Everyone who has a bike and uses it will testify that the metal on metal friction that occurs, in the long run, affects the efficiency of the bike. Different people use lubricants that will help reduce the amount of friction that goes on.
One of the lubricants and the most used is the chain lube, which helps make contact smooth and prolong the life span that the chain has. There are different chain lubes that you can get in the market, and they all have their specs and features. However, not all of them are worth it because few are way better than the others. For this reason, we took our time to make you a buying guide that will guide you in making the best decision that you won’t regret.
Benefits of making use of a chain lube
You get to enjoy many benefits when you use the chain lube, and we look at a few of them below.
Makes your ride easier
One of the most important things that the chain lube does is that it makes riding a bike far easier than when it isn’t. In the process, you get to save up on energy and time because it isn’t the same amount of energy you will use compared to when it isn’t lubricated.
Saves you money
Another good thing about the chain lube is that it helps you to save up on cash. If you were not to use it, then the money you will spend on repairs that would frequently happen if you do not do so will be higher the price you will spend buying a chain lube.
It is cheaper
The last benefit that we will look at is the cost of the chain lube. It is way cheaper for you to use a chain lube because it will reduce the money you spend on maintenance and the rest.
Now that we have looked at these benefits, let us look at the tips that you should keep at the back of your mind when you want to make the best buy in the market.
Tips on how to make a buy of the best chain lube
Everyone who visits the market place has a guide or tip that they go by that allows them to purchase that they won’t regret down the road. Following this, we provide you with the tips that should aid you in making a buy that you don’t end up regretting.
Features of the chain lube
The first thing that you should look at is the features of the chain lube that you wish to make use of; you have to do this to tell what to expect from making use of it. We mean that you should ask yourself important questions and if the components would help you get what you want.
Ease of Application
Another thing that you should look at is the ease of application of the lube that you want. It will make using it much easier because when the lube application is difficult, you might not get to have the best experience for this, which you not want.
Type of lube
You should look out for the type of lube you want to use; this is necessary because there are two basic types: both the wet and the dry lube.
They both have a different weather condition application, so using them in all conditions won’t be suitable. The wet lube is used more in the wet weather condition, and the dry lube is used in the dry weather condition more frequently.
Reduction of Noise
The level of noise that the chain lube will help you reduce is another factor you should consider. If the noise is high, thereby undermining the purpose of the chain lube, you should use a better alternative.
Time of reapplication
Another important thing is the time of reapplication of the chain lube. Because chain can’t be used forever, you need to make sure that the time you might need to reapply it again gives a considerable distance this way, you save stress, and your output is more optimal.
Durability of the chain lube
The durability of chain lube is another thing that you should keep in mind when you want to make a purchase, and this is because of the importance that this holds to the kind of experience you would have.
You need to consider the length of time that it will make your bike last from its application, and if it is not favourable, you can make use of another alternative.
Cost of the Chain Lube
Finally, the last thing that you should look out for in any chain lube that you want to buy is the cost; the reason for this is simple. Everyone who goes to get something from the supermarket always does so with a price in mind; this price reflects the value that they think the product has judging from the features. In a situation where they feel that the product is overpriced, they make do with an alternative.
Also, there might be a case where the price of the product is far above the budget that you, so that you do not run into debts you make do with another one that falls into your said budget.
Now that we have looked at the tips you should have in mind when you want to make a buy that you won’t regret down the road, let us look at the list and reviews compiled from both research experience.
Best Chain Lubes for Bikes in Review
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1
Muc-Off
The first that we will discuss is the MucOff-chain lube; this lube made a list because of the benefits that one stands to get when used. The chain lube helps increase the efficiency you will have when you ride your bike, and this is accomplished because of the smooth working of the chains that this lube allows. Also, you save a lot of energy when you ride as you do not expend much in the process.
The price or the cost of the chain lube is on the downside, which means it is affordable. Also, the lube is a good value for the money when you use it well enough. The other features that you enjoy when you make use of this lube are that you can use it in dry weather conditions, which is great, and it comes with an ultraviolet detection system. The way this works is that it contains a tracer dye that you can see under sunlight. So, from seeing this and with its help, you can check to see the areas you applied to ensure maximum coverage.
Key Features:
- It features a UV detection system
- You can use it in dry weather conditions
Specification:
- Product Dimensions: 17.91 x 13.39 x 10.43 inches
- Product Weight: 2.39 ounces
- Colour: Black
- Manufacturer: Muc-Off
Pros
- It is affordable
- It is a good value for the money that you get to spend
Cons
- Some complaint about it attracting dust
2
WD 40
The second lube that makes a list is the WD 40 lube, with the features being a reason. The lube comes with a durable coating, and it helps you repel mud and water in a wet condition. We all know how the effect of mud or water can be detrimental to the riding efficiency of your bike, and you do not want this to happen.
The way it has been made will help your bike chain have a prolonged life because it won’t get damaged quickly. It also comes with a no-wax formula which is healthy and good because it doesn’t allow the lube to build up in the chain spaces. In general, making use of the bike would aid in your safety and health while riding.
Key Features:
- It has a water and mud resistant effect
- It features a no-wax formula that prevents wax from forming in the crevices of the chains
Specification:
- Product Dimensions: 2.36 x 1.57 x 5.91 inches
- Product Weight: 4.23 Ounces
- Colour: Blue
- Manufacturer: WD-40
Pros
- It is easy to use
- It is affordable
- It is a good value for the money you spend on it
Cons
3
Teflon
The third that we will talk about is the Teflon chain lube, and this is because it has amazing features that it comes with. One of the good things about this bike chain lube is that it comes with a moisture-resistant feature that makes it great to prevent the dust that comes with water; this way, your chain gets to live longer.
Also, the price of the chain lube is on the low side, which makes it affordable considering what you get to benefit from it. The chain lube application is easy, and you don’t need to stress when you want to apply.
Lastly, the chain lube has various applications, and you may use it on other parts of your bikes and get results.
Key Features:
- It has various applications
- It is dust resistant
Specification:
- Product Dimensions:
- Product Weight: 3.25 ounces
- Colour: Red and Black
- Manufacturer: Teflon
Pros
- It is easy to use
- It is a good value for the money
- It has various uses
- It is affordable
Cons
- Some complaint about the aerosol
4
Rock N Roll
The fourth one that we will look at is the Rock n Roll lube, also known as the king of lubes. The good thing about this lube is the features you enjoy when you use it, which is a good thing considering you pay for it.
If you have a couple of bikes for different purposes, you can use them because of the multipurpose feature, meaning that you can use them on a couple of bikes. The bike is also resistant to water, which is a good thing considering that this a wet lube used for wet weather conditions.
The lube also cleans and lubricates, which is a plus for you because you don’t need to stress over cleaning your chains. Apart from all of this, it is a good value for the money you spend on the purchase.
Key Features:
- It is multipurpose
- It is resistant to water
Specification:
- Product Dimensions: 9 x 5 x 3 inches
- Product Weight: 1 Pound
- Colour: Gold
- Manufacturer: Rock N Roll
Pros
- It is easy to use because of the easy application that it has
- It is a good value for the money spent
Cons
- The only downside that comes with making use of this lube is the price which is on the high side
5
Boeshield
The fifth chain lube that we will talk about is the Boeshield, and it is because of the good features that it has; this lube is resistant to water, and at the same time, it prevents dust from catching on your bike. It is a good value for the money that we spend on the purchase, which is a good thing considering that we want something that we would get value from but at a cheaper cost.
Also, the good thing about this lube is that you can make use of it in all weather conditions, whether it is wet or dry, and you still get the best out of it. If you want to prevent rust from your bike, you can make use of this, which is good; it would stop your bike chain from rusting, and in return, it helps with the life span of the bike. Lastly, when you use this lube, it helps penetrate your bike’s moving parts, increasing efficiency to a high level effectively.
Key Features:
- It is resistant to water
- It prevents dust
- It is resistant to rust
Specification:
- Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 6 inches
- Product Weight: 2.4 Ounces
- Colour: Red, Blue, and White
- Manufacturer: Boeshield
Pros
- It is a good value for the money you spend on the purchase
- It is easy to use
- It is affordable
- Prolongs chain life
Cons
6
Smoove
The next on the list is the Smoove chain lube. The lube has features that make it attractive for use due to the benefits you can get to have that is supposing you to use it. We think the only thing that might be a set back to this is that it is only applicable to one kind of bike chain, the mountain bike chain.
Another good thing about using this lube is that you can have it in both wet and dry conditions as it is resistant to water and prevents dust for a while. The period that it can last is mind-blowing because it can last up to one hundred miles before there would be a need for you to apply it again.
It is a good value for the money you spend on it because the price is on the downside, and the benefits you get to enjoy are far greater than this.
Key Features:
- It is resistant to water
- It repels dust
Specification:
- Product Dimensions: 5.51 x 1.18 x 2.36 inches
- Product Weight: 7.05 ounces
- Colour: Red
- Manufacturer: Spoke Works
Pros
- It is easy to use and handle
- It is a good value for the money that you spend on it
- It is affordable
- It is durable
Cons
- It takes a while to dry
7
Greenoil
The seventh on our list is the Greenoil chain lube with some great features that you might like. The good thing about using this bike is that you can use it in whatever weather condition you find yourself, which is a great thing; something that most riders want because of the stress that it helps you reduce. Due to how good it is, riding your bike becomes easy because of your chain’s smoothness; this smoothness is due to the application of lube to your chain.
It is a good value for the money because the price is not on the high side. Also, it is easy to use, which is a plus when you add that it is anti-rust in the sense that it prevents rusts from appearing on your chain. Due to the components that it is made with, the lube is eco friendly.
Key Features:
- It is anti-rust
- It can be used in all weather conditions
Specification:
- Product Dimensions: 3.9 x 15.5 x 3.9 inches
- Product Weight: 2.24 ounces
- Colour: Green
- Manufacturer: Green Oil
Pros
- It is easy to use and handle
- It is affordable
Cons
- The only downside to making use of this is the film that it leaves after drying
8
Tri-flow
The second to the last chain lube that we will look at is the Tri-Flow, and it is because of its features. The chain lube is effective because it helps with the lubrication of your chain, which in turn makes you use lesser energy when you ride it. It is also durable because it makes your chain last longer, which helps you save money on repairs or changing the chain and, in the long run, reduce overall cost.
Another good thing about using this chain lube is that you can use it for other things apart from your bike chain, which is a good thing. You can make use of it in any weather condition, and it repels dust and prevents rust patches from appearing on your chain. And lastly, it is resistant to water.
Key Features:
- It is resistant to water
- It is resistant to water
- It has various applications
Specification:
- Product Dimensions: 6 x 2.25 x 1.5 inches
- Product Weight: 6.2 ounces
- Colour: Black
- Manufacturer: Tri-Flow
Pros
- It is easy to use and handle
- It is durable
- The price is on the downside
Cons
- Some complaints about the chemical used in the production
9
Lucas Oil
The last chain lube that we will talk about is the Lucas oil due to its features. From experience of making use of it, it extends the lifetime of your chain. It is one of the affordable chain lube that you can get out there; it prevents rust patches from appearing on your chain.
Key Features:
- It is anti-rust
Specification:
- Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 8.5 inches
- Product Weight: 14.4 inches
- Colour: Blue
- Manufacturer: Lucas Oil
Pros
- It is easy to use and handle
- It is durable
- It is a good value for the money that you spend on it
- It is affordable
Cons
- Some complaints about the difficulty in application
Buying Guide Questions
Now that we are done with the list and review that we prepared for you from research and experience let us look at the most asked questions about buying the best chain lube for your bike in the market.
What is the best lubricant for a bike chain?
There are different kinds of chain lube for bikes that you can get in the market, and they all claim to be the best ones. However, this is not always the case from our research; it is why the list and review were made to help you choose the best chain lube in the market. So, if you are looking for the best in the market, you should use the list we have provided and have no regret in the long run.
Is WD40 good for bike chains?
In the list and review that we did, one of the chains lubes that we reviewed was the WD40, and it was a result of the features that it has. The WD40 is a good one to use; it is dust resistant, making you smoother.
How do I choose a bike chain lube?
Due to the number of products in the market, people need to use a guide to let them make a buy that they won’t get to regret later on. From the tips that we have given, there are certain things that you should look at if you want to make the best buy in the market.
One of the things that you should consider is the ease of application; that is how easy it is to use the lube. You should also look at the type of lube you want to buy and if it fits your purpose. Lastly, you should consider the cost of the lube; this is necessary so that you know if it fits into the budget that you have out for it
What kind of oil do you use on a bike chain?
There are different kinds of oil that you can get in the market, and the thing is that they do serve different purposes of their own. So, if you want to use oil on your chain bike, you should look out for specific kinds so you don’t regret it. The best kind of oil to make use of is the lube, and it is because of the features it has, which is friendly and has been made specifically for use on chains.
Can I use olive oil to lube my chain bike?
There are different opinions regarding this and what most experienced users said, and it is not always the case from the research we carried out. The first thing that we would point out is the oil’s viscosity; unlike other known chain lubes, the viscosity of this one easily breaks down, which doesn’t make it okay for long term use.
Apart from this, we also need to consider another fact: if it is resistant to water and dust, we must know if to use it that is why this important; from our research, it doesn’t hold well under the effect of water which is not a plus; also, it attracts dust, so this disqualifies olive oil. However, you can make use of it in an emergency.
How often should I lube my bike chain?
The number of times you should lube your bike chain is not specific, and it varies from person depending on the kind of activity that the bike is used for. However, many people lube and clean their bikes when they have done about a hundred miles or after they use them for any activity.
However, we recommend that you lube your chain depending on the reapplication time of the tube you use.
Can I use Vaseline on my bike chain?
Many people think that you can use Vaseline because it is a petroleum jelly; however, what most of these people do not put to mind is that Vaseline has a different application altogether. As such, you can’t use them. Vaseline is meant to be used on body parts and not on mechanical parts. If you love your bike and want to use it for a long time use, you can use a proper bike chain lube to avoid any regrets as we advance.
What can I use instead of chain lube?
Some people may not be able to afford a proper chain lube, or there are no options to make use of them at the moment, and they might be looking out for another alternative that they can use. If you are in this category, you can use olive oil; however, this should only be a short term solution as there are no real alternatives that can displace the chain lube.
Can I use engine oil as a chain lube?
Another question that people have is if it is okay to use engine oil as a chain lube. We do not recommend this because engine oil won’t penetrate the chain, so that it will be needed for it. So, putting this into consideration also we can say that engine oil does not do a good job of lubricating the chain as needed.
Is chain wax better than lube?
There have been questions regarding this, and the answer to this is that the chain wax and the chain lube are both made to do the same job. The only difference is how they come in, which doesn’t matter to an extent. So we can not say which is better than the other because of the application they both have. However, they both can be used based on your personal preference.
Can I use vegetable oil on the bike chain?
The only condition that we advise you to make use of vegetable oil in place of chain lube is if it is an emergency other than that, you shouldn’t because they will hurt your chains in the long run.
Can I use 3in1 oil on bike chains?
You can use it on your bike chains if the price is an issue for you, but it won’t still be compared to using the chain lube.
Conclusion
Using chain lube for bikes is one of the most crucial aspects of having a smooth riding experience. There are many lubes in the market. And they all claim to be the best when it comes to giving the buyer the best of their purchase. However, this is not always the case, and to be on the safer side, you need to do due diligence.
We went through the benefits you could get when you use one and the tips that you should keep in mind when you want to make the best buy in the market. These tips went into details and how they factor in the decision-making process. In the buying guide questions section, we looked at the most asked questions that people ask when buying a chain lube. The answers that we gave should give you a clue into what is important or not.
If you are to use this guide, you can make a buy that you won’t get to regret down the road, which is the most important and also an indicator of the good choice you made.
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