advice on chain and lube for Asian travel

I usually use store bought lube for my commuting bike. But I read that travelers in Asia just use some motor oil. I just tried that on my commuter-as an experiment-I guess it works OK but seems to pick up a lot of dirt.
What do you use? I am planning to bike tour in Nepal/India(?) this winter.
Also--"Tom" in his article about building an expedition bike says he carries two chains and switches off every two weeks. Do any of you do this or only carry one chain? My bike is 3X9 speed, and I dont know if these are available along the way as well as chain lube.
Also--I have 22T on the front chainring, 36T on the rear. I havnt finished putting the bike together yet--there is no chain on it yet. But is this gear ratio OK? Hopefully do some Himalayan biking.

You can calculate your ratios here: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gears/

I use motorcycle chain spray. Its thin when applied but thickens into a wax, that doesn't attract dirt. When thin, it penetrates inside the chain where its needed and the surplus outside can be wiped off.

I did on one occasion get my spray confiscated, as its a fire hazard. I do however have a small can in my toiletbag. Its smaller and not more dangerous than a hairspray :-)

Before they confiscated the can, I lubed the chain thoroughly and drove 1000 km on that one lube, even through a sandstorm. Dedicated chainlube is much better and goes much longer than motoroil.

I start out with a new chain, ring and casette and only bring a few links and an assembly link. I don't see any reason for the hassle of changing chain every 2 weeks.

I don't think it is a good idea to use motor oil on your chain. Much of India is rather dusty and an oily chain is bound to pick up a lot of grime.
I prefer to use silicon chain lube. It comes in a small plastic bottle and is not a spray. It is a bit expensive to buy but lasts a long time. You had better bring this with you since it is just about impossible to find in India.

I also have 3x9 gears on my bike. With such a cassette you will also have a rather thin chain which would be nearly impossible to find in India.
Over the last six years I have done four bike trips through India. I have generally had a very lax attitude towards carrying spare parts and such, thinking that in India things will always work out. On my latest India-trip, from The Himalayas down middle India, I had some noise at times from my chain and worried that it might break and how totally out of options I would have been then. Eventually I came to a larger city and managed to buy a 'missing link' and never needed to use it anyway.

I have never had a chain break and I don't think I will carry any spare chain. But I will definitely carry a couple of 'missing links' and a chain splitter, just in case.
There is an Indian brand of 'modern' bikes, Firefox. They are not as good as they look but at least have some things in common with Western bikes. Nowadays there are quite many Firefox shops in India. I understand it as they are owned by Indian bike enthusiasts who want to get in early on a market with vast potential. As of yet they don't have many customers though, and not much parts in stock. Anyway outside of the biggest cities Firefox shops are generally your best bet for service.

I have whatever is the standard number of teeth on my chain rings.

On a 3*9 system it is important to use a good chain. Avoid the Shimano basic level. There is a 40-50% better life in their best 9 speed chain.
People refer to chain “stretch” but chains don’t actually stretch. The metal is not elongating under tension. Chains do lengthen but this is the result of grit wearing the hinge pins and sleeves of the chain. This grit initially adheres to the outside of the chain but does little harm there. It is when the grit reaches the inside of the chain that wearing occurs. Oiling a dirty chain virtually guarantees that wear will increase. It is the elongated chain that cuts into the teeth on cogs and causes them to wear to the point where the chain eventually starts to slip. Then all the cogs and the chain need to be replaced. So it is wise to thoroughly wash a chain with solvents occasionally. Oil it lightly only when it is clean. If the chain looks wet you have put too much on. Just wipe it off.
If you have been riding in rain the drying out of the chain will be more rapid so have some lube handy. Overall though, keep the chain a little on the dry side.
For long trips in the ‘old’ world, where getting a good quality 3/32” chain is generally impossible, we want chains that last as long as possible. This is similar to the interest in tyre and rim longevity. In the case of chains, their wearing out (manifested as getting longer) cuts into the sides of teeth on the cogs. These cogs are even harder to get and changing rear cogs requires special tools. On trips over 8,000km it is common to carry a spare middle front chainwheel and a spare chain.
There are different approaches to chain wearon derailleur bikes that work
Regularly replace the chain before its elongation cuts into the teeth of the cogs.
Carry a spare chain on a long trip starting with a new one and swapping them at 4,000 km, recording it on the bag the chain is in so you know where you are up to and then swapping back to the first chain after the next 4,000, etc. (rotation system)
Ride one good chain, keeping it clean, through to the point where it starts to slip and then replace all the cogs and the chain.
In short, if the trip is under 5,000km and you have a good 3/32 chain just ride it and don't worry.
In your next life try a Rohloff internal rear hub gear system, with an eccentric bottom bracket and a Hebie chainglider.

I don't think it is a good idea to use motor oil on your chain. Much of India is rather dusty and an oily chain is bound to pick up a lot of grime.
I prefer to use silicon chain lube. It comes in a small plastic bottle and is not a spray. It is a bit expensive to buy but lasts a long time. You had better bring this with you since it is just about impossible to find in India.

I also have 3x9 gears on my bike. With such a cassette you will also have a rather thin chain which would be nearly impossible to find in India.
Over the last six years I have done four bike trips through India. I have generally had a very lax attitude towards carrying spare parts and such, thinking that in India things will always work out. On my latest India-trip, from The Himalayas down middle India, I had some noise at times from my chain and worried that it might break and how totally out of options I would have been then. Eventually I came to a larger city and managed to buy a 'missing link' and never needed to use it anyway.

I have never had a chain break and I don't think I will carry any spare chain. But I will definitely carry a couple of 'missing links' and a chain splitter, just in case.
There is an Indian brand of 'modern' bikes, Firefox. They are not as good as they look but at least have some things in common with Western bikes. Nowadays there are quite many Firefox shops in India. I understand it as they are owned by Indian bike enthusiasts who want to get in early on a market with vast potential. As of yet they don't have many customers though, and not much parts in stock. Anyway outside of the biggest cities Firefox shops are generally your best bet for service.

I have whatever is the standard number of teeth on my chain rings. Yes, silicone gear lube, and bring it with me. Im washing off the motor oil experiment today, and putting back the expensive T-9 or whatever it is I have there. I dont like the motor oil. Im still not sure if I am bringing an extra chain or not. On the other hand, if I am stressing too much just bring it. Ill have too much stuff anyway on my first trip, and if I decide to I can sell/throw away/send home my too much extra stuff.
Ive been to Asia like 24 winters so far. I almost took the bike last winter, trhen at the last miniuts changed my mind. But Ive trekked every trail in Nepal more than 10 times each. Time for something new.

Yes, I have your blog riding from Kathmandu to Bombay.

I don't think it is a good idea to use motor oil on your chain. Much of India is rather dusty and an oily chain is bound to pick up a lot of grime.
I prefer to use silicon chain lube. It comes in a small plastic bottle and is not a spray. It is a bit expensive to buy but lasts a long time. You had better bring this with you since it is just about impossible to find in India.

I also have 3x9 gears on my bike. With such a cassette you will also have a rather thin chain which would be nearly impossible to find in India.
Over the last six years I have done four bike trips through India. I have generally had a very lax attitude towards carrying spare parts and such, thinking that in India things will always work out. On my latest India-trip, from The Himalayas down middle India, I had some noise at times from my chain and worried that it might break and how totally out of options I would have been then. Eventually I came to a larger city and managed to buy a 'missing link' and never needed to use it anyway.

I have never had a chain break and I don't think I will carry any spare chain. But I will definitely carry a couple of 'missing links' and a chain splitter, just in case.
There is an Indian brand of 'modern' bikes, Firefox. They are not as good as they look but at least have some things in common with Western bikes. Nowadays there are quite many Firefox shops in India. I understand it as they are owned by Indian bike enthusiasts who want to get in early on a market with vast potential. As of yet they don't have many customers though, and not much parts in stock. Anyway outside of the biggest cities Firefox shops are generally your best bet for service.

I have whatever is the standard number of teeth on my chain rings. Yes, silicone gear lube, and bring it with me. Im washing off the motor oil experiment today, and putting back the expensive T-9 or whatever it is I have there. I dont like the motor oil. Im still not sure if I am bringing an extra chain or not. On the other hand, if I am stressing too much just bring it. Ill have too much stuff anyway on my first trip, and if I decide to I can sell/throw away/send home my too much extra stuff.
Ive been to Asia like 24 winters so far. I almost took the bike last winter, trhen at the last miniuts changed my mind. But Ive trekked every trail in Nepal more than 10 times each. Time for something new.

Yes, I have your blog riding from Kathmandu to Bombay. You sent it to me lsast year. I almost took the bike last year, but at the last miniute stashed it and went without it

Thanks Noel for interesting post. But I get the feeling that you meant to add
something more after the word 'work' here, and then maybe just forgot about it.
Could Noel please finish the sentence?

There are different approaches to chain wear on derailleur bikes that work
Regularly replace the chain before its elongation cuts into the teeth of the cogs.

Oil little and often.
Lubricate every 100 miles or so of dry riding. more often when riding in wet conditions.
Use a PTFE dry lub from muc-off or white lightning. Shake the bottle first, apply the oil to the inside of the chain while peddling backwards. The oil is runny and penetrates in to the chain pin and roller, pedal and change though the gears and then wipe off excess oil. Let the oil dry before riding. Use mudguards to help reduce dirt flicking up on to the chain.
Before oiling a dirty chain, use a little de-grease , sprayed on to a rag and wipe the chain, let it dry. Also wipe the chainring teeth and derailleur jockywheels and then lubricate.
Don't use spary lub, you end up putting to much on and it wont penetrate in to the chain and dirt will stick to the over spray.
Some riders use 2 chains, so the teeth on chainrings and sprockets least longer (Get more life out of them before they start slipping)

"Also--I have 22T on the front chainring, 36T on the rear."
That is a low gear ratio and you will find pedaling up hill with a load ok.

Also make sure you don't ride using the middle chainring all r=the time as you will wear it out!

See http://www.cycletechuk.com/p/a-worn-chain-cyclists-often-speak-of.html

I use motorcycle chain spray. Its thin when applied but thickens into a wax, that doesn't attract dirt. When thin, it penetrates inside the chain where its needed and the surplus outside can be wiped off.

When this lube is thin, it doubles as a cleaner, so just dry off the surplus and the dirt will follow onto the rag. No need for extra cleaners.

Main reason motor oil is used in Asia is it's easy to get. Usually it's used oil as it's easiest to to get and free.
The negatives is that it is designed for a different purpose. It is usually thick, less viscosity, and doesn't get into the links, the part that wears the most. (If you need it can be thinned with kerosene, which is not bad, it's also a lubricant) Dirt and grime sticks to and mixes with it. Not a desirable thing.
Used motor oil has become acidic, has abrasives, primarily carbon, mixed with it. The process of combustion and engine wear. Both bad things for a chain. Oil from a diesel engine is worst. These are the reason why the motor oil was changed for it to become used. Oil doesn't wear out. It only becomes contaminated. Which is why it is discolored.
But any oil is better than no oil.
Compared to replacing an entire drive, specific chain lube is cheap. These come in two basic types. Wet and dry. Wet is considered the better, but holds dust and washes off with wet. Not so good. Dry is considered better for most tourers. Less inclined to either.
A few carry two chains and rotate them. Most don't. Unnecessary weight and drama. Preferring all to wear together, and wear out together, and be replaced together. When the chain has done it's life, the cogs are not far behind. Especially the smaller cassette and idler cogs. What you pay for is often what you get. Best quality and daily lube and the drive train lasts many k k's. More than most do on a trip. Most gears short life is lack of daily clean and lube. Daily care will double their problem free life.
The 3X9 speed. Many are of the thinking the same as wheel size. If you need replacement parts, will they be available. In many countries tourers go to, the latest hi tech stuff won't be.
Do what suits you. And with the where you are riding.

Thanks Noel for interesting post. But I get the feeling that you meant to add
something more after the word 'work' here, and then maybe just forgot about it.
Could Noel please finish the sentence?

There are different approaches to chain wear on derailleur bikes that work
Regularly replace the chain before its elongation cuts into the teeth of the cogs.
There are different approaches to chain wear on derailleur bikes that work:
(a)Regularly replace the chain before its elongation cuts into the teeth of the cogs.
(b)Carry a spare chain on a long trip starting with a new one and swapping them at 4,000 km, recording it on the bag the chain is in so you know where you are up to and then swapping back to the first chain after the next 4,000, etc. (rotation system)
(c)Ride one good chain, keeping it clean, through to the point where it starts to slip and then replace all the cogs and the chain.

So...replace the chain before it wrecks the cogs, rotate the chain also before but by so doing almost double the independent trip length you can do, or ride it till its all slipping.

This topic comes up about annually and (c) minus the cleaning seems the most usual. Most wouldn't do trips of 4k k. And an extra chain is heavy. And if you don't keep the chain clean and oiled, you unlikely would bother changing it.
Some people cut out a chain in 4k. Others could manage it at 12k to 15k. And 12 to 15k is about the life of the cogs. Seems, most usually
A chain from 8 to 9 speed is thinner.
There are different designs and quality of chain, and prices. Some are definitely only suitable for occasional around town rides.
Some are less inclined to use the gears and the chain is under continual load.
Some are inclined to use lazy gear choices. Rather than keep the chain running straight line, unstressed, they use opposing extreme cogs chain to cassette, and the chain is running at angle, stressed.
Others crunch gears rather than smooth changes. Or the set up doesn't compliment smooth changes.
And a biggy is where you ride. Some places you pick up a lot of grit.

Oh my. Obviously a newbie to cycle maintenance. You never put regular oil on a bike chain unless you're desperate to oil it and have nothing else. But you better be pretty desperate and dirt poor. The brand I used when I cycled came in a black bottle, but don't remember the brand name. It wasn't sold outside of the U.S. (this was almost a decade ago).
When I used to bike and bike tour, I changed the chain every... don't remember the number. But if you read, read, read (BEFORE your tour) you'll know what it is. 2K or 3K miles (3K km or 5K km). Never carried an extra chain with me (no touring cyclist does that unless they're going into the depths of Mongolia and they know the change time is coming up soon. You're also supposed to put a new chain on when you change out the rear cogs. Most of the time I did that, not always.
If you're going to start bike touring (or really, even if you're not), start reading up on simple bike maintenance. Unless you enjoy putting money into the hands of the overpaid CEO's, you can do most yourself with common sense and a calendar.

Yep hobo, tis what most tourers do. And very few would do 4k k's on a trip. Unless you are very rough on your bike to destroy them a quality chain and gears will last longer than that, often around 15k k's, with normal clean and oil. Wash with spirits and it takes the lube out of the links which is a bad thing. It's wear of the links that causes the chain to elongate. Only needed is soapy water and a soft brush to remove the external gunge. Then re oil. Takes only minutes. Actual in Asia many don't oil chains. Oil collects grit and that will destroy chains faster than not oiled. You may have notice their bikes squeak a lot.
Most before a trip figure aprox mileage and replace everything that won't last that long. And don't carry spare anything, not even a spare bike. I only occaisionaly in some countries carry a spare tyre and my trips are usually 3 months plus.

OK, good advice, even from Hobo that hasnt been on a bike in ten years, or longer since he cant remember any details. But its the thought that counts.

Many blogs I read said they just got the dregs of oil out of a oilcan at a garage. I wont do this!
As I said I experimented with motor oil on my commuter, and can say that is definatley not a good method. I ride to work on a maincured bike path, very little dust. But the chain with motor oil on it somehow picked up an amazing amount of gunk. I could barely clean it up with solvent and a brush today. I will not use this method. Im hoping the roads I travel on are dusty, bumpy, and full of potholes--that is where I plan to travel.
Anyway, I think Ill carry a small bottle of good chain lube. I have been using T-9 for some years. One bottle should last the whole trip, if used sparingly. Or maybe try the idea of no lube as dotravel suggests. Ill try it for a while anyway.
I just read that alcohol makes a good solvent for cleaning chains. Ill give that an experiment maybe tomorrow. It would be a lot less messy on the road and evaporates quickly instead of using diesel fuel to clean my chain which is what I have been doing for some years. It seems to clean the chain well, but is messy.

I suggest bringing self-cleaning chain lube from home, but only a non-flammable one.

In India, you can get small bottles of light oil used for Singer sewing machines. Clean motor oil will work OK. As noted above, apply sparingly to a clean chain for best results if you use an oil!

The chain-swapping thing is a myth--extra weight and hassle, yet you won't really reduce wear overall. Just use good quality chains, as noted above, and replace when too worn. There are small tools to measure chain wear. Of course, begin your trip with a new chain. Maybe carry a spare if the trip will be more than 4 months. I think you could get a replacement chain at Firefox Bikes at many locations in India. I find that the chainrings and cassette will last at least several times as long as the chain.

If you take 2 bikes, then you can ride one and carry the other. That way your bikes will last twice as long!

Of course the swapping the chain thing will work, but why bother? My chains normally last 2 tours of 2.5 months and 2,500 kms. If really dirty I may change after one trip. Also, I don't like touching anything that is working OK, not to mention that I am a lazy sod and that sounds like unnecessary work to me.

You can use any oil. Stuff at the bottom of a can in a service station will work, because it is oil. It is also heavy and sticky. It is a useful tip to remember if you can't get anything (unlkely), better to have some hi tech bike lube. Probably cost about $ 5 a small bottle. Bring from home or buy in big city on arrival.

OK, I think I am heading in that general direction. I think I can probably pick up some chain lube in Bangkok or Kathmandu (Ktm maybe a 'little shakey' at the moment) If not I can use motor oil for a while until I find some.Or just bring the smallest bottle I can find from home (non flammable)
Also, a spare chain is maybe not necessary. I have 4 bikes, and have never broken a chain.

I suggest bringing self-cleaning chain lube from home, but only a non-flammable one.

In India, you can get small bottles of light oil used for Singer sewing machines. Clean motor oil will work OK. As noted above, apply sparingly to a clean chain for best results if you use an oil!

The chain-swapping thing is a myth--extra weight and hassle, yet you won't really reduce wear overall.

OK, this sounds good. The reason I asked is vbecause I am long on blog reading and short on real world bike experience. Headed to Asia in 6 weeks

And make sure you bring some spare joiner links.
Last year on a small plane from Timor to Alor I did not have to package my folder but somehow they twisted the chain. A local chain was useless, slipping in all high gears. A joiner I had, replaced the bent link and is still working. Off sealed roads only use a quality dry lube. A dry rag will clean the outside of the chain and not remove the lubrication inside where it is essential.

you didn't say how long you would be on tour.....or more importantly
an estimate of total distance you plan to cover. put a new, quality chain
on before you leave, should be good for 4000 km, give or take 1000
depending on conditions.

take a bottle or two of finish line chain lube. red cap for dry conditions,
green cap for wet. (green is gooey-er, picks up more gunk but lasts
longer).

some airlines may confiscate your oil. if they find it. they probably
won't if it's in ziplock baggies inside your empty water bottles
in their cages on your bike in its box....

i like to lube (small drop on each link) every 500km. wipe the chain
with a dry rag thoroughly before lubing, get as much icky stuff off first.

roll the bushings to get the oil inside, wipe off excess.

you didn't say how long you would be on tour.....or more importantly
an estimate of total distance you plan to cover. put a new, quality chain
on before you leave, should be good for 4000 km, give or take 1000
depending on conditions.

take a bottle or two of finish line chain lube. red cap for dry conditions,
green cap for wet. (green is gooey-er, picks up more gunk but lasts
longer).

some airlines may confiscate your oil. if they find it. they probably
won't if it's in ziplock baggies inside your empty water bottles
in their cages on your bike in its box....

i like to lube (small drop on each link) every 500km. wipe the chain
with a dry rag thoroughly before lubing, get as much icky stuff off first.

roll the bushings to get the oil inside, wipe off excess.

Great answer. I never bike toured, so I dont know how far Ill go, but 4000 k is something like it or less. I have 6 months. I do a lot of 'hanging around' when I travel in Asia...I am never in a hurry.
The bottles of lube sound good. I can get finish line. One of my concerns was getting it confiscated.

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