My current routine usually just consists of hosing the bike down and dribbling some 3 in 1 on the chain, gear mechs and fork stanchions. I suspect that this doesn't exactly place me on the cutting edge of lubrication technology.
A quick look at online bike stores shows a dazzling array of products that would put a hairdressing salon to shame.
What do you do and what would you recommend ?
Pretty much the same as you
except, I use Rock n Roll extreme for the chain so I don't have to periodically degrease things
Recommend you dont use 3 in 1
I've just gone back to Squirt, so much better.
Recommend you dont use 3 in 1
Why's that ? A bit light for the chain I know, but I've used silicone based stuff in the past and it ends up with a layer of sludge that needs de-greasing.
Rock and Roll looks good, and I may try one of these wet lubes.
Purple extreme for me, all year round on road and off. Stays clean and although it's expensive compared to others a £10 bottle lasts 9 months which is nothing compared to brake pads etc.
+1 for Rock'n'roll extreme, I use on & off road as it couldn't be easier to apply & works v. well - chain runs v. cleanly with it on, and it lasts well.
3 in 1 on forks is very bad. Use Fork Juice instead
I use Squirt for summer and Muc Off Wet Lube in the winter and I degrease every few rides by taking the chain off and putting in white spirit (only do this when using wet lube).
For a general purpose grease I use Rock N Roll Red Devil and for the seatpost and stem/bars connection Rock N Roll Super Coat
Putoline chain wax - lasts ages / costs pennies - about £5 so far for 2 years on 6 bikes
GT 85 cables, spds, mechs
Cheapo silicone spray fork stancions ( not ewssential)
3 in 1 was the first ever cycle specific chain lube!
Sawchain oil here. £10.60 a gallon and biodegrageable.
Sawchain oil ? Now there's an idea (for the chain anyway), I've got litres of the stuff.
I am tempted by that plutoline for my chains.
Squirt users - what do you do after riding in the rain? I use a similar product but get horrible rust after the chain gets wet.
Dry
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=2608
Wet
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=1041
Degreaser
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/muc-off-water-soluble-degreaser-500ml-aerosol
Fork Juice ( which is excellent )
http://www.juicelubes.co.uk/fork-juice/
Job done.