The bike is a piece of pretty hardy equipment. However, to keep things moving effectively, mechanical parts such as the chain needs regular cleaning and lubrication. Let’s take a dive into the best bike chain lubes in the market today.Â
My cycling journey has been going great for the past decade or so since my children are all grown up and have their own lives away from home.
Cycling has always made me happy and I had been doing lots of it before I got married. So, when they left, I hopped on my first bike. Ever since I’ve been really moving my feet by going around the block a few times a day. As the season’s change, however, I keep noticing a change in my bike’s performance.
As a pro cyclist, I have realized that my chain has yet to be changed in over a year and that’s how I have come to learn about chain lubes and their different types. With all the time on my hands, I have done some more research and tested a few lubes on my bike’s chain. Here’s what I know.
Best Bike Chain Lube – A Comparison Table
 |
Type |
Weight |
Price |
ECO-X Bio-Based Lube |
Wet |
3.2 ounces |
|
Teflon Bicycle Chain Lube |
Dry |
4 ounces |
|
Bike Medicine Purple Extreme Lube |
Wet |
4 ounces |
|
Wend Wax Kit Bike Lube |
Wax |
4 ounces |
|
Ceramic Wax Chain Lube |
Ceramic |
4 ounces |
|
B’Twin 300 Chain Lube |
Wax |
4.5 ounces |
|
Pedros Syn Chain Lube |
Wet |
4 ounces |
|
Absolute Dry Chan Lube |
Dry |
16 ounces |
Best Bike Chain Lube comparison overview
ECO-X Bio-Based Chain Lube
[amazon box=”B085KWDK7J” template=”horizontal” ]Designed and created for eco-friendly and eco-conscious consumers, this is the wet lube to go for. It is made of biodegradable and replenishable resources which is very sustainable and noble. This lube also wards off corrosion and excessive wear of your drivetrain system.
If you don’t like going to the store every new season, pick this wet lube because it does well in all weather conditions. Whichever trail you intend to ride on, this is the lubricant of choice for your bike chains.
Features
- Dimensions 1.5 x 1.5 x 6.2 inches
- 3.2 ounces
- Wet Lube
Wiping clean the chain before the application of this lube will prepare a good surface for application. You also need to watch out for over-spraying the lubricant which could eventually have the same negative effects on your bike’s chain.
ProsÂ
- Environment-friendly lubricant
- Infused with antioxidants to prevent wear and corrosion
- All-weather lube
ConsÂ
- Requires cleaning before each application
Verdict
The ECO-X lube tops our list because of its environmentally conscious product creation and delivery. In a world where we are trying to do anything we can to heal our planet, buying a product that shares the same values is special.
Teflon Bicycle Chain LubeÂ
[amazon box=”B00M77CIXQ” template=”horizontal” ]This is a dry lube that works excellently. Applied in liquid form, the lube dries into a wax form that makes sure to repel any excess amounts of dirt from your chain. In rainy weather, however, this lube might not do much protecting the past 100 miles.
You must retouch the lube application every 100 miles to ensure your chain stays smooth running.
Features
- Dimensions 2 x 1 x 5.5 inches
- 1.6 ounces
- Dry Lube
Dry lube is perfect in dry conditions and is therefore suitable for off-road riders who cover dirty and dusty terrain especially in hot summer months. Teflon fluoropolymer has been added to the lubricant to increase its friction reduction.
The lube reaches as far in as the brakes, shifter pivots, and chain bushings. This guarantees that your entire pedaling system is well lubricated with no kinks.
ProsÂ
- Repels dust and dirt
- Minimizes friction
- Repels dirt and grime
- Moisture repellant
ConsÂ
- Bottle squirting mechanism often defective
Verdict
Teflon Dry lube is a great selection for most riders who simply love to cruise around town and do a little weekend off-roading on summer, autumn, or spring seasons. We love the fact that it touches the whole pedaling system unlike other lubes.
Bike Medicine Purple Extreme Bike LubeÂ
[amazon box=”B002OHUQGU” template=”horizontal” ]This Purple colored lube promises its users 400 miles of smooth riding before you need to retouch it although, this only applies to those riding in dry weather. It is therefore marketed and certified as the most protective lube in the market.
Originally created to meet lubrication needs for drive chain protection in mining situations, it is very much a high-quality lubricant.
Features
- Dimensions 3 x 1 x 6 inches
- 4 ounces
- Wet Lube
The protective film provided by this lube is strong enough to keep two metal surfaces separate. It has been tested in extreme conditions to prove this to be true. This formidable separation crated by this lube promises a smooth riding experience.
ProsÂ
- Great performance in many weather conditions
- Strong protective film that increases drivetrains performance and durability
- Smooth and quiet riding experience
ConsÂ
- This bike lube is ideal for dry weather conditions
Verdict
Bike Medicine is simply the best lube I have come across in my quest. The strong protective layer it provides gave me the best riding experience ever and it also came highly recommended by many cyclists.
Wend Wax Kit Bike LubeÂ
[amazon box=”B07QJCMQ35″ template=”horizontal” ]This is a total package that includes cleaning and lubricating products to give the user a thorough servicing of their bike chain. This paraffin-based wax lube is applied by rubbing it onto the chain’s surface and promises to keep your drivetrain effective and noiseless.
The Wend Wax lube kit works to minimize friction and also provides a cleaning formula that cuts through any grime, dirt, or leftover wax lubricant.
Features
- Dimensions 8.3 x 6.3 x 3.4 inches
- 12.8 ounces
- Wax Lube
Thankfully, the application of this wax lube is easy and devoid of any drips or spills. Being sure to clean the chain before application, laying it on lightly and sparingly is key to guaranteeing good coverage or protection.
ProsÂ
- Silent and effective drive train
- No-drip lube
- Lasting product
- Chain cleaner and rag provided
ConsÂ
- Excessive application leads to flaking of wax
Verdict
This Wax Kit lube holds its own position in this list being the first product to include a cleaning agent and a rag together with the lube. For this reason alone, it becomes a very popular option and there is a lot of positive reviews to back up its effectiveness.
Ceramic Wax Bike Chain LubeÂ
[amazon box=”B018G80GVA” template=”horizontal” ]As a ceramic type of lube, it features properties found in both wet and dry lubes. To enjoy a clean and high-performing drivetrain this ceramic lube is enhanced with protection abilities to make its coating indestructible.
When the ceramic wax dries up, it doesn’t get all sticky and wet causing an attraction of unwanted particles. This strong wax minimizes friction to give riders a great off-road experience or getaway.
Features
- Dimensions 2.5 x 1.2 x 5.5 inches
- 3.2 ounces
- Ceramic wax
When the white ceramic particles come into contact with the chain, a dark film is formed on top of the wax coating. This will surely disappear as fast as it came and it will not hamper the productivity in any way.
ProsÂ
- Lasts long
- Reduces friction
- Protective ceramic coating
ConsÂ
- Wax hardens in cold temperatures and clogs up the nozzle
Verdict
120 miles on this bike chain will require you to get a servicing that wipes out the grime, dirt, and debris. On application, be sure to check and confirm the level and consistency of the contents to make sure that there is a minimum to no spillage of the wax lube.
B’Twin 300 Bike Chain Lube
[amazon box=”B01BGMP42E” template=”horizontal” ]It is a favorite choice among many cyclists, this lube is perfect for all fun-loving riders. With the long and thin nozzle which helps you directly lubricate the chain-links, this lube has good viscosity. For this same reason, you should carefully apply the safety measures stipulated to avoid spillage.
Features
- Sharp nozzle
- Viscous lube
- Wax lube
- Works great in mixed weather
Within a week of riding, you may need to recoat your chain again as the layer will have started wearing off past 150 miles on any kind of weather. Wax lubes apply easily onto the chain and dries up to harden into wax deposits that keep dirt away from the chain links.
Pros
- No frills lubricant
- Smooth riding
- All-weather lube
ConsÂ
- Requires regular touch-ups
Verdict
The B’Twin 300 chain lube is designed to maintain chains and adjustment screws and it needs regular recoating to keep the protection effective. It does get the job done and the sharp nozzle helps lubricate even the hidden parts.
Pedros Syn Chain LubeÂ
[amazon box=”B07CP5FJ85″ template=”horizontal” ]Pedros Syn is a wet lube that should be applied and given an hour to set while wiping off the excess lube with a rag. It is purported to have protective qualities all the way up to 150 miles. By experience, riding through a combination of wet and dry atmospheres, my drivetrain was still quiet and showed no signs of rust.
Features
- Wet lube
- Strong and effective lube
This lube also acts to repel any attraction or build-up of dirt, grime, and other substances into gunk or sticky wax that could potentially ruin your drivetrain. Friction is also kept at a bare minimum and you can expect to have quite yet steady rides across varied terrain.
As a wet lube, this is the perfect protection against heavy rains and to be sure that the protection film has good coverage, you must recoat the chain after every wet race.
Pros
- Minimizes friction
- Rust resistant
- Repels build-up of gunk
ConsÂ
- Needs regular coating
Verdict
The application of this lube is made quite easy in its wet form and it dries on as expected to create the protection of the chain-link form dirt buildup. It also creates a separation between metals creating a quiet and frictionless motion.
Absolute Dry Chain LubeÂ
[amazon box=”B0821VH3X3″ template=”horizontal” ]Though designed to target the dry months, using it in some soggy months has proved that it is flexible and effective either way. The only drawback is that you may need to reapply it constantly to keep the film of protection active.
Gratefully, you will not see any scab offs but this lube will effectively repel any grit. The chain should be cleaned before every application. You only need to drizzle the lube from the cassette and turn the cranks to get the lube thoroughly through the chain.
Features
- Dry Lube
- Does not scab off
- Minimizes friction
- Crisp and quiet rides
Since the lube does such a great job keeping the chain-link free of debris, this cuts down the time required to clean and maintain the chain. Friction is to a minimum and this improves the quality of the ride.
ProsÂ
- Strong Lube
- Takes out friction
- Minimizes regular maintenance
ConsÂ
- Not all-weather friendly
Verdict
If you are on a budget and are seeking out a lube with as many features and benefits as those possible with higher-quality lubes, then this is the perfect selection. The container is small enough to carry around in your jersey which makes it super convenient for touring.
ConclusionÂ
All the lubes listed are great steals from the market. Based on your budget and your immediate or long-term needs, there should be one or two lube types that should fit your exact preferences and match your expectations.
If you were to pick one type for all year round and all types of bikes and races, the best kind would be the ceramic lube that features both wet and dry lube properties. The Ceramic Bike Chain Lube is guaranteed to serve many cyclists with varying preferences.
Another great type of lube is the wax lube such as the B’Twin 300 Lube which is an all-weather lube that needs a touch up every 150 miles in any kind of combination weather.
What You Need to Know About Chain Lubes
To pick out the best chain lube for your bike, you must consider your bike type and the kind of rides or terrains you go on. Lubes are available in four main categories; Dry, Wet, Ceramic, and Wax.
Dry Lube
Rightly named so because it has a wax-like texture and once applied, it quickly dries up and leaves the lubricating elements on the chain. This is a lighter lube that helps keep dirt from your chain and works ideally in casual riding conditions.
The drawback of dry lube is that it needs a regular dose of application to stay effective and also that it washes away in the event of rain.
Wet Lube
This type of lube is liquid and stays in liquid form even after application and during the course of riding. An added benefit to wet lube is its anti-rust and corrosion-resistant properties which increase the durability of the chains.
It is better than dry lube in that it stays on regardless of the weather but contrary to dry lube, wet lube attracts, accumulates, and coagulates into gunk which will over time damage the drivetrain.
Application of the lube needs to be done just right with not too much or too little lube. Furthermore, regular degreasing of the chain will need to be done to prevent the build-up of dirt and grime.
Ceramic Lube
This lube carries properties of both the wet and dry lube which explains its high value. On application, it is liquid and when it dries out, it forms a sticky substance. The lube is infused with chemical formulas that keep it from getting washed away.
Friction is greatly reduced with this lube which guarantees good bike performance and smooth rides. Ceramic lube especially does not require any frequent applications or further maintenance.
Wax Lube
Ever thought what else candles were useful for? Well as it turns out, paraffin wax has been much recently used to make lubricants. Mixed with PTFE and a carrier fluid, they form a very popular chain lube that has taken the market by storm.
When applied, the wax dries into a solid hard form which creates the effects of low friction on the chain. If you are going to use wax lube, be sure to clean your chain properly to make sure it sticks to the metal and lasts long.
Drawbacks to wax lube are that it needs the chains to be cleaned and lubricated right after riding through wet conditions.
How to Choose the Best Bike Chain LubeÂ
Road Bikes
Riding on the road is fairly uneventful or challenging to your bike. A dry chain lube which is wax-based serves the rider perfectly especially because it works to keep dirt out of your chain.
Another cool idea is to have two of your bike chains waxed so you can use one while taking your time on the other one.
Wet-lubed chains are also perfect for these bikes because they work well through all weathers and seasons.
Mountain, Gravel and Cyclocross Bike
For the thrill and adventure seekers out there, the dry waxed-lube is the ultimate choice because of its dirt repelling properties.
Wet lube on the other hand attracts too many impurities which slows down the bike’s transfer of power by 15 or 20 watts and increases the effects of wear.
FAQs
How often should I lubricate my bike chain?
This depends on how long your rides are. If you ride about 30 miles every week, lubricating every 2 weeks should be enough to keep your bike working perfectly.