How often should I lube my chain?
If I had a nickel for every time I was asked this question, I’d be a rich man. It’s a simple question with no simple answer. Every hundred miles? Every other time I ride? Twice a year? Every month? Once a week?………. It depends. Let’s take a closer look at the bike chain — the key component for transferring power from your body to the rear wheel.
Chain lube?, How come?
Every time you push the pedals on your bike, you’re creating power in the crankset. Power is transferred through 1) the geared rings on the crankset, 2) a chain, and 3) toothed cassette cogs on the rear wheel.The chain wraps around the derailleur pulleys as well.
The whole system allows power to be transferred from the rider to the rear wheel. Along the way, any friction in that system will cause some of that power to be lost. Moving the individual chain links, spinning the derailleur pulleys and contact between the chain and cogs are all sources of friction which can rob you of power. There are over 100 links in a typical bike chain – that’s 100 ways to impede power transfer. Lube is key to making sure that friction is kept to a minimun – as a bonus, it also prolongs the life of your chain.
Two kinds of bike chain lube – Dry and Wet
- Dry Lube was first developed for mountain bikers where a chain can pick up dirt, but is widely used for all kinds of bike chains these days. The best dry lubes consist of a wax-like substance suspended in a solvent. After applying to the chain, when the solvent dries, it leaves a light waxy film behind. Since it takes a few hours for the solvent to dry, it’s best to clean and lube the chain after a ride to prepare for the next one.
- Wet Lube is a synthetic oil for use in wet conditions when rust is a main concern. It stays wet on the chain and prevents moisture from penetrating into your chain’s plates and rollers. Since wet lube tends to collect a lot of dirt and debris as you ride, it’s important to use only when conditions warrant, and clean your chain often when using it.
Which one should I use?
If you are adamant about cleaning your bike regularly and often ride in inclement weather, then wet lube is the right choice for you. For the rest of us (the majority), who ride when the weather is nice, dry lube is the preferred option. Expect to pay around $10 for a 4 or 6 oz bottle of bike specific chain lube which will last a very long time if applied correctly.
Okay, okay, I got it, so answer the question – how often?
Part of what lube does is fill in the cracks and crevices where dirt and grime can collect. Lube your chain when the cracks and crevices are vacant of lube. Ride 5 miles a week in good weather and you’re good for months. Average 30 miles a week in good weather and you should be lubing about every 2 weeks. Average 50 miles a ride in good weather, and it’s every ride. Ride one time in wet weather for 20 minutes, and re-lube right away.
What about WD-40?
The “WD” in WD-40 stands for “water displacement” and the “40” stands for the 40 tries it took engineers to develop it. It’s original intent was to protect the outer skin of a missile from rust and corrosion back in the 50’s. There’s a reason that bike mechanics cringe whenever someone says that they use the stuff on their chain. First of all, it’s more of a degreaser, than a lubricant — it’s like using conditioner to wash your hair. Secondly – show me a bike sprayed with WD-40, and I’ll show you a mess. It gets on everything, and collects dirt and grime like crazy. If you must use WD-40, don’t use what you’re used to seeing – use their reformulated bike specific lube, and be careful where you spray – lube on brake surfaces isn’t a good idea.
Note
Click on any of the little lube bottles and you’ll be linked directly to Amazon where you can make a purchase, and I make a little commission. Thanks for your support! Carl.
