007,

What chain is it you are using? I just started using Shimano's HG900 chain when I installed my new XT M8000 drivetrain, and I have been having a hard time finding a lube that sticks to it at all. Shimano's new chains have a plating on them they call "Sil-Tec", which is a blend of PTFE and nickel, and my guess is that chain lubes (at least PTFE and wax based lubes) have a hard time sticking to this.

I have used 10-spd Sil-Tec chains in the past, which seem to require somewhat more frequent lubing, but the HG900 chain has all parts of the chain except the pins Sil-Tec treated (lesser chains are just inner plates, or just inner/outer plates). Like you, Squirt didn't even come close to getting me through one ride after a number of attempts. Tri-Flow is barely better. Progold Xtreme has worked best so far, but in slightly wet conditions it won't get me through a ride. Currently experimenting with Rock and Roll Extreme.

I suspect some of KMC's surface treatments may produce the same effects as this.

Edit: This is not meant to harp on Shimano chains. The Sil-Tec treatment is outstanding. It is just a matter of finding a lube that can work well with it.

 

007,

What chain is it you are using? I just started using Shimano's HG900 chain when I installed my new XT M8000 drivetrain, and I have been having a hard time finding a lube that sticks to it at all. Shimano's new chains have a plating on them they call "Sil-Tec", which is a blend of PTFE and nickel, and my guess is that chain lubes (at least PTFE and wax based lubes) have a hard time sticking to this.

I've been using, and I assume I'm not the only one, 10-speed 981 XTR chains that also have some parts with the Sil-Tec treatment. If the Sil-Tec in the M900 chains doesn't work well with Squirt, why would the 981?

 

This is really interesting. If it turns out to be a real issue, it'll be enough for me to stay away from the new Shimano chains. Shame I just installed one...

 

Sorry, I should have clarified: The Sil-Tec coating is actually amazing. Even when bone dry it is a great lubricant. Get a standard Shimano chain and a Sil-Tec Shimano chain, strip them bone dry, and feel the difference in friction. Truly amazing. This surface treatment is definitely a greater asset than lube retention. But finding a lube that works well with it is surely a bonus.

 

so what kinds of chain will squirt work with?

 

After I clean my chain with simple green, I put some Phil wood oil in a ziplock bag and put the chain in the bag and work it in. I leave it overnight. Next day I pull out the chain. It's like a brand new chain at that point. I wipe off excess oil the install the chain. It'll run dead silent for at least a month maybe more.

 

I'm running a KMC chain. I like the idea of Phil wood. Might have to give that a whirl if I give up on squirt.

 

I tried to stay SquirtLube but our long -20°C and colder conditions were too tough for it to keep noise down.
Installed new Campy 11s chain but had to distill its factory lubrication with Finish Line Teflon lube, now working better.

Prior to swap applied fresh SquirtLube round and its awaiting summer now.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

 

Squirt do a winter lube,Squirt Low Temp,I emailed them asking what kind of temp to use it in and they said below 0'c,so its not much use for me as we havent seen anything below 0'c this year so far.

 

this is the hg801 chain after a trail ride (mid of damp and dry terrain).