Bike Maintenance Grease (Must Know Things)
Grease is an essential item for bike maintenance and for keeping the significant parts of the bike moving smoothly.
If applied correctly, it extends and improves your bike performance, but if misused, it causes damage. It is composed of a thickener, oil, and additives.
The thickener holds the grease in place and releases the oil for lubrication.
When lubricating your bike, you should avoid selecting the wrong type of lubricant or applying too much or too little grease because too much grease can affect speed, and lead to friction.
You should also avoid mixing grease and oil or contaminating the grease with water or foreign objects.
The best grease for bike maintenance is the Finish Line Premium Grease. This Teflon fluoropolymer-based grease is composed of corrosion inhibitors. The polymers prevent washouts. It has a long-lasting application, stops bearing noise, and is non-staining. In addition, this grease prevents wear in the headsets, the hubs, and bottom brackets, even in long mileage racing.
Is Grease Good For Bikes?
Grease is suitable for bikes. It keeps your bike’s moving parts in good shape and saves you the cost of repairs. A well-lubricated bike will not be covered in rust.
Without greases, bikes would wear out rapidly. Grease reduces friction and prevents cold welding.
The components of your bike may not work well without greasing, and there may be a significant breakdown or failure.
Greasing allows moving parts to run smoothly to prevent metal-to-metal contact and extend the life of your bike.
Selecting the appropriate grease for your bike will reduce bearing failures and increase efficiency. The primary functions of grease are:
- Preventing wear and corrosion
- Reducing friction between surfaces
- Cleaning
- Sealing
- To prevent foreign objects and water from getting into the moving parts.
What Kind Of Grease Should I Use On My Bike?
Selecting the right kind of grease for your bike is crucial. The five best bike grease are:
- Finish Line Premium Grease
- Park Tool Polylube Grease
- White Lightning Crystal Grease
- Phil Wood Waterproof Grease
- WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease
#1. Finish Line Premium Grease
The Finish Line Premium Grease is a Teflon-based grease designed for bike bearings. It is composed of polymers that do not allow the grease to wash away for a long time.
As a result, you can use this grease even in wet conditions. In addition, it has inhibitors that prevent corrosion and protect your bike’s bearings and other essential parts.
The Finish Line Premium Grease is thicker than some grease, making the application more straightforward. However, it is not suitable for bikes with carbon fiber.
#1. Pros
- It has a high quality.
- It is less expensive.
- It is highly rated.
#2. Cons
- It has a smaller tube.
- It is not suitable for carbon fiber bikes.
#2. ParkTool Polylube Grease
The ParkTool Polylube Grease is one of the market’s most popular and readily available bike greases. It is suitable for use on carbon fiber bikes.
#1. Pros
- It has a high quality.
- It comes in various sizes (either in large or small containers).
- It lasts long.
- You can use it on carbon fiber bikes.
#2. Cons
- It is pretty expensive.
- It is not a lubricant.
#3. The White Lightning Crystal Grease
This grease is non-toxic and biodegradable. I recommend this grease for your bike bearings and other bike parts.
#1. Pros
- It is non-staining.
- It is non-toxic.
- It has no odor.
- It has a high quality.
- It is suitable for carbon fiber bikes.
#2. Cons
- It does not last long.
#4. Phil Wood Waterproof Grease
The Phil Wood Waterproof Grease is also a high-quality bicycle-bearing grease that comes in a smaller container similar to the finish line premium grease.
#1. Pros
- You can use it on carbon fiber bikes.
- It has a high quality.
#2. Cons
- It is pretty expensive.
- It comes in a small container.
#5. WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease
Most people use this lubricant for metal-to-metal applications. It does not run or freeze and gives maximum protection against corrosion.
#1. Pros
- It reduces chain noise.
#2. Cons
- It can be challenging to use in tight corners.
- Chains with lots of dirt would need much spraying.
What Do I Grease And What Do I Lubricate?
The bearings and bushings are the prominent places on your bike to apply grease.
When greasing the headset bearings, apply the grease on the crown and the frames alongside the steering parts.
Do not grease the steerer tube where the stem is. In the hub, there are bearings that you should grease. In the bottom bracket, grease the point of contact of the cranks.
Oils are used on the transmission and moving parts of the bike. The central part in the transmission that must be lubricated after cleaning is the chain.
In addition, the cables in the roller bearings, tension spring, and derailleur should be lubed.
If a front derailleur is on your bike, lubricate it as well. You can lubricate conventional brakes only on mechanical points. Ensure the oil does not get to the brake pads or braking surface.
You can lubricate clipless pedals and tension springs. Apply grease in the wheel threads and the derailleur hanger when placing it on the frame.
Also, apply little grease on the steering cap of forks with an aluminum steerer tube so it would slide on the stem properly when tightening the headset.
What Makes Grease Appropriate For Bikes?
Grease is essential as it plays a massive role in the maintenance and performance of bikes.
It is used both as a lubricant and as an assembly aid. Grease reduces friction, and it is appropriate because of its essential functions, which are:
- Keeping major parts moving freely and preventing water from getting in.
- It prevents seizures in areas with a static metal connection.
Grease keeps major parts moving freely. You should use it on the bearings of your wheels, in the bottom bracket and headset, and other moving parts of the brakes and gears.
Do not use it on loose moving parts because it would attract dirt due to its sticky texture. Due to its anti-seize compounds, it prevents static areas from seizing up or cold welding.
The areas you should grease are the saddle posts and bolt threads as they sit against metal for an extended period.
Grease every bolt before you tighten it on your bike, and do it once every month to prevent seizures.
Can I Use WD-40 On My Bike?
You can use WD-40 on your bike. It is not just a cleaner but a light lubricant that lasts in dry conditions. However, if you use it in wet conditions, it will not last.
WD-40 is an excellent product for lubricating your bike chain.
It lasts longer than other bike lubricants in dry conditions because it is less oily. WD-40 cleans off dirt and grime from your bike and derailleur.
After degreasing, washing, and drying, apply the lubricant, which will last up to 12 hours.
If you want to remove rust from your bike chain, spray the lubricant on the rusty parts of the chain and leave it for five minutes. Use a wire brush to scrape off the rusty parts.
Do not use this lubricant on your disc brakes, as it may not work correctly. If you spray it mistakenly on your disc brakes, get a cleaner to take it off.
Also, clean off the WD-40 thoroughly from your chain if you decide to use a different lubricant because it would wipe off any other lubricant on your chain.
Conclusion
The importance of greasing cannot be overemphasized. It is vital for maintaining and extending the life of your bike.
Suppose you ride your bike frequently, clean and lubricate it once every month to maintain excellent performance, it will remain in good shape.
Also, apply lube on your bike chain to enable it to run smoothly.
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