The best bike chain lube is effective to reduce the friction of rubbing of the mechanical parts. Let’s find out together which are the best of 2021!
The bike chain lube serves to lubricate the mechanical components. It can reduce the wear derived from friction and by rubbing. Using a lube, you can prevent the components from being subject to corrosion and allow your bike to be functional. It means saving on the costs of repairs and spare parts to the maximum of its functionality.
The products available on the market come with greases or are based on oils. If oil-based lubes are available to the chain and derailleurs, grease-based lubes are viscous substances for bearings and balls. Let’s find out which is the best bike chain lube of 2021 and how to use them correctly.
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Top 6 Best Bike Chain Lube You Should Know
Top 1: WD-40 Specialist Bike Chain Lube
WD is a well-known brand. There is a reason we see this logo in every mechanical and DIY workshop around the globe. WD-40 lube comes from the formula to Teflon, a chemical formulation also known as PTFE that reduces friction.
Besides, Teflon provides excellent lubrication in both dry and wet conditions, also reducing wear on the bicycle chain. As being a spray, it can penetrate the joints of the chain. After drying, it leaves a sort of protective film that helps prevent corrosion.
It perfectly lubricates all the mechanical parts of the bike, not just the chain. It is effective after a thorough cleaning and is a drying excess lubricant. It also applies to wet routes. As an easy-to-use product with outstanding quality, this lube has fast results on unique parts. It is perfect on the chain and all the other mechanical parts of the bicycle.
Pros
- Provides excellent lubrication in any condition
- Prevents friction, wear, and corrosion
- Advanced chemical formulation
- High compatibility
Cons
- If you are not familiar with the use of these products, it can be challenging to manage the dispensing of the spray.
Top 2: Muc Off Dry Chain Lube
Here is a dry lube that is perfect for heat and summer. The drip lubricant biodegradable Muc-Off is ceramic-based. It means that, after each application, it creates a sort of dry ceramic layer that ensures a long-lasting effect. Besides, it contains the anti-dust formula that keeps the chain shiny even after using the bike in, particularly dusty areas. After application, the chain and the gearbox will be quiet.
It keeps the chain shining even after miles traveled in dusty conditions. Unlike wet lube, it allows you to avoid using it every 100 km. Muc Off Dry Lube is one of the best units on the market. It is better than more full-bodied similar models.
Pros
- Effective actions
- Reduces the friction of the transmission
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Expensive
Top 3: ProGold ProLink Chain Lube
The ProGold chain lube comes with no lithium. It is a perfect product to lubricate seals, shock absorbers, and forks, giving a surprising result. Its effect is visible from the first application, guaranteeing speed and facilitated movements to all the components on which we apply it.
It has a dense consistency to be transported safely without fear of the lubricant coming out of the tube. We can also use it for hobby uses with an excellent duration. We recommend buying the 150g pack, so as not to overdo it.
Pros
- Sufficient amount
- Avoids from drying out
- High speed and facilitated movements
- Dense consistency
Cons
- All Amazon users are happy with the purchase.
Top 4: Finish Line Wet Chain Lube
The Finish Line Wet Lube comes with highly viscous synthetic oils that provide a long service life. It comprises special polymers, anti-friction additives, and other substances that reduce friction. It is a perfect lubricant for bicycle chains that gives excellent performance even if we travel long distances. It is an excellent product with an excellent quality/price ratio. Once applied, this lube eliminates the annoying creaking of the chain.
Pros
- The application and removal are simple and fast
- Innovative formula
- Excellent quality/price ratio
- Eliminates frictions
Cons
- Close the cap well to avoid leaks.
Top 5: Finish Line Bike Care Pack
Here is a perfect lube for those who have the MTB or BDC. It should not be diluted for use as you can directly use a brush. The kit comprises grease, oil, and detergent. Finish Line also offers a Teflon dry lube that is excellent for mountain bike rides.
This product is suitable when you travel on dusty terrain. Once applied, it creates a film that dries quickly and prevents dirt from sticking to the chain. The latter will always remain perfectly lubricated. As being a dry product, it is not greasy and gives excellent results from the first application.
However, the products are highly toxic. So, it is better to avoid them coming into contact with children.
Pros
- Does not attract dirt
- Lasts a long time
- Prevents rust formation.
Cons
- Not safe for health
Top 6: Finish Line Ceramic Chain Lube
This ceramic-based chain lube from Finish Line ranks among the best products available on the market for bicycle chain lubrication. We characterize it for the excellent lubricating effect. Also, it grants even from the first use and for its long duration. Among its strengths, we also point out the ease and speed of application. The quality/price ratio is also extreme.
The tube allows an excellent dosage. It is not in liquid form so we can safely keep it in the backpack, without fear of causing disasters. This product is smooth and holds the air great. The tube is small just to prevent the grease from drying out even if we use it a few times.
Pros
- Does not attract dust and dirt
- Excellent dosage
- Efficient lubricating effect
- Premium quality/price ratio
Cons
- This product met the expectations of Amazon users who bought it.
Why Should I Buy a Bike Chain Lube?
Many bicycle lubes contain the chemical PTFE, also known as Teflon. It is a fluorine-based compound that helps significantly reduce friction to facilitate the movement of transmissions. Both petroleum-based lubes and those made with biodegradable vegetable oils are available on the market. If the former is more effective, the biodegradable ones have a lower impact on the environment and because they are not toxic.
Bicycle lubes are essential to reduce the wear and tear of bicycles given the friction of the mechanical components inside. It protects from inevitable oxidation when something is exposed to atmospheric agents, and from washing off with water, and prevents excessive heating during use.
Who Should Buy Bike Chain Lube?
Whether oil-based or grease-based, the lube is something that must never miss in the kit of the expert cyclist. It is the item that we always carry inside the bag. The chain is a fundamental part of the bicycle and must be treated with the utmost care. More than a passion for the bike, it is a proper choice, a lifestyle, and a stance. Whoever moves by bike is a crazy-romantic-revolutionary philosopher who wants to go in the opposite direction to this crazy and frenetic world. We take all locked up in these aluminum cages.
There is no electric car that holds, and there is no autopilot that can make us bike enthusiasts happy. We want to pedal with our legs and be the architects of the direction to follow from time to time. We want to feel the wind on our skin, expose ourselves to the elements, why not? Take some risks, put our lives on the line, feel the adrenaline rising.
Best Bike Chain Lube FAQs
What is Teflon?
It was invented 30 years ago and is a fluorine-based compound. Teflon is present in bicycle lubricants, but many do not know what it is. You have heard of this element probably regarding the non-stick layer that is applied on pans and cooking pans.
Originally Teflon is a white and light powder that floats on water, cannot be dissolved by any solvent, is highly resistant to any chemical substance, and is odorless. It does not conduct electricity, is non-flammable, and withstands the heat of 300 degrees centigrade.
It has hundreds of applications and is used when a resistant and economical material is needed. It is a polymer called polytetrafluoroethylene, made up of bricks that contain two carbon atoms and four fluorine atoms.
It is precisely this element that gives it the property of being inert and unassailable. In recent years we have also used it in the textile field, to waterproof clothes and fabrics, especially those for camping and outdoor. This is the reason it is also a precious ally in the cycling field.
Dry or wet lube?
Muddy winter road conditions call for a wet lubricant, which ensures a thicker consistency. Conversely, tropical climates require a dry lubricant, because it is thinner and better in case of specks of dust and dryness.
How to apply the lubricant on the chain?
- To use a bicycle lubricant correctly, you need to follow a few simple tips.
- If you need to lubricate the chain, you can either remove it or turn the bicycle upside down, resting it on the handlebar and saddle for greater visibility.
- Before lubricating, the chain, make sure that it is well cleaned and degreaser
- To clean this component, we recommend using a brush, degreaser, or warm water and soap. Applying lubricant to a dirty chain could cause dirt to build up.
- If you use your bike mainly in the city or on clean routes, the chain can also be cleaned once a month. If you take long walks in dusty or muddy areas, it should be cleaned once a week.
- For the lubrication of the chain and the front derailleur, we suggest using the oil-based lubricant.
- For the lubrication of bearings, balls, and bolt threads, the advice is to choose a grease-based lubricant.
- If you are not very familiar with the use of this product, choose products with a dispenser or a spray applicator that helps to better distribute the lubricant and apply it to the affected areas.
- Purchase a wet lubricant if the bicycle is used in winter or muddy areas.
- Choose a dry lubricant if we use the bike in summer and dusty areas.
