What type of lubricant is used on trek bike chains and how to apply?

Answer 1

There's really no such thing as a Trek chain. Treck doesn't manufacture chains.

W/o seeing the bike, it's impossible to say what brand of chain it's using, there's a bunch of them. Shimano makes chains, Campagnolo makes chains, there's Wipperman, KMC, and probably some more.

I've never been able to notice any difference while riding.

What lube to use is a hotly debated subject.

Basically there are two kinds, "wet" and "dry". Wet lubes look just like any other oil, dry ones may have a carrier that evaporates, leving you with a dry looking chain after application. Dry lubes are supposed to do better in dusty situations, as they won't pick up as much dirt and grit as a wet lube.

Some people buy "boutique" lubes at the bicycle shop, with names like Tri-Flow, Chain-L and whatnot. Others use home mixed concoctions of part mineral oil and part kerosene.

IME, the key isn't what you use, but how often you do the service.

The place where the lube is most needed is inside the chain, so even if you're using a wet lube, the chain shouldn't look sticky. A slightly greasy sheen will do.

I do like this:

• get a rag, dampen it down with a mild degreaser
• wipe chain until no more gunk comes off
• leave overnight to let the degreaser evaporate
• dribble a small amount of the lube of your choice (I used regular engine oil for several years) onto the chain. Try to get a drip on each roller and between the plates of each link
• turn the cranks with your hand for 30 seconds. Don't go too fast, or oil will splatter all over the place.
• Get another rag, wipe excess lube off chain.

Done!

A few pointers: Lubes and degreasers may not be that skin friendly, read the labels. When in doubt, wear gloves.

You want to stay away from too runny oils. WD-40, CRC 5-56, 3-in-1 are all too runny to do a good job.

If your chain has developed a squeak, they're still better than nothing.

Don't use motorcycle chain oils either. Motorcycle chains run at much higher speeds, their lubes needs to sticky as glue not to get flung off. On a bike, you don't need that.

Answer 2

The chain