pdlpsher1 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 29, 2018 6:24 am
How often do you apply Rock n' Roll Gold? I apply once every 200 miles. It's quite good but it does leave a black residue on chainrings and chainstays.
I, like others am pretty obsessed about drivetrain appearance and bike cleanliness in general. I really enjoy routine and structure, and like doing the exact same thing over and over again. Probably makes me a little disabled or mal-adjusted, but brings an additional level of enjoyment to my cycling. I start with an absolutely spotlessly clean Red22 chain. All the factory lube removed in the parts cleaner at work. Then for good measure, taken home and soaked in mineral spirits overnight. Then wiped dry with a towel, compressed air, and then sunlight for a few hours. Must be totally dry. No moisture hidden anywhere. If you watch videos or read instructions on RRG, they advise squirting quite a bit of lube on chain at the cassette while back-pedaling. I use way less. I let the lube dribble out of the bottle. Not a stream, and run through just two lengths of chain. This is around 8 full revolutions of the crank. I then let it sit outdoors for 2-3 hours. Not overnight like many do, but overnight would probably yield even better results. Then (this is the key) wipe. You cannot wipe your chain too much. Wipe it until you feel like killing yourself you are so bored; take a short break, and then wipe it again even longer than the first time. The rag you are using should be getting cleaner and cleaner with time showing less black lines, until eventually the chain leaves almost no mark on a clean white rag. The chain is lubed. It's in there, trust me. Go ride. When you return home from your ride, do not apply more lube and do the whole wiping ritual all over again. After the next ride you will have to re-apply lube in the same manner you did the first time. Mine ends up lasting about 140 miles or so. Which means on average, I apply lube after two rides. Sometimes one. I promise your chain will remain looking brand new, and there is sufficient lube on the rollers. Pain in the ass to most I'm sure, but it gives me desired results in terms of form and function. Obviously this method is for your dry weather only bike.