[CR]Re: LUBRICATION

(Example: Framebuilders:Chris Pauley)

From: "Stephen Barner" <steve@sburl.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <CATFOODA7f136fumGdF00001760@catfood.nt.phred.org>
Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2004 08:43:50 -0400
Subject: [CR]Re: LUBRICATION

The type of grease you use in a bicycle is likely irrelevant, as long as you have clean, fresh grease in all bearings at all times. While some greases are better are resisting corrosion than others, you are not likely to have problems with any grease you buy for home use. Grease is just oil mixed with "soap" to keep the oil in the bearing. You like Campy, Phil, Pedro's, silicon, Lubriplate, whatever? Just keep those bearings full of it and you'll be fine. I think Phil's grease is a good choice if you are riding in excessively wet or cold weather, as it tends to thicken less at cold temps than many lubes and holds up well to water. You need to rebuild bearings that get wet, though, as it's it's the grit that the water carries in that really trashes bearings. Rust can be a factor as well.

There is likely no functional difference between Campy grease and the maligned Lubriplate white lithium. Lubriplate seems a little thinner, but it stays in place well. Campy never owned a refinery, after all. They didn't make their own grease and probably did nothing to customize the recipe, either. My suspicion is that they orderd the grease from one supplier and the plastic tubs from another and had the assembled product delivered to the warehouse for Campy to ship out. I believe the associated mystique is our own construct.

--Steve Barner, with greasy fingers in Bolton, Vermont


----- Original Message -----


> Date: Sun, 18 Apr 2004 14:02:20 -0700 (PDT)
> From: r cielec <teaat4p@yahoo.com>
> To: Bob Freitas <freitas1@pacbell.net>,
> Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Subject: [CR]
>
> Many listers are seriously concerned with authentic to period. Preserving an artificat is commendable and necessary if one values a civilisations history.
> I am curious to learn if any listers meticulously pursue authentication. To own, to ride, to service a time capsule artifact - must be quite an experience.
>
> My bikes are not artifact quality but yeoman riders for which I use Campag and other high quality lubes.
>
> Regards,
> Richard Cielec
> Chicago, Illinois
>
> Bob Freitas <freitas1@pacbell.net> wrote:
> I use a SILICONE grease because it will not absorb moisture and break down,not all my bikes do I ride all the time
> going back to something like LUBRIPLATE I think is not a good idea
> BOB FREITAS