Looking for advice: what’s the best way to keep my drivetrain running smoothly long-term?
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Hey team, I’ve been putting more time into maintaining my bike properly and I want to make sure I’m looking after my drivetrain the right way.
I’m currently using a chain scrubber tool, degreaser, and re-lubing after each clean, but I’m not sure what the ideal cleaning frequency or technique is for trail riding in mixed conditions.A few questions I’d appreciate advice on:
• How often do you do a full chain clean vs a quick wipe + re-lube?
• What degreasers or lubes have worked best for you long-term?
• Any tips for reducing drivetrain wear on a hardtail?
• How clean is “clean enough” before re-lubing?Trying to get consistent results and avoid premature chain/cassette wear. Any guidance from more experienced riders is appreciated.
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I just lube my chain and clean my stanchions after every ride
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I just lube my chain and clean my stanchions after every ride
@trafficones Nice — do you only wipe the chain before re-lubing, or do you do any deeper cleaning in muddy conditions? Trying to build a consistent routine.
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Also curious what lube types people use — wet lube vs dry lube vs ceramic. Anyone notice a difference in drivetrain wear?
@ILUVBIKES wet lube, rock and roll extreme
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@ILUVBIKES wet lube, rock and roll extreme
@trafficones I use dynamic chain wax
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@hank said in Looking for advice: what’s the best way to keep my drivetrain running smoothly long-term?:
WD-40 works well with my stumpjumper
Do you mean WD-40 Bike lube or the regular WD-40 spray? I’ve heard mixed opinions, so curious what’s working for you
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@hank said in Looking for advice: what’s the best way to keep my drivetrain running smoothly long-term?:
WD-40 works well with my stumpjumper
Do you mean WD-40 Bike lube or the regular WD-40 spray? I’ve heard mixed opinions, so curious what’s working for you
@ILUVBIKES The regular seems to work for me but the bike one is supposedly better but they are both the same in my opinion after many rides using both. I believe it is really just a personal opinion
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Sorry for late response but WD-40 spray and bike lube works great, i ran out of the bike lube and instead of buying a new can i just wanted to see if the spray would work to, and it does! I could barely notice the distance.
Even though I don’t use it, I’ve heard maxima chain wax is great, and it even betters your sprockets -
And i do agree with @Alex_Trails34 it really is just a persona prefrence
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I would suggest wiping the chain clean after every ride and relubing. Also if you're riding in wet weather and you're chain is wet wipe it dry so it doesn't rust.
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I race XC and I clean my chain after every race.
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Sorry for late response but WD-40 spray and bike lube works great, i ran out of the bike lube and instead of buying a new can i just wanted to see if the spray would work to, and it does! I could barely notice the distance.
Even though I don’t use it, I’ve heard maxima chain wax is great, and it even betters your sprockets