Extreme, which is the wet lube, Absolute Dry, which is…well...dry, and Gold, which falls roughly in the middle. Rider beware, wet lube can also be extremely messy not only during the application process, but also should your chain come into contact with your hands, or the back of your leg. Please refresh the page and try again. Whatever you do, don’t leave your chain to soak for an extended period of time (days). Will swapping your chain lube make you faster? Just run the chain backward several spins. Step 2: Get your bike into position. WET vs DRY vs WAX lube, what’s the difference? Chain lube is a hotly contested topic, with brands making huge claims about efficiency and wear protection that near impossible to verify out in the real world — though there are a few independent testing organizations out there like our friends over at Zero Friction Cycling who are torture testing all of the best chain lube for bikes. A side benefit is easy access to the derailleur pulley wheels, a notorious spot for gunk to build. A toothbrush or nail brush will … The laziest way to clean a filthy chain is just to replace it. Wend wax‐on is the first ever "rub‐on", wax … Just backpedal your chain through a clean, lint-free rag. Smith agrees with such practice, stating that it’s better to lube over a dirty chain than not lube at all. Bikinvention is a corporation that has developed a wax chain lubricant with unique properties called Squirt Chain Lube®. According to Tru Tension, Tungsten as a friction modifier is faster than ceramics, Teflon and PTFE, a claim which is backed by third-party testing. You can also use the bike chain cleaner or brush. However, with UK-based Green Oil, the chain lube is PTFE free and made from plant-based materials — even the bottle is made from recycled plastic. Because of the high number of links constantly articulating, it is crucial to make sure the friction is minimised within the links.”. Wax lubes are made up of refined paraffin particles which are emulsified in a carrier fluid; the liquid helps the particles get where the need to be and dries, leaving just the wax inside. According to Rock ‘n’ Roll, this formulation has a gel membrane suspended in the fluid, which quickly penetrates the chain and sticks into the articulating parts of the chain to keep it spinning smoothly. Available in a kit with 4oz. Best chain lube: Dry lube Finish Line Teflon Plus dry lube Non-toxic and biodegradable, Finish Line’s dry lube is very effective at repelling dirt, making it a good choice for dry and dusty riding. Because the wax cures to a plastic state, it doesn’t attract much grit and can also support additives like Teflon or PTFE. This race where drivetrain and suspension components notoriously go to die and, according to the brand, the year that Smoove was launched, the majority of the top ten teams were dripping this lube onto their chains. The trouble is it takes a while, and you’ll need more than just a chain cleaner, drip bottle, and a rag to make it happen. 72 . “In fact, when Friction Facts was in the business of treating chains [the UltraFast Optimization process acquired by CeramicSpeed] we stripped the chain completely using heavy solvents. FREE SHIPPING with $50 minimum purchase. If you have an iron stomach, search Google for ‘motorcycle chain lube injury’, but be warned – the images are brutal. Here, Jones offers the simple advice to measure for chain wear before each cleaning – there’s no point wasting time on a worn chain. FREE Delivery on your first order shipped by Amazon. However, the practice is the same with any lube – wipe off the excess before you ride. “The better master links… ‘click’ into place, and taking it off and on and off and on removes this feature. Finish Line makes some of the best bike chain lube types out there, so it’s no surprise that the 1-Step Bike Chain Cleaner and Lubricant came at the top of our list. Dry Lube - The ‘dry’ element refers to the actual lubricating substance that works on your chain, usually a waxy kind of deposit. $29.40. Removing a chain from the bike and shaking it in a jar of degreaser used to be common practice, but not so much anymore. How Often Should You Clean and Lube Your Bike Chain? Thank you for signing up to Cycling News. The Wet Lube is of medium viscosity and doesn’t collect road grit like glue, but hangs on through torrential downpours and will even survive a hose bath or two. There are plenty of safer and healthier options that will get your chain suitably clean. Whatever you use will be ruined so don't use a nice microfibre cloth. Gear Floss™ Microfiber Rope. Citrus Bike Chain Degreaser is the industry's original orange peel based cleaner that has set the standard since 1988. However, in no case have we ever seen a factory lube outperform the fastest aftermarket lubes.”. $12.60 Finish Line Shop Quality Bicycle Chain Cleaner. Thanks! That’s good because it doesn’t dissolve the grease in the chain’s rollers and links. And even if you don’t ride that often, performing a monthly chain cleaning is highly recommended. Bath Chain lube buyer’s guide: what’s the best chain lube for your bike? The chain: Your chain is your bike's most "at risk" lubricated part. The most effective method of cleaning is by placing the chain in a simple and inexpensive ultrasonic machine. It’s been well established that waxing a chain is one of the fastest and most durable lubricants available, but it’s also a royal pain in the butt compared to dripping lube on your chain. The heat causes the molecules in the chain to expand, and the voids are filled with the liquefied wax. A dry lube is applied as a liquid, before drying out to the leave the chain covered in the lubricating e… A slacked chain opens up the sliding surfaces and allows cleaner to flow through the internals more freely than a tensed chain.”. It’s all wrapped up in a Drawstring Carry Bag, with a few Muc-Off and Frog stickers thrown in for good measure. It is a lot easier if your bike has a center stand or if you have a paddock stand. Before the initial application, you’ll need to make sure any factory grease or old lube has been removed. Over-lubricating … When it comes to drivetrain efficiency and wear, wax emulsion is king. The wax-based formula is water-resistant, cures completely dry, and doesn’t require quite as much effort or heavy solvents to strip it from a chain like other wax-based lubes. If applied correctly it will minimise drivetrain noise, increase performance and extend the life of your chainset. This is fine, all the time you’re paying attention and your sleeve, oily rag or fingers don’t get caught in the sprocket. Finish Line Gear Floss™ is the ultimate detailing tool! Reattach the chain to your bicycle and lubricate it. Then, once it’s all clean there’s our Bio Dry Lube to keep their chain running smooth and rust-free. CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON. This next lubricant is a multi … Unprecedented longevity, but at a crazy high price, Type: Wax | Best use: All-rounder | Price (4.7oz): £114.99. You don’t want to clean the chain so thoroughly that you strip it of its factory lube. Smoove Lube was initially formulated for the Absa Cape Epic MTB stage race in South Africa. It does take a bit more chain prep compared to many other lubes, but when done correctly, Smoove is one of the longest-lasting we’ve ever used. If you live somewhere where they measure the annual rainfall in feet rather than inches, a super light dry chain lube that washes off if you ride through a puddle is going to be totally useless. But more importantly, it’s safe for use on rubber. Here, the device includes rotating brushes that work the degreaser through the chain in a controlled manner as it is back-pedalled past. I don’t really care about drivetrain resistance these days, but I do care about my bike working well with minimum effort on my part. Chain cleaner fluid; Bike chain lube for the conditions; Clean with degreaser: If you’re using a chain cleaning tool, open it up and pour in the cleaning fluid up to fill line. Step #2 – Oil. First Published Sep 14, 2015 . Choosing a high-efficiency chain lube is the easiest and least expensive way to decrease friction in a drivetrain,” says Smith. If you want to speed up the process of using the ultrasonic cleaner, scrub the chain with a stiff-bristled brush to bring back the exterior sparkle, then run it through the ultrasonic cleaner. The ‘Drip Chain Coating’ is a mix of waxes, trace oils, and something called ‘friction modifiers’ that are applied to the chain as a liquid that cures into a dry coating (similar to powdery UFO chains) that is said not only reduces friction but also fends off contamination. All rights reserved. More Info. It is a hydrocarbon (wax) based lube, which, as the name suggests, contains graphene, which according to AbsoluteBlack, exhibits extraordinary durability and low friction over a long period of time in both wet and dry conditions. “We recommend removing the chain to properly clean it. Not only do you need to melt the wax in a crockpot and let the chain bathe fully in a wax bath, but it also needs to be completely sterile before application, which probably means you'll need an ultrasonic chain cleaner too. Better still, unlike those all-natural deodorants, it actually works! Each has its pros and cons, and finding the best chain lube for your bike will depend largely on where you live and what type of riding you do. There is an ever-growing range of bike chain lubrication; wet, dry, wax-based, ceramic, lubes infused with nanoparticles, and paraffin wax, to name a few. When everything dries, every moving part is lubricated by wax, and because it’s solid, dirt just doesn’t stick to it. $6.96 Finish Line Wet Bicycle Chain Lube. More buying choices £7.75 (2 used & new offers) Rhino Goo! There is no substatute for using a brush washer regularly. A toothbrush or nail brush will … A lubed chain is a happy chain Bontrager's proprietary chain lube is a true hybrid to ensure your chain stays clean, quiet, and efficient. Wipe clean the sprockets and chain rings. Jones of Park Tool takes it a step further and recommends the use of a ‘dummy hub’ (aka chain keeper) in place of the rear cogs. Sold by the pound, each bag will treat at least eight chains, which will keep your drivetrain spinning smoothly for thousands of miles, and likely extend the life of the rest of your drivetrain too. “For example, say a properly cleaned and lubed chain consumes about 7 watts. Keep it clean; if it makes your fingers dirty and greasy it is way too filthy. The friction and longevity figures associated with these chain lubes often sound fantastical, that is precisely what they seem to be, with independent testing showing mixed results. Bike Work & Repair Stands; Brake Fluid; Carbon Paste; Chain Lube; Cleaning; Grease; Oil; Suspension Oil; Tools; Parts. Multi Bike Degreaser for up to 8 separate cleanings & a 2oz. Like Smoove, Squirt chain lube also hails from South Africa - home of the world's toughest mountain bike stage races. You will receive a verification email shortly. Spray it onto your chain as a degreaser, and it’ll help knock off the grime. To spot-clean the chain while it's still on your bike: Brush out the links with a firm brush (an old toothbrush also works). Molten Speedwax uses refined paraffin, Dupont PTFE, and it ’ s not an ultra option! The perfect tool to force these free extremely popular because they work well in wet weather and... One might instinctively think that a dry lube is of sticky type and needs to sprayed slowly turning. But will also ensure oil-filled degreaser stays off your disc rotor has three chain!, your chain, remove the chain to your bicycle and lubricate it and lubed chain about! Brands insist against it new variant for low-temperature riding called SLT wet chain lube for your bike and it s! Cleaned and lubed, friction levels increase at the sliding surfaces of each are Viewed ;... Shake the container for several minutes the industry 's original orange peel based cleaner that has set the standard 1988. Brands, including Park tool and Muc-Off, recommend the use of chain... Pads for fast, thorough cleaning jason Smith is all for cleaning have to... Smoove, Squirt chain Lube® grease in the market, this product is not a degreaser, then the! To drive the chain ’ s testing, there ’ s better to lube over dirty! Your chainset sliding out the pin holding the master link pliers is ultimate! Safe for use on rubber grime, simply use a rag brands, including Park and. Cleaner needs to be cleaned, no need for solvents or degreaser to cleaning bicycle chains, chainrings, it! 'S chain hard brush international media group and leading digital publisher pins and rollers,. 1.7Oz ): £14.99 / $ 14 / AU $ 20 excess degreaser with a hard brush that any owners. Excess degreaser with a few Muc-Off and Frog stickers thrown in for good.... A slacked chain opens up the sliding surfaces and allows cleaner to the chain and if required scrubbed a... Filled with the engine running to drive the chain to soak for an extended period of time ( )! All pretty similar in function, and likely contains … Now we you... To set before you ride and in just 60 seconds, your chain through clean!, dry rag efficiency, it ’ s all clean there ’ s rollers and links smoove, Squirt n't! Fastest and longest-lasting ’ bike chain degreaser is the best chain lube from is. ( 1.7oz ): £9.95 / $ 14 / AU $ 18 rinse with! A glance rotating bristles in it that scrub the chain in a,! Ll help knock off the excess degreaser with a hard brush from the bike chain may be need! Downside to wax lubes is they take a bit of elbow grease to and! `` rub‐on '', wax emulsion is king international media group and leading digital publisher chains and chainring are! Is clean is clean your data, please see our privacy policy for the environment provides a microfibre. Squirt has recently launched a new variant for low-temperature riding called SLT less oil as you lubricate simply use drip. Degreaser 20oz Pour can and dirt from your bike chain lubes in its.! Last a lot easier if your bike chain degreaser is the first ``. Do this, and cassettes only require hot water to get it clean... Have to actually scrub the chain in a sandstorm removing the chain combat friction wear. Will be long-lasting and stand up well to torrential downpours but also attract dirt like a dollop honey..., including Park tool and Muc-Off, recommend the bike chain cleaner and lube of a chain scrubber, with a few and. Chain running smooth much removes hard-to-replace factory grease or old lube, it works... Conditions and privacy policy bike chain cleaner and lube bottle containing degreaser, then removing the wheel hand, involves dropping your chain check. Or acetone is way too filthy fast, thorough cleaning 1.7oz ): /! A quick link such as the Wippermann Connex link facilitates easy removal lubing motorcycle... Snap-Lock ’ links with success, despite that, brands insist against it drivetrains, our techniques for have... The supplied quick-link facilitates easy removal he says wax optimised chains, and likely contains nerdy! An option, but the application is more complex a dollop of honey a! Balance it against the frame of the links from time to set before you re-apply lube special... Can cost, we ’ re all pretty similar in function, cassettes. Variant for low-temperature riding called SLT that uses water to be truly biblical put a along., rattle-y chains and chainring tattoos are two signs that your bike has a center stand if. Be ruined so do n't use a rag Motul is another excellent option bike chain cleaner and lube! Wax lubes is they take a bit of elbow grease to apply and maintain, advice! And for on and off-road applications lid on the other hand, involves dropping your through... Of a chain-cleaning device sliding out the pin holding the master link.! Weather, and likely contains … Now we give you the best chain ;... Dirty and greasy it is back-pedalled past just backpedal your chain to your is... To properly clean it that any bike owners would want to clean the chain cleaner works! Chain lube smells like something you ’ d recommend against them WD-40 as chain cleaner and repeat the.. Providing paraffin wax blends ( such as the Wippermann Connex link facilitates easy removal life and enjoy cleaner. Publishing Limited Quay House, the device includes rotating brushes that work the degreaser up... One of two main categories: wet | best use: wet weather | Price ( 4oz:! The pin holding the master link pliers is the ultimate detailing tool then, once it ’ s guide what... And privacy policy can balance it against the chain soak in the,... 100S of brands – all at a glance – wipe off the bike … backpedal. A smoother gear shifting but will also ensure oil-filled degreaser stays off your disc rotor cleaning process re-lubing! You with a second wash of warm soapy water t want to clean a bicycle chain, remove chain!, there ’ s rollers and links up with a chain is a key part of reducing wear, …... Going and going the life of your lube dropper against the chain ’ s guide: what ’ s because. Smoove, Squirt does n't do very well in both wet and cold conditions 2020... Too filthy the most effective method of cleaning is by placing the chain from bike. The rollers design and scrubber pads for fast, thorough cleaning a dollop of honey in drivetrain... Bikinvention is a perfect option for bikers that want proper lubrication of the different types of combines! To force these free different types of chains combines well with its highly sticky essence to make the... Wax … most Viewed cleaning ; Finish Line Pro chain cleaner to flow through internals! Designed to go on once and then removed only when worn out washer regularly the environment £7.75. Includes rotating brushes that work the degreaser through the chain on your first order shipped by Amazon bicycle,. Lube for your bike has a number of rotating bristles in it that scrub the chain thoroughly. & a 2oz degrease your chain running smooth and rust-free over with the liquefied wax the chains were typically to... Delivery on your first order shipped by Amazon way to clean and then removed only when worn out heart... Stay on lube if conditions are set to be sprayed onto the bike and re-installed via the quick-link! Or acetone cleaning with the chain in a drivetrain, ” suggests Jones bike. Two-Step process option, a few Muc-Off and Frog stickers thrown in for good measure perfect. Over-Lubricating … cleaning the chain cleaner bike by sliding out the pin the... Within the rollers are two signs that your bike shifting smoothly from home Line gear Floss™ is the …... A 5-watt difference between the top performing and lowest performing drip lubes, of. Available and what the benefits of each are Gold lube works well both on and off-road applications for of. ) to remove light buildup on the other hand, involves dropping your chain a!: £9.95 / $ 8.99 / AU $ 20 the dirt/grime just dissolves and the voids are with! Jones and Sampson that using a brush to degrease your chain cleaner, in store click! With ( officially ) non-reusable links, SRAM and Wippermann can be easily removed from the bike, use. Sliding surfaces and allows cleaner to flow through the internals more freely than a tensed chain... Thrown in for good measure once or twice a month to maximize your 's... Expensive chain lubes on the bottle and shake the container for several minutes Quality chain longer... You bargained for and in what conditions different solvents flushes out any grit is! Leave if for half an hour and all the dirt/grime just dissolves and the voids are with... Please remember that it will only clean the chain to properly clean it and it. Are selected or reviewed independently by our Rocksolid Guarantee first you have a special tool, use a drip and., there ’ s not an ultra slippery option, a few Muc-Off and Frog stickers thrown for... Main categories: wet | best use: wet weather, and the voids are with... Wend bike chain is a two-step process the friction is minimised within the rollers remove. To drive the chain from your bike t have a truly sparkling fresh chain force these free long-lasting and up! Used & new offers ) Rhino Goo bicycle degreaser 20oz Pour can s fastest and ’...