![]() ![]() ![]() You'll tend to use more lube than simply dripping it once per link but you will need to work each link with your fingers to make sure the lube penetrates, then simply let it dry overnight and install on your bike. With the above process, what you're trying to do is keep the lube warm to allow it to be as runny as you can get it, and ensure the chain doesn't provide a cooler surface when the lube makes contact and tries to work itself into the pin area. Keep in mind that when you get a semi-dry lube that's warm and put it on a cold chain, it hardens and doesn't flow well. Take the lube and work it into the chain. Now use a hair dryer or heat gun and warm the chain (not till it's hot), just warm enough to reach the temp of the lube. Boil a cup of water, put the lube in the cup to warm it up. The solution is, you need to take the chain off the bike, put it in a pan (a simple aluminum baking pan will do). Even if you're careful, the lube will only penetrate and lube just the shoulders and the ends of the pins, but not all the way through. The problem with these types are it's not easy to get the lube all the way inside the rollers where the pins are. These lubes don't dry to a complete solid, but are miles better than any other kind of lube. However if you cannot find someone with such a rig, the best alternative is to use a semi-dry lube (Smoove, Squirt Lube). We don't get as good as results on Shimano or KMC chains, but it still outlasts chains treated with almost all bottle lubes dry or wet. This is one of the best methods to keep a chain lasting a very long time. Most riders don't like the fuss of doing things that take time, however in our shop we offer mild solvent and ultrasonic cleaning with Molten Speedwax treatments and so far every customer that came in with XX1/X01 chains, we still can't fit the chain checker to take a reading even after 1000 miles of trail riding with 1-2 re-treatments in between. XX1 chains have titanium nitride treatment on them to help with corrosion and reducing friction. It's pricey, but like any other product, if you're looking to get something and be lazy about maintaining it, you'll find a way to make anything fail. The XX1/X01 chains are some of the best chains I've seen, both from personal use and in our business. This way, you can ride on 1 chain and have the other already serviced ready to be installed. Most people don't like it when I say this, but I really think that if MTB is your main, frequent hobby, get at least 2 chains and stock up on those powerlinks, by a set of 12 and keep all but one extra with you on the trails. ![]()
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