What Is WD-40
The ‘W’ in WD-40 denotes water, the ‘D’ displacement, and the number ’40’ signifies the fortieth attempt to perfect the formula. Despite perception, WD-40 does not serve as a strong lubricant; it is a degreaser. That means it strips off oils from bicycle chains, cables, and pivot joints. However, when you are washing your chain to lubricate again, you can use WD-40. Another thing about it is that it can prevent rusting because it helps get rid of moisture which is a leading cause of rusting.
Some relevant Answers
1. D-40 is mainly a solvent with little light lubricant combined. The most effective way to release stuck parts. When applied on any part of something, this solvent breaks down all dirt or substance that makes it adhere. It then leaves behind a thin layer of oil, allowing previously entangled components to move freely once again.
2. bike lube ought to be replaced with something other than wd40 because it is too light lubricating fluid. However, for window panes and hinges in homes doors; there could be worse things than wd40 because even these items are not exposed to dust storms nor do they push and pull irretrievably every second, instead they just eliminate creaks and squeals by ensuring smooth interactions of their surfaces while helping to keep away buggers at bay. Sometimes, when riding on wet roads or through puddles full of mud eventually the lube will find itself nowhere near any part that it was supposed to protect.
3. Several cyclists rely upon WD-40 for friction reduction on shift levers when it is winter (and they get frozen) or for cleaning bicycle chains and derailers. Nevertheless, there appears to be no consensus among these riders about this practice, as demonstrated by the answers and comments in the associated thread. Some people ride their bikes by first cleaning them with WD-40 before applying a lubricant that is meant specifically for bicycles; some choose to take an extra step after this and clean their bikes again.
4. WD-40 has been around for years as a known name for cleaning and oiling machine parts but I’ve never sampled any of their bicycle-oriented merchandise. One thing that struck me about this firm was how they had started producing such things as Lava oleum and multi-purpose 3 in 1 oil which served initially as cycle oils but were obtained from elsewhere. Out of curiosity, I recently found out that they have special lubricants for mountain bikes. Their reputation and number of patents should tempt persons like myself who would like to test it out. Worst case scenario if all fails, I could wash it clean and revert to my previous choices.
OPTION
WD-40 serves as a degreaser for bicycle components. Despite being a bit harsher than most degreasers designed specifically for bicycles or other products used by bicycle builders, such as Simple Green, it still largely does exactly what those products do.
Keep in mind that WD-40 is a degreaser, not a lubricant. After using any kind of degreaser, you need to clean the area with soap and water before applying the appropriate lubricant.
I really cannot complain about WD-40’s bike-specific lubricants I have used. The wet lube did very well for me during some difficult cyclocross races and I have received great results using the dry lube on my indoor trainer bike.
WD-40 should be able to achieve widespread recognition, amongst cyclists, for its bike products shortly, thanks to the many investments made in launching these items within a few months past.
When I Use WD-40
I have not sampled any of the fresh bike-centric goods that WD-40 has unveiled. They have released a bicycle degreaser, foam washing substance, an alternative chain lubricant, and a frame protector. Reviews on these items along with their prices would be interesting for me.
For years I have come across different kinds of bike oils, and a short response to this is that WD-40 may be employed, though its effectiveness varies. Time-saving and cost-saving are the major pros of WD-40. Little money goes a long way to buy you a big can- for these small amounts – we are talking here about the quantity that cleanses and also lubricates in one go. On spraying it onto your chain, one can see dirt sliding down leaving some oil on your chain. It’s like not as effective as using chain cleaner to remove everything but still helpful.
However, WD-40’s grease is only temporary. Even light showers would be able to take it off completely and it evaporates rapidly in hot weather too. The good thing is that you can easily pour more on top. For instance, when I had a bicycle that I cycled on roads for small distances which lasted forty-five minutes up to one hour, this product was perfect for me. After every two rides or if the bike got wet during riding.
When I Switched On WD-40
After many years of using costlier bike-focused lubricants, I made a switch to WD-40. Although they certainly offered superior lubrication, on the other hand, I discovered that dry lubes were easily washed off in the rain while wet lubes would accumulate dirt. On top of all these, before one can reapply, one must clean their bikes thoroughly and this always made me spend quite much on new bottles. In conclusion, for this specific kind of biking, it was both economical and practical for me but I realized that the chain would generally wear out faster once used often.
What Can Be Your Choice?
You will be trained properly on how to pick lubricant depending upon various reasons such as time and cost involved; duration of your travels; riding either on or off tarmacs (road). The finest method for oiling chains would be the correct application of wax. This may end up taking almost the whole day but lasts for nearly twelve months thus saving some amount in the long run when looking at it from this angle.
On your bike’s drivetrain, the regular and common WD-40 can work well. In reality, I have been relying upon WD-40 on my single-speed bike drivetrain for more than 5,000 miles while maintaining it using only rags and old toothbrushes. This keeps me moving without having dirty cogs or crankshafts. Most of my rides are about 40 miles long while others last for as long as 100 miles. I am situated in Britain where we see various weathers.
What Bike Need?
For the bike’s drivetrain, a normal and common WD-40 may do the trick. In fact, for over 5,000 miles I have been banking on it for my single-speed bike’s drivetrain using rags and old toothbrush.* By this way I can get around without having dirty cogs or cranksets.* My journeying distance varies: some rides are around 40 miles long while others last up to 100 miles.* I live in Britain with different kinds of weather.
People who prefer thicker and more viscous lubricants—possibly because they feel that their lube is going to get washed away in a prolonged period when riding on wet roads – could always add a “wet” lube sold separately, which will have better adherence to the drivetrain than WD-40 and therefore last longer.
People noted before that the oil found in WD-40 is light. To displace water from my drivetrain after every wet ride, I always apply WD-40 to clean, and re-lubricate my chain (true to its name Water Displacement, Formula No. 40). But even using a wet lube, I would still clean and re-lube my bike chain after each trip to eliminate dirt and prevent it from rusting; hence I am just doing what I have always done.
Performance of DW-40 In Summer
During the hot summer months, there are times when I just want to laze around and skip cleaning my drivetrain after a ride without it making any difference at all. If it got to a point where I never touched my bike’s drive besides riding, then after about two or three rides, that lube would be running low and the whole setup would have started making noise which requires more lubricant. Nevertheless, this is seldom what would happen on my bicycle as such ridiculous things do not occur in my case. Hence, throughout the summertime, in most instances during which I go riding around; I will always make it a point to wipe down its chain using an old piece of cloth soaked with some WD-40 oil.
One important note: never spray WD-40 directly onto my bike, as that could contaminate your disc brakes of the bike.
Conclusion.
Here’s the process I follow:
- Spray the chain and cassette with WD-40, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash the chain and cassette with soapy water.
- Dry everything thoroughly.
- Lightly spray WD-40 on the chain and cassette.
- Lightly grip the chain with a rag and run it through the rag 3-4 times.
Many people claim WD-40 is a poor lubricant, but in my experience, when it comes to lubrication, less is often more, and WD-40 seems to provide just the right amount.
After using WD-40, my drivetrain feels quick and light.