Hi
The pros in the industrial chain business recommends constant lubrication with clean, thin oil.
An oil bath is naturally the best, but rather impossible to achieve on a Scott.
I have a Velocette primary chain, running in oil bath, that have lasted almost thirty years! After a considerable mileage the chain is as new.
Next best is a regular supply of clean oil, for example an oil drip.
I have had good results with this on my Velocette, where I have directed the vent hose from the oil tank to the drip on the rear chain. This chain always seems happy and the dirt gets flung off automatically. This naturally flings a bit on the bike but ordinary oil is rather easy to wipe off.
There must be something in it, as some “adventure” rider riders, on modern bikes, swears that the Scott (!) oiler and its relatives are the best thing that you can use. Those oilers gives you a regulated drip on the chain. And those guys ride in very harsh conditions ranging from mud to desert sand.
Chain sprays on the other hand seems to collect dirt and the chain needs regular cleaning. I also doubt that some chain sprays reach the inner of the links. Many of the chain sprays seems formulated for modern O-ring chains.
Good old Linklyfe also collect dirt, to some extent, and messes up things rather much before the excess have been flung off.
I’m almost finished with fabrication of my own version of chain oiler, for my Scott. All three chains will be served with separate drippers. The drippes can be separately regulated and can be shut of with a common valve. Let’s see how this scheme works out! Some fling is unavoidable, I know, but you don’t need to apply much oil to keep a chain happy.
I have heard that synthetic chainsaw oil should work fine, but I haven’t tested yet. DONT try Bio chainsaw oil as this will turn into a sticky mess!
As with all lubrication matters, little and often is better than much and seldom!
Best regards
Leif
