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Immersive chain waxing can be a bit of a hassle, but it’s a simple enough process and, as well as saving you money and watts, it could arguably save you time overall too. Simon von Bromley / Immediate Media In summer conditions, there can be benefits in applying a dry lube less frequently, as this will prevent the build-up of grime on your chain, which can speed up wear. How do I apply chain lube?
In reality, the very best chain lubes might reduce chain friction by maaaaaybe 1-2% more than the other really good ones we recommend here. But keep in mind, those other really good chain lubes are already reducing a lot of chain friction. So, 1-2% better than something that’s already really good is truly a marginal gain. The chain is an essential part of any ebike, and keeping it clean and lubricated is essential to the longevity and proper functioning of the drivetrain (all the cogs and gears) of your ebike. Many have reached out to us asking how to clean and lube an ebike chain while others wondering how to properly lube a bike chain. A big plus is the additional resistance that Squirt offers against the gunk build-up than the lubes with heavier oils. That means, say goodbye to the squeaks, creaks and draining drivetrain drags! What you do have to remember with this high-tech lube, though, is to take your time and be methodical when lubing your chain. The best practice, as mentioned before, is to clean your drivetrain properly, dry it with a cloth and apply the lube link by link. It might take 3-4 applications until the lube has penetrated into the chain properly.Plus, we’ve included our favorite Pro Tips on how to choose the right chain lube for you, tips for application, how to clean your chain, and other frequently asked questions! Scroll down for all the details. BEST OVERALL CHAIN LUBE: Squirt Lube Wet lubes contain a lot of lubricant per ml but are prone to attracting a lot of contaminants. Immediate Media Chain lube protects against rust, and it keeps that chain moving freely, bending and conforming to every turn of the pedals. It also helps it slip on and off chainring teeth and slide across cassette cogs, making for a smooth, quiet, and efficient ride. As Nash also points out: “Value is an issue — in a bottle of wet lube, 100 percent of the formula will lubricate. In a dry lube, some of the formula is solvent, which is there just to aid application.”
However, for the habitually lazy or fair-weather cyclist, a dry lube is going to be the preferred option. On the other hand, some cyclists might have experience using actual wax, which provides the same smooth and quiet riding experience without as much grime. Originally, waxing a chain required a labor-intensive wax melting process (and the use of a slow-cooker or saucepan). While it was cumbersome, the results couldn’t be matched by oil-based lubricants. Studies have shown that the type of lube itself makes little difference to the efficiency of a clean chain, although we've looked at whether swapping your chain lube can make you faster. As long as your chain stays relatively clean and you are using a wetter chain oil, you can get by only lubing your chain every other week. Use a heavy-duty lubricant for wet weather and for when you go off-road where there’s lots of dirt and mud.
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If you’re after the fastest, most efficient drivetrain possible, immersive waxing is currently king. Look around any professional race or time trial and you’re bound to spot more than a few waxed chains.
There are different types of lube. Here are some of the key differences to help you choose the corect lube for you and your bike. Dry Lube As a mechanic, I would always say that the best chain oil is the one you use regularly, but there are different lubes for different circumstances. Every bike cupboard should have both a wet and dry lube. Dry lubes are for the driest conditions and cleanest chains. I would never use regular WD-40 on your bike! However, WD-40 does now make bike-specific chain oils that you can use on your chain. You don't need tools, just the right lube, some rags, and degreaser. If you don't have degreaser, you can use rubbing alcohol. Avoid basic WD40, gun oil, or anything that might have unintended side effects on your bike.
Look around any important race and you’ll likely see a few immersive waxed chains. This one has a healthy dusting of extra PTFE powder to further reduce friction. Ben Delaney / Immediate Media Many riders over-lube their chains. Generally, if there’s anything more than a light coating of chain lube on the outside of the chain, you’re just wasting lubricant, and risking it getting into other parts of the bike including the brake surfaces or rotors. If that’s to be believed, you could also make an argument that you’re spending your money mostly on carrier fluid that’s designed to disappear into thin air.
No, though many riders do. Often, people will skip the degreasing step and just lube the chain, counting on the lube and subsequent wipe-down to remove most of the built-up gunk. For on-bike cleaning, usually two rounds using a clamp-on type cleaner (such as Park Tool CG-2.4) and our Squirt biodegradable Bike Cleaner product is adequate. Rinse well with clean water and reapply two coats of lube as per the application instructions.With proper chain maintenance, this is far less likely to happen and you can keep on riding as long as you want, or at least until your chain wears out. Hold the nose of your lube dropper against the chain with your left hand. You can balance it against the frame of the bike for stability. Don't use a spray! You don't really want the lube anywhere but the chain and any overspray can hit the brake rotors.
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