im trying to open like a bike shop kinda thing,and i was wondering if like any kind of grease or lube will work for bike bearings and the handlebars.? help?
To answer your question, here is a basic list of lubes for bikes... 1) Chains and external drivetrain parts, brake levers, shifters- light machine oil (NOT motor oil) or appropriate silicone or parrafin based lube depending on riding conditions; 2) Bearings (roller): if exposed to the elements (like the top of a cable detangler), use silicone based oils or something that is easily washed out and replaced. If protected (like hubs), use white lithium grease. NEVER pack the areas full of grease... once clean, wipe in a thin layer of lube on the cups and cones, then roll each bearing around your fingers to give that a thin coat and install; 3) Sealed bearings- NEVER try to lube a sealed bearing. Most have seals which deteoriate when exposed to foreign lubes or degreasers; 4) Cables- apply a thin layer of white lithium grease on exposed cables. Do NOT lubricate inside housings... most have a teflon or delrin sleeve which will soften and get sticky if exposed to lube. Best option is to use stainless cables and forget lubing the cables altogether; 5) seat post, handlebar stem to steerer- if METAL, use white lithium grease inside the seat tube before installing seat post, or when installing stem in (or on) the fork steerer. If carbon/carbon or carbon/metal use the specially prepared assembly grease. Um, how can you open a bike shop kinda thing without good knowledge of bike repair? Lubricants are a FUNDAMENTAL part of repairs and it scares me a little that you want to work on other peoples bikes and put them at risk without knowing your stuff. I assume you mean the headset when you refer to the handlebars. Another fundamental part of bicycle repair is that you know what the parts are called and how they might differ between bikes. I strongly suggest that you spend some quality time with your bike and maybe some $10 junkers found at yard sales to practice on before you get yourself into trouble.
I like molybdenum based or synthetic greases for bearings. They are much lower in friction than other greases. You can buy it auto parts stores in large cans for little money. You will notice a difference when pedalling with lower grade greases. Do not put any grease on handlebars! There is too much chance at slipping under load and causing an accident. The only time you put anything in there is if you are assembling a carbon handlebar into a carbon stem or a carbon seatpost into a carbon frame. You need to use a specific carbon fiber assembly grease. This stuff has anti-slip solids in it but prevents the bonding of the carbon fiber epoxies over time.
Hahaha you chose an amazing time to ask this question! I'm in no way a professional bike rider but just yesterday I ventured to replace one of my bottom bracket bearings. I was told to use thick grease, NOT oil (if that's even a question in your mind.. bably not though). I successfully took it all apart, removed the grease that was in there (there was a LOT) and put the one new bearing in and the old one, along with a good amount of black general purpose grease. It worked flawlessly too, I've been riding it around all day with no problem. Hope that helped! And good luck with your shop :)
The grease you use will depend on where you live and the temperatures you reach. Hot climates will be good for most any grease. Wet areas you need waterproof grease. Shops in cold weather generally use synthetic to prevent the grease from getting too stiff. For general purpose use I have always sworn by Phil Wood waterproof grease. It's durable, blue (so when it turns black it's time to change it), and cost effective. For seatposts and stems I use white lithium grease. It has anti-corrosive properties and is available at any car parts store. Plus, when it turns from white to black, it's time to change it. On these components a little goes a long way.
