The Bike Hive

Chain lubricant can be one of the most controversial aspects of bicycle mechanics.  It seems like most mechanics you talk to will have their own opinion as to what's best and they will strongly defend their choice.  So what is the difference between the chain lube and why are there so many kinds? Before we begin, let's go over some facts about chain wear. How does a chain wear and what is Chain 'Strech'? As a bike is pedaled, the roller, pin, and bushing parts of a chain are forced together under a high load.  This causes friction between the metal parts, causing them to wear down.  The first picture below shows wear on the pin, the second picture shows wear on the bushing part of the inner link plate (hard to see, it's shown as the lower left part of the hole wearing away).    .    As these parts wear, the pins gradually become farther apart across inner link plates.   This what is referred to as 'chain stretch'  ...

For the second year in a row, my friend Brad and I took off from Indy with no plan other than to ride.   We decided where we were riding first when we left the driveway.  After that, we didn't decide where we were going next until we were done riding the trail each day.   The idea was to look for new places to ride and maybe ride some familiar trails if we were in the area.  No hotel reservations either, we were winging it for the most part. Day one- French Lick After a couple false starts, we were finally on our way to our first stop in French Lick.  We had ridden there last year and really enjoyed it so it made sense to include it on this year's trip.  The trail is a great mix of technical rocks and roots without it being over-rough.  Beautiful rock walls, a water fall, and fun trails.  2 laps on the trails then on to the hotel for the first night. Day two- O'Bannon State Park Breakfast at the hotel then on the road to O'Ban...