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Recommend a product to clean off Bel Ray chain lube.

Daytripper

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May 25, 2024
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Alaska
I am getting ready to put my Trail to bed for the winter and yesterday I washed the bike but found a lot of waxy chain lube stuck like tar to the spokes, swing arm etc. nothing I have seems to to touch this stuff other than to scrape it off. Also on the subject, what is the best way to clean the chain before applying lube. I have chain brushes, and use heavy detergent like I used with a more oil based lube but that doesn't seem to work on Bel Ray.
 

Daytripper

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May 25, 2024
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Alaska
I'm sure there will be lots of opinions.
I would try brake cleaner or kerosene.
So I tried WD-40 first, but that didn't touch the waxy gunk. Then some "chain degreaser" with no results either. I had CRC carb cleaner, electric cleaner and also brake cleaner on hand which I tried third, and the brake cleaner worked so well I never tried any of the CRC stuff. It instantly dissolved the Bel Ray, even without a rag the stuff ran off although I did hit it with a rag after. Also completely removed the buildup on the chain. Best part is the brake cleaner evaporates quite quickly so no wipe down is really needed.
 

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drjon533i

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Aug 4, 2024
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Liberal, KS
Did you use chlorinated or non-chlorinated brake cleaner? I know for a fact that chlorinated brake cleaner will harm the paint on my tumeric yellow bike, so be careful using it.
 
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Daytripper

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May 25, 2024
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Alaska
Did you use chlorinated or non-chlorinated brake cleaner? I know for a fact that chlorinated brake cleaner will harm the paint on my tumeric yellow bike, so be careful using it.
Good to know, the stuff I used is the non-chlorinated variety and hasn't done anything to the paint.
I think what I am going to do to avoid the mess in the future is to lube the chain after I get done riding instead of before taking it out to avoid the wet lube spraying all over the spokes.
 

m in sc

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Rockhill, SC
you need to let the wd40 sit for a few mins, it will remove chain wax. when brake cleaner dries, it evaportes and sweats and leaves water droplets in places you can't see. so if oyu must go that route, make sure you oil it immediately after.
 

Daytripper

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May 25, 2024
Messages
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Location
Alaska
you need to let the wd40 sit for a few mins, it will remove chain wax. when brake cleaner dries, it evaportes and sweats and leaves water droplets in places you can't see. so if oyu must go that route, make sure you oil it immediately after.
I probably didn't give the WD enough time to do its thing.
 

Daytripper

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347
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Alaska
I've used Super Slick Stuff brand- the garage door lube- worked great.
I gave my Honda CR500 a cleaning with it and was amazed at how much longer the rear wheel turned when I spun it compared to other chain lube/wax.
I'm always looking for new lubricants it seems and this one sounds interesting. I have been using the Belray chain wax only since I bought the Trail in 24. I sort of like it, in that it seems to last, but the chain is always very sticky and since I ride a lot on dirt/gravel roads I have to think it attracts dirt, and it is a real pain to clean the chain. Your link to Protexall had the can for under $10, but the only shipping choice to my area of Alaska was FedEx Ground for $96! So I checked Amazon, and could get 1 can for $29, or 6 cans for $60 bucks, so went all in and got 6 coming!
Thanks... I think! :LOL:
 

ol mike

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Jan 21, 2023
Messages
104
I'm always looking for new lubricants it seems and this one sounds interesting. I have been using the Belray chain wax only since I bought the Trail in 24. I sort of like it, in that it seems to last, but the chain is always very sticky and since I ride a lot on dirt/gravel roads I have to think it attracts dirt, and it is a real pain to clean the chain. Your link to Protexall had the can for under $10, but the only shipping choice to my area of Alaska was FedEx Ground for $96! So I checked Amazon, and could get 1 can for $29, or 6 cans for $60 bucks, so went all in and got 6 coming!
Thanks... I think! :LOL:
How is it working out for you????
NoseyMike
 

Daytripper

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Joined
May 25, 2024
Messages
347
Location
Alaska
How is it working out for you????
NoseyMike
It is really an amazing lubricant. I have been using it on almost everything, from my fat tire bike to sticking drawer slides to cables and locks and whatnot. I got my Trail out yesterday and the chain was pretty gunked up with some old chain wax and it really cleaned it up, and also now it feels like there is less friction , just in the length of time after I spin the rear tire before it coasts to a stop. I don't know how long it last, but it is so easy to just give it a little squirt before going out riding. Because it cleans so well and continues to lube after it drys I am thinking it won't become the dirt magnet that some lubes seem to be. The chain looks like brand new with this stuff. Really glad I bought the 6 can deal..
 

ol mike

Active member
Joined
Jan 21, 2023
Messages
104
It is really an amazing lubricant. I have been using it on almost everything, from my fat tire bike to sticking drawer slides to cables and locks and whatnot. I got my Trail out yesterday and the chain was pretty gunked up with some old chain wax and it really cleaned it up, and also now it feels like there is less friction , just in the length of time after I spin the rear tire before it coasts to a stop. I don't know how long it last, but it is so easy to just give it a little squirt before going out riding. Because it cleans so well and continues to lube after it drys I am thinking it won't become the dirt magnet that some lubes seem to be. The chain looks like brand new with this stuff. Really glad I bought the 6 can deal..
Cool , I'm going to give it a try !!
I'm glad to hear it's still a good product, quite often companies are sold and a once great product takes a nose dive.
Best Luck
 
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