Bicycle Chain Lube Simplified

Assorted Lubes from Rock N Roll
Bicycle Chain Lubes

 

Chain Lube

As a bicycle mechanic one of the most common questions I get is, "What chain lube should I use?" 

The best chain lube needs to be designed for the type of conditions and weather you ride. SoCal weather is very different than East Coast weather and the conditions are extreme opposites. To simplify chain lubes, there are two basic types, wet or dry. To determine which type to use, just take the conditions and weather where you ride into account. In SoCal, it rarely rains and everything is very dry, so gravitate toward a dry lube. In a wetter climate, lean to a wet lube.

A note on Dry Lubes: these lubes although the type says "dry", it still goes on wet. Therefore, to get the best results, allow the lube to dry for an hour before riding. If you don't have an hour, not to worry, you can still ride immediately after applying lube. Your chain may just get a little dirty prematurely.

Quick Explanation of Wet vs Dry Chain Lube:

Wet lube is generally made from an oil based product. I am not going to get into the ingredients, i.e. plant based, petroleum based etc. But it goes on wet and generally stays wet while on your chain. It is designed to stay on the chain while riding in wet conditions and not wash off as easily. Unfortunately, this lube will attract dust and dirt if riding in dry conditions.

Dry lube is generally, waxed based. Once applied, the liquid part dries and the chain is coated with wax type ingredient. This is designed to keep the chain lubed and not attract dust and dirt, but will wash off more easily if riding in wet conditions.

Why Lube Chain?

Any friction or resistance within the chain can have an impact on how efficiently your power is used. Increased friction will also cause the chain, cassette and chain rings (drivetrain parts) to wear at a faster rate. In order to limit friction between the chain and the rest of the drivetrain and between the links of the chain as they rotate relative to one another as they pass over the chainring and sprocket and through the derailleur mechanism, a chain lube needs to be applied. 

To Summarize:

A properly lubed chain, will perform better, i.e. shift better and transfer power better. Just as important, keeping your chain lubed properly will allow your drivetrain to last longer thus saving you money in the long term.

Unchained Bicycle Garage stocks chain lubes that we have used and takes the feedback from our trusted core of clients on the performance of their favorite chain lubes. We keep things simple at the shop by only stocking a limited selection of the high performing lubes at several price points to accommodate varying customer budget preferences. 

Buy Where You Ride

Chain Lube Brands We Stock:

Squirt

Rock N Roll - Editor Test Note: added Feb. 15, 2023 We do not recommend Red for long distance off road conditions. We found it lasts for about 20 miles.

Muc-Off

Tri-Flow

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