Which Liquid Lubricant Replaces Grease for Bicycle Chains?

[Arjun Ar]

Better lubricant?

Can somebody tell me which among these liquid lubricants can replace grease from bicycle chain?

I have only three alternatives available

1) Coconut oil
2) Gingerly oil
3) Kerosine

 

[trentt]

None...?

 

[Drakkith]

Definitively NOT kerosene...lets not have anyone riding a flaming bike through the streets. (If that's supposed to be kerosene)

 

[Arjun Ar]

Flash point of kerosene is 60.5°C. Could normal friction in bicycles generate such an amount of heat?

 

[xxChrisxx]

The reason why grease is used is becuase it's viscous, put oil on there and it will flow away.

Why on Earth do you want to change a lubricant when you know that the lubricant works? If it isn't broke...

 

[Arjun Ar]

"Why on Earth do you want to change a lubricant when you know that the lubricant works?"

I thought experimenting is the sole basis of science.

I just wanted the reasons why one would choose one choice over the other

 

[xxChrisxx]

If you are doing this purely for experiment then fair enough. Try them all.

Why do you think they would be better lubricants than grease?

 

[Arjun Ar]

well... I tried and got gingerly oil the best among them all.

I am just trying to get a better lubricant, costless, effective and drives out water.

The lubricated cogset/cluster now gives me a smooth ride.

I think cleaning with kerosene and then applying oil is better.
Anybody with better suggestions??

 

[xxChrisxx]

Part of science is looking back at what other people have done so you aren't repeating yourself.

In your mind think about:
Why the chain was greased and not oiled before?
Why does it feels better?
Would a different grease not by better still?
What are you after from this different lubricant? (The lowest friction that requires constant maintainance? or a longer term no maintenance chain, or somewhere in between)

Also be weary of subjective measurements, I'm willing to bet it feels smoother becuase you have oiled it with something else. Although freshly oiled chain is likely to be smoother than an old greased chain, there is significant room for a placebo effect.On saying that if you are happy with the results, I am certainly no one to dispute you, good job. Just make sure you monitor the chain more closely, as the oil won't last as long.

 

[Arjun Ar]

Thnx for your reply :-)