FAQ

 

 

What's our story?

     We are avid cyclists and have been for 40 years. We saw the need for a better simpler way to lube our chains. We started with a very simple design. We have gone through a dozen prototypes to get where we felt it was good enough to bring to market. RotaLuber is a product by cyclists for cyclists.

 How to use the RotaLuber?

  1. Thoroughly clean your chain, cassette and chain ring.
  2. Locate the connector link.
  3. Back pedal the crank arm and count how many rotations it takes to return to the connector link. [Usually 3-5]
  4. Pour your chain lube into the squeeze bottle and thread it onto the tool. Use the mixing sphere in the bottle to mix the oil if needed.
  5. Place the tool on the  lower run of the chain and engage the sprocket teeth of the roller on to the chain.
  6. You can steady your hand against the derailleur tension arm, start to back pedal the crank arm slowly. You want to have a slight tension on the chain from the extended part of the tool. [This is what rotates the chain rollers]
  7. Once you have a good feel slowly start to squeeze the bottle and watch the lube being deposited on each roller of the chain.
  8. .Count the rotations of the crank arm to know you have lubed all the rollers.
  9. Wipe off any excess lube from the chain, chain ring, cassette sprocket and derailleur pulley sprockets and your done.

Can I use any brand of Chain Lube?

All oil based products should be fine. [See below when using Wax Film Lubes] Use the flow adjustment knob to adjust between thinner and thicker oils. Flow adjustment screw is pre-set at full open position. Try this setting first. If there is oil deposited between the rollers, this is too much. Turn knob clockwise, 1 turn at a time, to adjust for your lubes  application sweet spot rate. Lubes with some color and thickness are easier to see when you apply them.

 If your using Wax film lubes, based on our experience, we only recommend Silca Super Secret. This product requires the least added steps and has independently tested to be the best of this type of lube. [See Zero Friction Testing Web Site] Products like White Lightning  and Squirt are not recommended because they will cause clogging of the oil ports when the fluid dries between applications. The emulsifier will also dry up in the squeeze bottle. When using Silca Super Secret, shake well before applying, turn the flow adjustment knob completely closed between applications and rinse off the guide roller sprocket with warm water and an old toothbrush. Yes this is a little more work but worth it.

What is the best flow knob adjustment to know I'm applying the correct amount of oil?

We ship the RotaLuber set in the full open position. If you are seeing substantial amount of oil between the rollers and on the chainring teeth, turn the knob clockwise 1 turn at a time to decrease the flow. When you see oil only at the rollers, you have the correct setting.

 Do I need to clean the chain before Lubing?

Yes. It's always best to clean Chain thoroughly before applying the Lube. This will help the RotaLuber to rotate the chain rollers, sucking the oil inside to the pin.

What direction should the chain be run through the RotaLuber?

The chain must move thorough the tool in the direction of the arrow on the outside of the tool. This so the rubber surface on the end of the tool can rotate the rollers, sucking the oil into the pin area.

How do I back pedal the crank arm on my e-bike?

We have a cool little tool for making this just as easy as with a regular bike. Click on image in "Featured Collection" to see it in action. It works on carrier mounted chainrings with 5mm hex and T30 torx chainring bolts.

How to use the E-Bike Backpedal Tool?

See Video @ "Featured Collection" click on product image. To use the tool, position the chainring with one of the mounting bolts at the 12:00 position. Engauge the tip into the 5mm hex or T30 bolt. Rotate the handle of the tool so it's perpendicular to the chank arm as it comes in contact with the crankarm. Rotate the crankarm backwards [counter-clockwise] and lube the chain. When finished rotate the handle of the tool, 90 degrees in either direction, and the pressure will be released so the tool can easily be removed. A T30 torx tip also fits 5mm hex. The T30 tip is shipped in position to engage a 5mm hex bolt. The tip can be pushed in when engaging a T30 bolt. [The engagement depth is slightly less] The tip can easily be moved in and out to accommodate either chainring bolt style. The tip fit to the handle is tight enough to stay in place but allow the handle to rotate when removing the tool. 

What is the nut in the bottle for?

The nut is there to help mix chain lubes that separate when not in use. 

What bicycle chains will the RotaLuber work on?

The tool is designed to work best with 10, 11 and 12 speed chains only at this time.