Lime trail effect on chain

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LU from California on 11/23/2024 2:27:16 PM:

Hello,
Can anyone give me info on what effects the wet or dry lime trail had on their chain? Did you get a buildup? Did you have any problems? I’m guessing it’s a good idea to clean your chain every day. Thx!

Jerry Whittle from O'Fallon Illinois on 11/24/2024 1:50:59 PM:

Both are rough on a chain. If it's wet, cleaning and lubing daily might help. If dry, I'd just clean and lube it once halfway through if you're doing the entire trail.

I recommend putting on a cheaper new chain shortly before the trip. Then just replacing the chain shortly after the end. That's what I've done a few times including twice on a tandem. The tandem is like changing three chains.

John Hutchins from PACIFIC on 11/24/2024 3:28:50 PM:

If it's dusty you will get limestone dust on your chain. Probably not much of a problem this time of year. I've never bothered to clean my chain on a Katy ride, with no problems. But others might feel differently.

Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 12/11/2024 10:46:51 AM:

We ride a million billion miles on the trail and I have not noticed any crazy wear. I'd take some lube in case of rain, but otherwise, it's no biggie.

I think that the carbonates in the limestone are much softer than the silicates in sand.

Do whatever makes you the most comfortable!

Jim from St. Thomas on 12/11/2024 4:11:05 PM:

I agree if you're only going to ride a million billion miles you will probably not have problems. If you ride a billion billion miles I would look at investing in one of those titanium chains.

Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 12/12/2024 12:24:45 AM:

I'd only go Ti if I thought I might hit a bajillion miles. ;)

plaseo from STL on 1/5/2025 11:11:20 AM:

Especially when it's wet I notice grit buildup on my chain and have had it get to the point my gears aren't meshing and things start clicking. I've tried all the major chain lubes and have found that RockNRoll extreme keeps the chain cleanest the longest. I am not the best with cleaning/maintenance so others who are more diligent probably have a better time. I use a flashlight to look over the chain after every ride. Since the lube has wax in it the chain will look almost like it has a matte finish and if it starts to look shiny or gritty/dirty I know it's time to relube.

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