Cassette / sprocket lubrication?

[Homet]

Ok, I’m going to really show my nubie-ness here but I’ve just done my first de-grease of the chain and cassette (woohoo!) and applied Muck Off Chain lube (dry) but what do I lube the cassette with? They’re all clean and shiny (ish) but shouldn’t they have some stuff applied to them?
I was going to apply grease but I thought I’d better check first!
Any tips would be gratefully appreciated - this is all very new to me and I don’t want to mess up my new Cube!

 

[Deacon Blues]

You don't need to lube the cassette. The lube on the chain will be distributed to the cassette's cogs as you ride and shift through the gears.

 

[Westlafadeaway]

Ok, I’m going to really show my nubie-ness here but I’ve just done my first de-grease of the chain and cassette (woohoo!) and applied Muck Off Chain lube (dry) but what do I lube the cassette with? They’re all clean and shiny (ish) but shouldn’t they have some stuff applied to them?
I was going to apply grease but I thought I’d better check first!
Any tips would be gratefully appreciated - this is all very new to me and I don’t want to mess up my new Cube!

For advanced greasing technique, apply your lube to the inside facing side of the chain loop (ie when sitting on your bike- the very top is not where to put the grease. If you just apply it to the very top, outside facing chain, then turn the chain, it doesn't penetrate as well from centripetal force. Appling the lube to the inside facing side of the chain, then spinning it, forces the grease through the chain parts better. I'm not writing this well but I think you get it.

Ideally, you should only put a drop on each chain's pin area (ie the bump in the chain). I usually just squeeze out lubricant as I spin the pedal but that is a bad practice as it attracts dirt and increases wear for both the chain and the cassette.

Worn socks make a great chain cleaner.

 

[indianajo]

I had a shimano 7 speed freewheel go all neutrals at one point. MTB was years old bought used. Took wheel off, laid on side with recess pointed up, sprayed with WD40 then dripped in 5 W non-detergent oil. Worked, pawl started catching again. WD40 did the work but it evaporates in a week or two, reason for the 5 w oil followup.
I only clean the chain & sprockets with a flat blade screwdriver to get the grass, strings, and dirt paste, out. Usually do it only when notice cargo string or grass inhibiting shifting, or at annual tire change. Dirt paste is mixture of 5 W oil & the dirt. Builds up on takeup wheel & between sprockets. I use no solvents. I oil chain twice a month, it rains here. I use Eagle pump oiler & 5 W non detergent oil. Type F ATF. 1st chain lasted 5000 miles, 2 1/2 years. Sprocket not replaced.

 

[Homet]

Thanks guys, this advice is greatly appreciated. Had I not asked the question, I would have happily dumped an unhealthy quantity of grease on the cassette assuming that it would do no harm! My mechanical engineering friends always say “if in doubt, grease it!”

 

[Deacon Blues]

Here's a chain cleaning tool that I use: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=bike+chain+cleaner&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
There are cheaper versions for sale, but I like Park Tool products.

Lately I've been using Rock & Roll Gold chain lubricant. It cleans and lubes at the same time. It's highly rated and so far I'm very happy with it.

 

[fooferdoggie]

rock and roll works well but if you ahve rain it will wash off in one ride the blue may last two rides. but I enver have to do anything but wipe the chain after applying it.

 

[Deacon Blues]

When it comes time to replace the chain on my Cannondale Lefty 3 I might trying going with wax. Might be more trouble than it's worth, though.

 

[dougpnirv]

When it comes time to replace the chain on my Cannondale Lefty 3 I might trying going with wax. Might be more trouble than it's worth, though.

Ah, the eternal wax v lube debate. I participate in a couple of (non ebike) forums where this subject is enthusiastically discussed on occasion. The consensus that emerges is that wax, while a bit of a chore, is worth it IF you live in a dry climate. However, if you live in a rainy area such as Seattle or Portland, nothing seems to hold up to the wet winters. In that case, the old wipe-it-down & lube-it-up routine is required to keep the chain from quickly squeaking. Climate seems to be a determining factor. In the case of chain lube, dedicated lubes seem to be preferable to more generic products such as Tri-Flo, WD-40 (not actually a lube) and similar.

 

[PedalUma]

Every once in a while take the chain off and soak it in an emulsification. The cassette and derailleur too. If it is a mid-drive check for chain stretch regularly. I like the MuckOff dry lube but am still running wet because of the rains here in Northern California. I am using a used nut jar full of Mobile One to dip my chains this time of year. Nexus and Alfine hubs on eBikes are nice because the gears are internal and stronger chains or belts can be used. Belts don't need lube and last three-times longer. The photo shows a KMC half-link chain. Then a City Hunter. These are strong 1/8 chains for internal gears.