So you are looking for the best bike chain lube on the market? Well, we take a look at the various brands. First off, you have to decide what kind of lube you want, wet or dry.
How To Pick the Best Bike Chain Lube
Lube is to prevent your gears from getting dry and creating friction, keep the dirt out and also keep everything from rusting. There are two kinds of lube, wet and dry.
Wet Bike Chain Lube
Generally you use wet lube in wet conditions, the consistency of the lube is thick and slippery so that it won’t wash away in the rain or when biking through puddles.
Dry Bike Chain Lube
Dry lube is used in dry weather as it is not as thick as wet lube and does not collect as much dirt. The lube goes on wet, but dries quickly leaving a wax like synthetic film to protect your chain. The downside to dry lube is it does not last as long and has to be re-applied more frequently.
Applying Bike Lube
Note that you do have to apply all lubes to dry and degreased chains. Make sure you avoid all brakes and rotors when applying lube. Aim to put one drop per link and take off any excess lube with a rag.
What Happens If I Don’t Lube My Chain?
If you do not lube your chain it will pick up dirt and grimme and get stuck in the links making it less efficient to cycle. The chain links will dry up and corrode making shifting and biking more difficult.
The Best Bike Chain Lubes Review
Finish Line Dry Lube
Finish line dry lube is one of the industry leaders, it includes teflon which decreases friction so you use less energy to turn the pedals.
Make sure to use this lube in dry conditions and give it enough time to dry off.
This comes in 2, 4 and 8 ounce squeeze bottles, an 8 ounce aerosol spray can, a 32 ounce jug and a 1 gallon jug.
Finish Line Wet Lube
This is the wet version of the finish line products and will protect your chain in the wettest conditions as it totally repels water. This lube will get in to every little nook and cranny and keep mud and dirt out.
Again, the teflon makes nice and efficient pedaling and is the most popular brand in the world.
This comes in 2, 4 and 8 ounce squeeze bottles, an 8 ounce aerosol spray can, a 32 ounce jug and a 1 gallon jug.
Rock N Roll Gold Lube
Coined the king of lube, albeit self proclaimed, is a great all purpose road and mountain biking wet lube. This lube simultaneously cleans and lubes, it will dissolve any dirt and make the chain look like new. This lube is not a degreaser or a cleaner, but it does help clean the chain.
Comes in 4 and 16 ounce bottles.
Tri-Flow Bike Chain Lube
Tri-Flow is formulated to clean, soften and remove dirt contaminants it has a light viscosity to ensure it penetrates deep in to all of those hard to reach moving parts. Tri-Flow also uses teflon and works well in all temperatures.