Most wet lubes will provide efficient lubrication for over 100 miles of riding with one application. If you ride in the winter months a wet lube will resist salt corrosion. Wet lubes are also really good at reducing drivetrain noise. So if the type of lube is unimportant for efficiency why is there so much choice? Alex Trimnell, Muc-Off’s CEO, has this advice: “Keeping your drivetrain clean and well-lubed is important for a smooth riding experience, but you need to make sure that you use the right lube for the conditions.” Regular, correct application of lube is an important process to ensure the smooth and efficient running of your bike.

All of the chain lubes featured have been tested in the real world. In general this means that the reviewers have used the products across a range of conditions to assess their performance, taking into consideration the different demands placed on wet and dry lubes as well as wax. We take note of a range of factors from ease of use to longevity. It's also biodegradable and comes in a bottle made from recycled plastic, so its environmental credentials are first rate too. Simon Nash of Green Oil, which makes environmentally friendly lubes, explains: “Wet lube was the original lubricant of choice. Early brands used something like car engine oil. Its consistency trumped basic spray lubricants that were primarily designed to displace water. It worked and was durable. But many cyclists on the road racing scene took to waxing chains in a frying pan. Secret formulas mixed in the kitchen often led to chains being dipped in bespoke waxy lubricants overnight. All Conditions is a thinnish wet lube that should be applied to a clean chain to get the most out of it. It’s easy to apply and is relatively mess-free.With a Cycling Weekly subscription you can improve your performance with our expert practical, nutritional and training tips On test the lube kept our chain quiet and smooth, although it does attract a bit of dirt and grime. In wet conditions, both real and simulated, the chain remained rust-free. It's also long-lasting; we'd say that you should be able to ride 100 miles+ between applications. Despite the seemingly endless differences, chain lube can be broken down into just two simple categories: wet and dry. How often do I need to apply chain lube?

Whichever lube you prefer to use, for the best results Trimnell suggests that you leave the lube on the chain overnight before riding for maximum benefit.

However, even a light rain shower will wash dry lube off the chain and it is less durable; an 80-mile ride in dry conditions can see lubrication drastically reduced. Some brands recommend leaving the lube in place for a specific period of time before wiping off the excess, so read the manufacturer's instructions to make sure that you're doing it right. What’s the difference between wax and oil lube? Wet lubes can be used all year, offer better value and have the greatest longevity. Whether wet or dry, it’s often a question of how much time and effort you want to put in. As well as its well-known multipurpose spray, WD40 does make a specialist bicycle chain lube, which is formulated for the job. Chain lube lowdown Wet lubes are used in all weather conditions but really come to the fore when riding in autumn and winter as they are water resistant so won’t get washed off riding through puddles or in a rainstorm.

In dry, spring and summer conditions you want to use a lighter lubricant, normally a wax-based ‘dry’ lube. Dry lubes are much cleaner to use and attract less dirt build-up even with repeated applications. This makes them much better in dry or dusty conditions, especially off-road or on gravel. On review we found that our chain remained rust-free after our 'garden hose test' that we used to replicate wet weather. A ride in rain followed and the chain again showed no signs of rust or stiff links. We also liked that, unlike some wet lubes, Green Oil didn't attract too much dirt and grime that can really wear the drivechain.For best results ensure the Professional Chain Lube is between 8 and 20C and apply to a clean chain. Developed to be used in the Absa Cape Epic MTB stage race that runs in South Africa, a race that is notoriously hard on drivetrain and suspension components, Smoove proved to be so long-lasting that it was dripped onto the chains of the majority of the top ten teams the year it was launched. It takes a little bit of chain prep before the first application, but when done correctly the wax based lube will last for an extraordinary number of miles.

A. - Always chain your chain before you apply chain lube. You should apply chain lube when your chain is filthy or when it makes a noise like a whining cat. Step 2: Shake bottle well, if the lube is pretty solid it will need warming in in a cup of warm water or on a radiator for a couple of minutesThe type of lube you choose to use comes down to several factors involving where and when you ride. If you are fastidious about cleaning your bike regularly, and often ride in inclement conditions, then wet lube is the right choice for you. How often you need to lube your chain depends on how frequently you ride your bike and the conditions in which you ride it. year-old Jo Jobson due to be sentenced on Wednesday for his part in armed robbery of Cavendish and his wife, Peta, at their home in Essex in November 2021 Wax lubes are predominantly made of wax, although they'll have a carrier solvent to help the wax to penetrate into the chain. The wax forms a dry film which lubricates the chain and is less likely to attract grime.