The consistency of bicycle lubricants is comparable to boot cream or toothpaste, but in some cases it is liquid to match the aerosol configuration. These products are usually sold in special tubes. Jars are used to pack a large amount of contents. It can be used to lubricate bearings, cables, as well as all joints that are screwed in.
Types of bike lubricants
- Graphite.
- Calcium
- Lithium.
- Teflon.
- Silicone
Graphite grease
Graphite grease is available in powder form. It is usually applied to connections in which threaded elements participate. This is the most durable grease for a bicycle, so it is used where you do not need to constantly disassemble and redo the mounts, since it can save time on the frequency of subsequent repairs. When working with graphite grease, caution is necessary, as an inexperienced craftsman can get dirty very quickly.
Calcium grease
It has a yellow or green color, but the shade is definitely not bright. It is successfully used for metal surfaces. Calcium grease practically does not react to moisture, therefore, when it gets in the rain or after washing the bike, re-lubricating the parts is not necessary. Items that have been treated with calcium grease must be used at temperatures ranging from -30 to +50 degrees. Going beyond these limits is not recommended.
Lithium grease
It has red, sometimes yellow color. The parts processed by it must be protected from moisture, as the grease is very quickly washed off. Even light rain can cause the need for re-processing of parts.
This grease is suitable for climatic zones with low temperature, as it can withstand up to -50 degrees without changing its basic properties. Plus temperature can be any. Lithium bicycle grease can withstand up to +150 degrees. Any details can be processed, with the exception of all items containing aluminum.
Teflon grease
There are two varieties of Teflon grease. The first is sold in a bottle from which it must be squeezed. There is no dispenser in it. The second type is designed in the form of a spray, so everyone can determine the necessary dose for specific parts and speed up the repair process. The difference lies only in the configuration of the package, and the properties of both types are the same.
Teflon grease is often used for a bicycle chain, but it is also designed for other items. Usually it is used when it is necessary to process movable mechanisms or parts thereof. One of the distinguishing features of this lubricant is its anti-corrosion property, that is, after applying this fluid, objects will not be susceptible to rust formation. Also, this tool helps to overcome, that is, remove rust, if corrosion manifests itself in the initial stages. Teflon grease for bicycles is resistant to environmental hazards.
It does not react to acid, alkali, and also to salt. When there is a sufficient layer of this product on the parts, a barrier is created for them that prevents water and electricity from reaching them. Teflon grease for a bicycle is used at temperatures from -50 and at any plus point, since this substance can withstand up to +250 degrees. It is available for residents of any climate zone.
In most cases, Teflon grease is used to handle hinges, forks, chains, and other elements that function when the bicycle is moving. It is allowed to use this grease near plastic elements.
Teflon grease for a bicycle does not harm any objects and devices, and if necessary it is easy to wash with a cloth, however, for this, the material must be absolutely dry. It is applied to the clean and dried surface of specific parts. When using grease from a spray can, you must first shake, and then do the dosing of the substance.
Silicone Grease
Sold in several configurations. You can buy it in a jar or in a spray can. This grease is used not only for any parts and mechanisms, but also for plastic, rubber parts, which are subject to friction when the bicycle is moving. In the case of an electric bike, using this tool you can lubricate the battery wires to provide a reliable barrier against dirt and water.
Silicone bicycle chain grease is sold in liquid form. A thin film is enough to protect parts from the negative effects. There is no destructive effect on the structural elements of the bicycle, therefore, the formation of rust is impossible. This grease can withstand temperatures from -50 to + 250 degrees, while at any permissible mark on the thermometer does not change its properties.
Silicone bike grease in cans is sold in a thicker form than aerosol. If you need a dense and large layer, you need to choose this particular configuration. When working with silicone grease, no protective measures need to be taken. The substance does not harm a person, therefore it is easily washed off with ordinary soap and warm water.
Fluid lubricants
Special oil bottles are universal and are used to process many designs. Liquid lubricant for a bicycle chain is indispensable when it is necessary to process a small, hard-to-reach part, as well as in cases where there are many protruding corners in the part. The ease of use is explained by the ability to process parts using a syringe. Among the disadvantages, a small resistance to low temperature can be distinguished. When lubricant is selected, price plays a big role. Approximately you can buy good products at a cost of 300-800 rubles. In the liquid configuration, you can find cheap and high-quality samples.
Aerosol lubricants
Spray cans help not only to clean the object from rust or cover with a protective substance, but also to displace unnecessary elements, water, since spraying is carried out under pressure. Aerosols help a great deal when processing friction resistant surfaces. These lubricants are excellent in road conditions when an urgent need arises, and little time is given for repair or processing of parts.
In most cases, the bicycle chain is also treated with aerosol grease, however, it is necessary to control the flow of the substance, since the agent must not be allowed to get on the brake or rim mechanism. To understand what lubricants to lubricate a bicycle, you should pay attention to aerosols.
What needs to be lubricated in a bicycle?
- Chain. With this element, the bike can move. The technical condition of the vehicle depends on the quality of the lubricant, as well as on its quantity and the correct application. If the chain is in poor condition, lubricate it. This is indicated by the appearance of extraneous noise when the bicycle is moving.
- Axles of the brake system. You need to work with them carefully, since the timeliness of stopping the vehicle depends on them.
- Rollers involved in chain tensioning. These elements are constantly in contact, so you can not spare grease for them.
- Speed shifter. It is made of two shares. In order to be able to independently choose the driving speed, regular lubrication of these elements is necessary. It should be remembered that the lubrication of the bicycle bushings is a necessary step in caring for it.
- Cables for braking and shifting gears.
- Carriage assembly. The more often it is lubricated, the better the safety of the fasteners.
- Bearings.
- Depreciation system. In order for it to function according to all the rules, it is necessary to lubricate the front fork on time.
Lubricate your bicycle regularly. It is advisable to check the details before each trip and, if necessary, apply a small layer of the substance. It should be remembered that the bike needs this in the winter. So that it does not creak and does not become corroded, lubricate all parts periodically. Attention should be paid even to small mechanisms so as not to provoke dangerous situations. Lubricants designed for various parts and weather conditions help in this.