Thanks a lot for the test of chain lubricants. Here is another tip from my practice: To clean the chain I apply some spray oil (e.g. WD-40 or Brunos) on a piece of cloth and pull the chain through the cloth. This makes the chain pretty clean before relubrication. What do you from the editorial team actually use for the remaining joints on the bicycle (brake lever, brake joints, joints of the front derailleur, adjusting wheels)? Do you have a good tip? A penetrating lubricant, such as WD-40 or the like is certainly not appropriate, or what do you mean?
Reply by Dirk Zedler, TOUR technology expert and bicycle expert
We proceed in the same way like this reader. We have consistently warned of chain cleaners; they are rather harmful than useful. Low viscosity lubricants are very appropriate for the lubrication of joints. I often use a dropper which allows lubrication precise to the point. Unfortunately, suppliers offer them sometimes and then again you don’t get them. The market loves spray cans. For this reason spray oil is the agent used in most cases. WD-40 is an appropriate agent. The crux of the matter is that a lot of oil is wasted and you have to clean large areas afterwards. Close to brake surfaces you should use spray oil with precaution; these surfaces should remain free of oil. Pulley wheels, headset bearings etc. are not simply relubricated, but disassembled, cleaned and relubricated with high-value bearing grease from time to time.
