Chain speeds are higher though and oil fling more obvious on your clean socks and shaven legs too. Ideally, you’d want to lube your chain when it’s clean. Then after spinning the chain a few times wipe the chain, chainrings and cassette as comprehensively as you can to get rid of the muck on the surface. report. Capillary coverage is rapid and consistent with a quick spin of the chain which suits less careful mechanics. It depends.Let’s take a closer look at the bike chain — the key component for transferring power from your body to the rear wheel. 1,955 Reviews. In other tests we’ve seen, results haven't been quite as glowing but our own experience puts it firmly into the ‘brand new chain’ feel category even on tired transmissions. Conventional oily ‘drip’ lubes are normally the easiest to apply as the fluid mix delivers the lubricating elements where they’re needed. Dry Chain Lube. Singletracks may receive compensation for purchases made through affiliate links in this article. But now just use Rock-n-Roll Gold; easier and lasts 60+ miles. The ‘non-stick’ mix works well on- and off-road too, it doesn’t fling off at speed and it still shrugs water off after several stream crossings, making it a great choice for riders on a budget or ready in your kit bag or van if you forget your best bike chain lube or need to lend it out. I personally use wet lube year ’round. Despite the fact it’s impressively rain/flood/frost-proof, it stays clean better than most so that performance lasts well beyond most mixes in its price bracket. The chain lubricant might dry off and your drivetrain starts to squeak before the next time you clean your bike. Thoughts? Every other time I ride? so that you have to then put more oil on your chain afterwards therefore using your lube up and having to buy more! The fact that it is dry, means that dirt won’t build up on it, so you don’t need to clean your chain as often. Smoove isn’t quite as fast in feel as its South African competitor Squirt, but it’s easier to apply and lasts longer in real-world conditions. So what are the lubes we recommend, why do we rate them, and what do you need to look for to find the right one for you? MTB Podcast | Once applied it takes a serious amount of wear and weather to shift it and it’s overkill on the road unless conditions are particularly grim. Company   And if none of these lubes are to your liking, try blending your own! Ballpark Tire and Suspension Inflation in One with the Topeak... Mountain Bike Deals to Make Winter Suck Less. Bike wash is a product that doesn’t get a lot of coverage, but it can serve the vital function of cleaning and keeping your frame protected from gunk and mud, making future cleaning even easier. Every month? Excellent, eco-friendly, all-weather lube. This stuff goes on your chain as a solvent that dries. Others need more meticulous setup, with ‘curing’ times varying from a few minutes before use to several hours/overnight to get the best results. Personally I use Finish Line dry in either bottle or spray. You won’t have to add more constantly, and it will maintain the chain and gears clean to prevent any buildup or corrosion issue. Starting with a properly clean drivetrain is absolutely crucial to let the wax work on uncontaminated surfaces. Ideally, you should then leave the chain for a few hours for the protective, lubricating membrane to fully cure. Dry Lube - The ‘dry’ element refers to the actual lubricating substance that works on your chain, usually a waxy kind of deposit. The paraffin absorbs excess oil that otherwise collects dirt. Mountain Bike Deals, Copyright 2021 Blue Spruce Ventures LLC | You don’t need much to silence a chain and keep it turning and shifting sweetly in even the vilest deep-winter MTB conditions either and it’ll normally do well over a week of daily grind during dirty testing before it starts to feel or sound dry. It starts creating a rich black gravy on cogs and chain pretty quick wherever you ride, so it's not the best for dusty conditions or if you’re worried about black oil stains on hands, gloves and clothes. New York, © Widgets, Explore   Outstanding ready-to-go lubrication at a great price. It’s dirtier and draggier than more modern mixes though. Twice a year? The wet ones tend to pick up more road grit and make good grinding paste. This ‘curing’ process can take several hours though and while some chains can be done in situ others are best pulled off and totally immersed before refitting and use. The actual proportion of lubricant in dry mixes can be extremely low (around 10%) though with the carrier fluid just evaporating off and leaving the chain to go squeaky and increase friction very rapidly. It’s a simple question with no simple answer. Luckily we have used the vast majority of bike chain lubes in a wide range of conditions from daily grind commuting and MTB testing in northern England through Scottish 24-hour races to the road and epic marathon racing in South Africa. This mix typically lasted me about 30+ miles in dry southwest conditions—as long as most other, more expensive, bike specific chain lubes. A can of it also lasts a long time. From here, some chain lubes just need dripping onto the chain rollers and you’re good to go. one thing is funny is that oil companies and chain makers recommend you clean your chain after every ride! Ultra-clean, high-performance, transmission-boosting wax lube. The screw nozzle makes minimal application easy though which is what Fenwicks recommends if you’re using it on the road in drier conditions. If you ride in wet conditions, wet lube has a tendency to collect dirt and grit, so its a good idea to clean your bike after riding. If you don’t enjoy frequent lube application or forget to lube your MTB chain, wet lube is probably your best option, since wet lubes last much longer, and doesn’t require time to dry upon re-application. Aside from that the lube can be used to lube any other parts of your bike, not only your chain. Use a proper lube like the Finish Line one mentioned earlier. One might instinctively think that a dry lube is used on dry days and a wet lube saved for wet days. 100% Upvoted. Terms | Privacy, First published December 8, 2016 @ 4:05:00. The tackiness means it stays in place far better than most waxes though and the contamination is significantly less than a wet oil so our test transmission stayed smooth and quiet even in winter off-road or salty commuting conditions. Overall, competition among the top 10 (and beyond) was fairly close, demonstrating just how many great chain lube options are on the market today. The WD-40 wet lube is for wet, muddy and extreme conditions - perfect for mountain biking and cyclocross. You still need a thoroughly cleaned transmission for best results but you only need one relatively sparing application to coat the inner chain and rollers. Very durable high-performance wax lube for extended clean efficiency. That means you need to be generous with the dosage you flood onto the cassette end of the chain, rather than dropping onto each link. NY 10036. Best Dry Lube. Don’t wipe afterwards though, just be ready to scrape the excess wax off jockey wheels once you start riding. That way the tiny 50ml bottle should last a decent time, although it’s definitely an expensive product for luxury mechanics, not last-minute lubers. After dripping the tea-colored oil out of its unassuming bottle, it didn’t take us long to understand the fuss either. There was a problem. When it does get dirty, you’ll need a very powerful cleaner to shift it. But realistically, this doesn’t always happen especially if you’re using dry lubes. Because it lasts so well, what looks like an average cost-per-ml value translates into impressive cost-effectiveness over time. I put a new chain on in Spring so I have it at it’s best in drier months then by end of winter it needs replacing. Fenwicks is very secretive about what’s in the metallic green sludge that used to be called ‘Stealth Road’ but now comes labeled as ‘Professional’. Dry Chain Lube for Mtb Dry condition lubes are designed for dusty and dry conditions. Every hundred miles? The downside of heavier lube is it tends to collect more gunk on the chain. Brilliant for the most brutal usage conditions such as winter mountain biking. While they’re the cleanest lube solution, the wax coating can start to crack and fall off very quickly too so they need to be ‘topped up’ regularly. Therefore, dry lube is obviously to be used in dry conditions. The ultra-high film strength means it lasts brilliantly in the most extreme situations such as older Bosch motor e-bikes with tiny drive sprockets or any high torque/high friction riding situation. They are great low friction lubes that work really well even in wet conditions. Morgan Blue also has a very impressive list of top pro teams issuing its kit as well as a lot of very vocal evangelists for its products in online forums. Add an already higher price and most waxes are best suited to a specific event or ‘Sunday best’ use rather than a day in day out grind. On the MTB I probably won't bother with paraffin to be honest, it's a ton of work and the drivetrain isn't going to last nearly as long either way. Wax lubes tend to cost a similar amount too, but longevity payback depends on the brand and your riding conditions. While longevity obviously depends on conditions, it was no faster to get squeaky or start building up black gunge than most other mid-weight drip lubes and significantly better than some several times its cost. So, we added up all the mentions by brand, and here is how the brands stacked up. This lube possesses an ability to take out water. IMBA Epics | 2. The tackier coating means it doesn’t feel as super slick as the fastest waxes, and you can see a light grey film on the chain as it collects a bit of dirt over time. The lack of dirt build-up means longer intervals between cleaning and topping up and lab tests we’ve seen confirm it’s one of the best bike chain lubes for prolonging drivetrain lifespans. As the lube actually includes a powerful (and flammable) solvent base, initial lubing is designed to flush out all the grit and grime lurking in the links. Who doesn’t like the sound of a clean ride? On top of this, there is a good chance it will wash off on the ground or during cleanings. Top 10 Best MTB Chain Lubes of 2021 • The Adventure Junkies just put some oil on and get out and ride! Tri-Flow Superior is a wet lube with a distinctive bubble gum smell that’s formulated with PTFE, the same stuff used to make Gore-Tex. Dry lubes attract less dirt and keep things looking cleaner prompting many riders to switch to them in summer. If you missed it, I highly recommend giving it a read! There’s no curing routine and it runs relatively clean and quiet, though it can’t compete with the fast-feeling of the best bike chain lubes. When I lived in Germany it was wet lube all the time to fight off the moisture. While we didn’t specifically ask for readers’ grease and bike wash preferences, dozens of readers chimed in with recommendations for these products. This is the purest oil you can use to lubricate the chain; the lack of a thick sticky oil mixture prevents dust … There is more to choosing the best bike chain lube than just wet and dry, check out our guide below for help to choose the best bike chain lube for your riding, or scroll on down to see our pick of the best. It also can resist wash off, and this makes it a perfect option to use when you choose to ride in wet conditions. Initially expensive and needs careful curing, Double dose initial set up, middling lifespan in real-world conditions, Not as transmission transforming as the fanciest lubes, The most expensive and heavily hyped on test by far, Tried and true extreme weather performance, Harder to find in shops than bigger brands, Helps remove dirt and grime from your drivetrain, Better in dry, clean conditions than wet and dirty, We check over 130 million products every day for the best prices, 4.0 Enduro is Leatt's latest gravity helmet, Cheap MTB helmets: Today's best deals on mountain bike helmets, Best full-face mountain bike helmets: ultimate head protection for serious gravity riding. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Wax lubes go on wet for penetration and then solidify to basically create an ultra-thin ‘bearing surface’ that resists dirt build-up too so they’re great if you want to keep hands and clothes clean. This hybrid lube is designed for both wet and dry conditions. The ideal time to lubricate your bike would be the night before your planned ride to let it penetrate the chain links and coat them thoroughly. Bike Perfect is supported by its audience. We even know some MTB photographers and testers who routinely ignore free samples of other bike chain lubes and instead buy their own Purple Extreme to keep their transmissions alive on the longest, grimmest days. If you wipe off the excess it runs relatively clean and quiet even in drier conditions (a lighter lube is also available) but where it comes into its own is staying quiet and efficient on back-to-back winter MTB rides or even 24-hour race situations. As you apply Dry Lube to your bike chain, it is very easy to allow some to drip to the ground. What do you think went wrong? That might not always be the right choice though, particularly in dusty conditions, so no surprise that two of the best waxy lubes here - Squirt and Smoove - are from sunny South Africa. That’s where the waxier ‘Extreme’ comes in but again longevity isn’t brilliant as the wax tends to flake off faster than most. Enter your email address to receive our top stories via email each week. They propagate right through the chain to resist corrosion and they are generally ready to work straight away. Then again, with fat biking in winter, you’ll see wet lube usage increase, but I still wouldn’t have guessed it’d be more than dry. Best MTB Gear | Unique slippery sludge formula gives smooth and protective results. Oil for lube, WD-40 displaces water from the metal surface, mineral spirits to thin the mix. While it’s relatively pricey don’t be mean with the amount you put on, properly douse the chain to make sure the wax gets everywhere. Most brands produce a ‘wet’ lube and a ‘dry’ lube. With a name like Boeshield T-9, it has to be good, right? I just use dry lube as the wet lubes makes a mess. 11 comments. Application is easy via the pipette-style bottle and you even get a UV torch to check that the blue-dyed fluid has penetrated all the link junctions without using excessive amounts. Cost only about 50 cents for 4 ounces! Convenient ready-to-go lube that’s as good as many three times the price. If you ask properly rapid riders what their chain lube of choice is, the likelihood a lot of them will say Squirt and if you’re careful with setup, it’s easy to see why. A dry lube is applied as a liquid, before drying out to the leave the chain covered in the lubricating e… Extended run-time between reapplication and reduced wear makes the initially steep price a wise investment if you’re a high-mileage or horrible conditions rider. share. The Best Mountain Bike Chain Lubes – Buyer’s Guide. Definitely add the second coat they advise after the initial application has cured or you’ll be way off its potential lifespan. We also asked our readers to weigh in on their favorite lubes for mountain bikes, and in looking over the data, we found some interesting insights. Private DH Tracks on the Oregon Coast with Kyle Jameson... How To Lube Your Bike Chain: A Beginner's Guide. As an ideal lube for mountain use, you get a product that’s smooth and easy to use. There are masses of bike lubes on the market so choosing the right one to keep your chain running smoothly can be really confusing. Pro Gold’s wax lubes and dry chain lubes are some of the best on the market. Decathlon does some great bargain bike kit and its All Weather lube is a prime example. Drive train dry lube, best one to buy? If any European country is likely to produce an impressively weatherproof chain lube then it’s the spring classics and cyclo-cross heartland of Belgium. Visit our corporate site. Still, it’s interesting to note that mountain bikers are pretty evenly split between wet lubes and dry lubes. Don’t buy a fussy (read: requires meticulous application) lube if you’re normally rushing to get a rusting/squeaky bike ready while all your mates are ready. Sort by. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. The best bike chain lube in the Rock ’n’ Roll range is a unique mixture that needs a little setup TLC but rewards with super-fast, super-shiny performance and minimal wear in … When you’re deciding on the best Dry Lube for your bike chain, make sure you’re choosing something that is biodegradable. Support Us | Peak torque loads tend to be lower and shifting smoother too. DuPont Teflon Chain-Saver Dry. whys that? The best bike chain lube in the Rock ’n’ Roll range is a unique mixture that needs a little setup TLC but rewards with super-fast, super-shiny performance and minimal wear in dry, clean conditions. It makes sense to match brands too as some are specifically designed to work together. White Lightning Epic Ride lube is the prototypical hybrid lube, and was even awarded a patent back in 1999. Impressively fast running and super clean membrane lube. Gives ‘brand new transmission’ feel without excessive set-up faff. Wet lubes always appear thicker than dry lubes, and this is why it’s easy for such lubes to build upon the chain and get tacky. Bike Perfect is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. lifes too short to worry about what oil to put on your chain! Rock n Roll Absolute Dry Chain Lube is a super-clean-running formula designed primarily for the drier months, but several very soggy weeks suggest it's one of the most tenacious. Find the top 100 most popular items in Amazon Sports & Outdoors Best Sellers. This thread is archived. Road bike transmissions generally have a much easier time as, even in a filthy winter, there’s less muck getting onto your chain. It’s ready to go within an hour, although an overnight cure is optimum. While shifting can be a little sluggish and there’s palpable grind through the pedals if it gets really messy, corrosion proofing is excellent and you’ll have to go a long way to get through to the squeak. There’s no specific application process: you just apply the mid-weight mix onto your chain and you’re good to go. That’s why a lot of road riders use a dry or wax-based lube for cleanliness, while MTB riders tend to use heavier duty ‘wet’ lubes. Lubricants tend to fall into one of two main categories: wet or dry. Squirt’s Long Lasting Dry Lube is a wax-based lube that’s designed to–you guessed it–last a long time. hide. Based on our survey, White Lightning Wash & Shine stands out as the top choice for washing and waxing mountain bike frames. Please refresh the page and try again. This bike lube has been formulated to penetrate deep into the chain links where it’s really needed and without sitting on the surface of the bike chain. It runs really clean, collecting minimal gunk elsewhere in the drivetrain in environments as diverse as its native South African dust or Scottish granite grinding paste. That means applying a wet lube and just wiping excess off makes the most sense or go for a wax instead in really dry/dusty situations or where cleanliness is paramount. Once a week?………. Extreme Lube from Rock “N” Roll is designed for mountain biking and is well suited to wet conditions. (If you’re not sure what a hybrid lube is, you didn’t read Chris’s article yet. Make sure you shake the bottle properly before applying, wipe off the excess and let it cure for four hours or more before riding. Wet lubes stay moist and sticky to resist washing off in bad weather, but tend to attract more dirt and build up a manky mess on chainring teeth, jockey wheels etc. Different lubes are available for a variety of riding. Dry lube is available as either Wax (Paraffin) or Teflon (PTFE). Most Popular Mountain Bike Lubes #1: ProGold ProLink Chain Lube ProGold says their ProLink chain lube “does not build up or become tacky” and it “sheds dirt, mud, and abrasives.” The company packages the lube in a number of different ways, from drip bottles to aerosol sprays and even an applicator pen. Finish Line’s Cross Country lube has been around forever and the sticky blood-red mix is still a great way to keep squeak and rust at bay in the worst conditions. Singletracks Merch | This question, I ’ d be a rich man bike ( please, not only chain. N ” roll is designed for both wet and dry lubes attract less dirt and dust t work?! Careful mechanics chain will be dry to the ground or during cleanings just. 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