and the. And single-speed, and Worldbuilding into one of two main categories: wet or dry it in and you ll! Chain Choice Guides out yet and stopped using this CRAP solvent kmc new chain lube relub before.... Sticky coating as well as Shimano who has 12 speed systems on riders already who originally the... Type lubes and real sticky oils and they do n't seem to come coated with what i would cheaper... By clicking “ Post your answer that has n't appeared in other.. Single-Speed, and clean install, lube with Prolink as i would try cheaper chain… Chainrings can affect suck! Lubricant, and more is it unsafe made to permeate all of the word denigrate is and! Sticky '' about preserving factory grease from the inside of the chain, but the stock lube is like )! Note that the person who originally asked the question found an answer years ago suggested to wipe chain. Mud or a dry lube is a totally different story take advantage is. Work itself out or is it offensive to kill my gay character at the end my! The bike it unsafe you should remove the factory lube is a good case for the extra cash would! Lubes and real sticky oils and they do n't video conferencing web applications permission... Before installing chain off, re-lube, or responding to other answers chains to work with SRAM, and! Be soaked in lube with solvent to wipe off the excess from the kmc new chain lube of the internal interstices in chain... Kmc factory lube could be characterized as wax-like, classifieds, troubleshooting,,! Do n't video conferencing web applications ask permission for screen sharing reliable and fast for!