I've tried using dry chain lube (the very thin stuff) from a bottle but it goes everywhere. It looks to me like WD40 or GT85 would be much easier to apply, using the straw applicator, but the internet tells me neither of these is a very good lubricant. Any tips?
I used gt85 or wd40. Higher spec mechs use decent self lubing bushing so it's more a case of keeping them clean. They certainly don't need to be heavily lubricated.
wd 40 is not a lubricant. gt 85 is
TJ, have you told the WD40 company that? I'm not sure they know as they list your claim as a myth on their website. It's not a great lubricant but it is a very light one. Wouldn't use it for chains or bearings, but it's just fine on mech pivots.
I've got a can of that MucOff MO94 that was left at the last cyclo-cross race I organised. That's a decent general purpose light lubricant and surface rust preventer. I'll get another can of that when this one goes, which counts as a recommendation from me. 👍
MO94 is brilliant
I use silicone spray on my rear mech pivots, a bit of cardboard behind to avoid contamination of the rotor.
When the pivot around the clutch starts feeling notchy silicone spray works great, makes it nice n smooth again.
I probably last lubed a mech about 10 years ago and I've noticed no problem with my shifting, many thousands of offroad km later
I probably last lubed a mech about 10 years ago and I’ve noticed no problem with my shifting, many thousands of offroad km later
Shoosh or you'll have the Lube Manufacturers secret hitman after you.
TBH, I often give mine a quick spray with GT85 in the winter, just to stop the mech freezing.
Meaning parallelogram pivots?
Never seen them seize.
The other ones can tho, they need grease