What chain lube?

Geddie

Hi folks,

About to clean the chains thoroughly and was wandering about the lubrication choices.
Just read a few articles about wet, dry teflon, wax, ceramic etc lubes but still not clear for me which one would suit best [for UK climate]:
1] hybrid more a road bike though [spc. sirrus sport] mostly road use
2] hybrid more an off-road bike, no suspension, mostly off-road use

As I understand dry lubes are better to keep the chain clean, but the wet ones do better lubrication? Is it correct? What are your experiences here?
Thanks.

imposter2.0

worth doing a search - this topic comes up a lot..

bikes`n`guns

Muc off wet and Muc off dry.

simon_masterson

I use Green Oil wet lube, all year round.

In terms of function, it really doesn't matter that much. As long as it doesn't evaporate, anyway, so don't use WD40 or GT85.

What does matter is your maintenance regime. If you apply lube thoroughly and wipe the excess, and regularly clean your transmission (at least degreasing chain, and scrubbing sprockets and chainrings) particularly when the weather's bad, it does not matter that much what you use. Using a heavy lube is only really problematic (for attracting dirt) if you put too much on and/or don't remove the excess - Finish Line 'Cross Country' (the one in the green bottle) is great (and cheap, and available).

In terms of 'dry' and 'wet', it tends to come down to preference. The only other thing is I wouldn't pay through the nose for posh stuff - it's only oil!

Nairnster

I love Pedros Ice Wax

How Far is too Far

3 in 1, cheap last for a while and cleans off easy enough.

IanRCarter

Dry lube in dry conditions, wet lube in wet. Dry lube will wash off in the rain and twice now I've forgot to reapply it, which really isn't nice on the next ride. If you use wet lube in dry conditions then all the dust that's around will stick to it (dry lube repels it), so you'd need to keep cleaning your drivetrain components otherwise the chain will be lubed by a sludgy, gritty mess.

Personally I use Muc-Off lube, you can get big dripper bottles (120ml I think) and I found that Halfords were actually cheapest for it (+ 10% discount if you're a BC member).

Geddie

Imposter wrote:

worth doing a search - this topic comes up a lot..

Maybe it would be worth "sticking" this topic with detailed choices then? I am not a moderator, so cannot decide here; I made some search but could not find clear solutions/answers.
Thanks all for replies. So I assume wet lube would be more universal if weather is changing and no frequent service done? Also, I noticed that Finish Line and Muc-Off are the most popular lubes?

dj58

Wet lubes I have used are 3 in 1, Finish Line cross country and currently Shimano wet lube, some people on here swear by Progold Prolink chain lube, not used it myself though.
http://bikes.progoldmfr.com/products/

drlodge

DJ58 wrote:

Wet lubes I have used are 3 in 1, Finish Line cross country and currently Shimano wet lube, some people on here swear by Progold Prolink chain lube, not used it myself though.
http://bikes.progoldmfr.com/products/

+1 on Progold prolink especially for a road bike. I find it wears off quite quickly, but its so easy to wipe clean and relube with a dropper bottle.

For off road or wet riding (which I don't do) I'd probably revert to something a bit thicker, probably some kind off chainsaw oil. Or stick with ProGold on the basis its easy to clean and you'll be needing to change your chain more often.

diamonddog

How Far is too Far wrote:

3 in 1, cheap last for a while and cleans off easy enough.

^^This

DKay

I found Muc Off dry lube to be pretty useless and the wet stuff just got everything filthy. The ceramic stuff is better, but is a pain to remove fully.

I use Rock n Roll blue for wet rides and Rock n Roll gold for dry. Awesome stuff.

BrandonA

DKay wrote:

I found Muc Off dry lube to be pretty useless and the wet stuff just got everything filthy. The ceramic stuff is better, but is a pain to remove fully.

I use Rock n Roll blue for wet rides and Rock n Roll gold for dry. Awesome stuff.

I tried the Muc Off Ceramic Dry Lube. Its great in dry weather but if you get caught out in bad weather or go through an unexpected Ford or flooded road it comes off the chain way too easily. I've therefore stopped using it as on one occasion I had to abort a ride and get a train home.

I use the Shimano wet lube.

I use the Finish Line Dry Teflon lube.

As long as you clean your chain regularly I don't think the choice of lube is that important - as long as you use DRY and WET lubes under the correct conditions. I do about 200 miles a week and I like to clean my chain/cogs at least once a week - you really can tell the difference in smoothness.

DKay

BrandonA wrote:

DKay wrote:

I found Muc Off dry lube to be pretty useless and the wet stuff just got everything filthy. The ceramic stuff is better, but is a pain to remove fully.

I use Rock n Roll blue for wet rides and Rock n Roll gold for dry. Awesome stuff.

I tried the Muc Off Ceramic Dry Lube. Its great in dry weather but if you get caught out in bad weather or go through an unexpected Ford or flooded road it comes off the chain way too easily. I've therefore stopped using it as on one occasion I had to abort a ride and get a train home.

It's still better than the Muc Off teflon dry lube. You only have to breath on that for it to come off your chain. Even in totally dry conditions it only lasts for about 20miles. Utterly useless.

juanerasmoe

I've been using this one http://goo.gl/3VPnwq for a while and I'm quite happy with it.