A very specific question about chain wax...

[flynrider]

Why does DID recommend using 80/90 gear oil ? That is what I use ; cheap and easy AND effective !

That's what I used to use before O-ring chains became a thing. Seems like overkill for O-rings and really messy.

[peterbaron]

To maintain my chain in tip top condition, I use a triple combination, gear oil, wax spray and Wurth HHS 2000, a tear-proof lubricating film with excellent noise and vibration dampening, also water repellent...no complains, OEM chain/sprockets set with about 56K kms.

[Houtman_imp]

I use rags soaked in kerosine to clean my chains , let them dry for a while and than use a rag soaked in 80/90 gear oil to prevent rust on the side plates , even this might not be needed since I put the DID ZVM-X plated chains on my bike , they do not rust on the side plates but can get a tiny bit of rust on the stakes.

[flynrider]

I also use the kerosene soaked rag and clean it at every oil change. I think this is one of the easiest and most effective ways to extend chain life. I never used to bother with chain cleaning and the grit buildup would usually wear out the O-rings within 20K-22K miles. I noticed that my chain cleaning friends were getting a lot more mileage out of their chains, so I took up the practice. Both the CB11 and CB750 have over 32K miles on their current chains, with a long way to go.

[GoldOxide_imp]

(+1) on the kerosene. WD-40 is just as good, but might be a wasted expense.

The lube application is engine/gear oil.

[peterbaron]

for kerosene and WD-40 as well

[Olof_imp]

On my shelf, from left to right, whith my highly subjective impressions:

Lithium grease - perhaps works but messy, doesn't wick and does not last. Tried it once but never again.

Yamalube - Similar to lithium grease, perhaps slightly better but not much. Used it a couple of timed only.

Dafy Moto chain lube - bought in France 15 years ago and an old favourite. Seems to wick well (get under the rollers and spread around the o-rings) as chain runs cool. Does not stain too badly. Lasts well. Easy to apply sparingly too. Not available on Sweden unfortunately so I'm saving the last for... not sure what.

Maxima Chain Wax - temptingly tidy, few stains and does not collect much dirt and lasts but does not seem to wick much (rollers feels "dry" on turning and chain runs warm). Difficult to apply sparingly - "digital" nozzle action.

Maxima Synthetic Chain Guard - messy, stains everyting in sight and chain seems to turn into a dirt magnet, but appears to wick really well (chain runs cool) and lasts forever.

Motul Off Road Chain Lube - recent buy and only tried once a few weeks back but so far seems tidiest of them all - no stains and does not collect much dirt. However does not last long. Unsure how it appears to wick, forgot to check.

[Houtman_imp]

Thank you for that , the only thing missing is the cheap and easy to use 80/90 gear oil .

[GoldOxide_imp]

Many in that collection are familiar indeed.

So far staying with Tutoro and 5W40 synthetic motor oil. Wicks well and never have to clean debris off the chain. Small reservoir refilled every 1500 to 2500 kms, depending on riding conditions.

May consider 80W90 gear oil one day, however I suspect it won't work in the Tutoro.

[redbirds_imp]

Tirox was the best chain lube around after the Dupont product was changed. My home fronts a dirt, mostly sand road one mile of which I ride coming and going and Tirox was the only lube that never attracted grit or fling on the rear wheel. I still have a partial can left but I don't see Tirox on line anymore though their chain cleaner and other products are still around. Wish I'd bought a case of it last year. Probably will go back to the Dupont chain lube.

Why does DID recommend using 80/90 gear oil ? That is what I use ; cheap and easy AND effective !

That's what I used to use before O-ring chains became a thing. Seems like overkill for O-rings and really messy.

That's what I used to use before O-ring chains became a thing. Seems like overkill for O-rings and really messy.
Gear oil collects grit like a magnet forming an abrasive paste that eats up sprockets in my experience.