On Aug 5, 2007, at 8:15 AM, classicrendezvous-request@bikelist.org
wrote:
> And the only metal to metal joint on a bike where there is some
> difference of opinion as whether to lubricate or not is the crank to
> axle union (I lubricate, Campagnolo instructions say not to).
I've heard authoritative voices espouse both methods. The one time I didn't grease the tapers was the one time I've had a crankarm come off by itself.
A very light lubrication seems to help. I've ridden many thousands upon thousands of miles on lightly-lubed tapers without issue, as have many others on this list.
By the way, re: Chuck S and WD-40: he didn't say it wasn't a degreaser; he said don't use it as a degreaser, as it leaves behind a film of lubricant, as it's meant to. Presumably if you're degreasing something you want it to end up dry, no? Read the actual words of the posts.
Rick "loves WD-40 in all its glory" Risemberg -- Richard Risemberg http://www.bicyclefixation.com http://www.newcolonist.com http://www.rickrise.com