Chain lube

[GoldOxide_imp]

GO, do you clean the chain periodically or does it just get grungier every ride?

Since adding the Tutoro unit, I would say I wipe down the chain twice a year. I don't really have to, but I do and it takes only about a minute. That is, while on center stand I soak the chain with WD-40 for as long as I have time for. Take an old cotton t-shirt (or whatever) and wipe off the grime by grabbing the chain and turning the rear wheel. The oiler will do the rest during the ride.

If I do not clean it, the bits of "grunge" (if any) fling off and from time-to-time hit the rim. That is how I know. However, the bits are much less than some chain spray-on solutions (e.g. chain wax, Motul chain lube, etc.) I have used in the past. The grunge build-up in my case is significantly less than using Motul, and etc. The build-up on the sprockets is also less. I wipe the sprocket teeth area maybe every 12 to 18 months.

Probably the most important aspect for me was I found during cold weather riding when there was salt powder on the road, the chain wax (and other products) would pick the salt up and cause the chain to severely rust (when subjected to water/mist/condensation) to the point where affected o-rings could prematurely wear and fail.

Since using the oiler, this has no longer been an issue. No more browning chains, but no greasy black chains either. For me, it worked out better than expected.

A bonus is the option to hide the reservoir under the seat on some bikes.