Keeping a bike operating at a high level means using the proper lube. There are a few different options for bicycle chain lube, and dry works out well for people who are riding in pretty controlled settings that do not get too wet.
What are the best drive bicycle chain lube for 2020 options out there? A few top suppliers stand out from the rest. Those looking for the best of the best will be very happy with any of these solutions, as they prove their worth and last longer than the competition.
Top 5 Best Wet Bicycle Chain Lube
1. Finish Line Dry Teflon Lube
The brand Finish Line is considered one of the most long-lasting options a person can go with. This Dry Chain Lube (Amazon) is easy to apply, works well on any type of bike, and keeps the chain operating smoothly.
People are thoroughly impressed with what they can accomplish, and it all leads to a healthier bike in the end.
The application process is a little different compared to others, as lube does not look much different than water. It takes a little bit of time to seep in and start to work, but people really love the ultimate result.
There is a little bit of a film once things dry, and then it becomes a waxy type of glue when it is ready to go. This allows the lube to stick to the chain pretty well, but it virtually eliminates all dirt, grime, and other buildups.
It is affordable enough that people have no problem investing in it for all of their bikes. It is is one that certainly falls under the dry category, but it is versatile enough to even work in a pinch in other situations.
Pros
- Easy application process.
- Long-lasting.
- Works on all terrains.
Cons
- Not the cheapest.
- Works best when applied the night before.
2. Squirt Long Lasting Dry Lube
Out of all the biodegradable options out there, Squirt Long Lasting Dry Lube (Amazon) might be the best. It is the perfect solution for people who are really conscientious about the earth, but do not want to sacrifice performance in the slightest.
This is a wax-based lube that lasts a pretty long time, as some people get almost twice the amount of use from a simple application as others. That might be stretching it a bit for some, but those who do not like to apply lube too often should at give it a try.
Available in pretty big bottles, one will last a long time if people are worried about spending too much money. However, the selling point here is always going to be about being safe for the environment.
Some people might not entirely understand just how much of a difference it makes, but every little bit adds up.
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Lasts a long time
- Comes in big bottles
Cons
- A little expensive due to being eco-friendly
- Tough to find at times
3. WD-40 All Conditions Lube
There might not be a more trusted name out there than WD-40 (Amazon). They make so many different products to help people out, and this all conditions lube is undoubtedly a convenient option to have at all times.
It is effortless to apply and not worry too much about time, and they tweaked their formula to make it as useful as possible.
There are a lot of specialized lubes out there that sometimes cause more harm than good. People are so worried about getting the right fit, and they do not focus on just getting something that goes out there and works. It is a very clean option for people to turn to, and no one has to worry about making a mess with the drivetrain system.
It acts very much like a dry lube, but working out all different surfaces and conditions certainly help. Is it the best of the best when compared directly to the specialized options? Probably not, but most people are more than satisfied with what it brings to the table.
Pros
- Very trusted name.
- Works on all conditions.
- Easy application process.
Cons
- Not as effective as specialized options.
- A little hard to carry around.
4. Dupont Teflon Chain Saver dry self-cleaning lubricant
Even though it is not the easiest to clean and reapply, a lot of people swear by the Dupont Teflon Chain Saver dry self-cleaning lubricant (Amazon).
It is especially useful for people who might live in an area that gets a decent amount of rain, as people will be able to keep their drivetrain as clean as possible.
Dupont spent a lot of time making sure that this option provides anti-rust and corrosion for all types of bikes. It is completely waterproof and free from silicones, which allows it to be very dependable every single time a person takes on a new trail.
Even something as simple as flattering and the chain stretching is prevented with this lube. It is definitely one to check out for those who want a more advanced option when it comes to a dry lubricant.
It is worth the hassle for many, especially when they figure out the right combination of applying at the right time and cleaning everything off quickly.
Pros
- Very protective against wear and tear.
- Sticks to the chain nicely.
- Cuts down on chain stretching.
Cons
- Takes a little more time to apply.
- Drying process is tedious.
5. Rock N Roll 135816 Gold Chain Lubricant
Anyone looking for a combination of a lubricant and a cleaner should give this Rock N Roll 135816 Gold Chain lubricant (Amazon) a try. It is one of the most versatile lubes out there.
Working for all types of bikes and making everything as silent as possible when under operation. People who are always frustrated with noise when they are riding their bike can get things sounding very quiet in a hurry.
How does it operate at such a quiet level? What it does is shift dirt and other buildup out of the way at a quicker rate than other lubes. This means less of a chance of complications along the way, and a smooth ride over time. It sits very well on the chain, so applying it does not need to happen more than once every hundred miles or so.
This is a great option to use when working with a bit of a restoration process. A rusty chain might seem like it is on it is last legs, but it can start operating almost as good as new with this lubricant.
Pros
- Easy application process.
- Works as a cleaner and a lubricant.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Application process does get messy if too much goes on at once.
- Sometimes hard to find online.
6. Pro Gold Pro Link chain lube
Even though many people put this Pro Gold Lube (Amazon) in the dry lube category, it is really a year-round option for anyone who wants to keep their bike functioning at a high-level. It works on more than just bikes, but people have relied on it as one of the top options for quite some time.
The reason why it is so effective is pretty simple, as it prevents corrosion and cuts down on metal friction. It is easy to apply, and each time there is just a thin amount of lube that sticks to the chain and works very effectively within minutes.
Anyone stuck with not much time can certainly turn to this as an option to count on.
Some people become frustrated because it does not last particularly long, especially when putting in intense rides. However, since it is relatively affordable, people should not have too much of an issue just speeding up the reapplication process to keep up.
Pros
- Cuts down on damage to the chain.
- Works very quickly.
- Versatile enough for other chains and equipment.
Cons
- Priced a little higher than some of the other options.
- Can be hard to apply just right for the best coverage.
When Does Drive Chain Lube Make The Most Sense?
Some people might not understand when they should use certain types of chain lube. Dry options make the most sense when riding in dry conditions.
Most of the time, that is going to be rides in the spring and summer. Weather is usually decently warm, and people have the option of going with a trail that does not have a lot of buildup on it.
Keep in mind that going deep into a forest or jungle area might lead to some wet spots that would otherwise dry out in more open land. Dry chain lube might still work just fine, but it could become problematic.
The great thing about dry lubes is that it is the lightest lubricant a person can purchase. That means it is not as sticky as the other, and attracts a less amount of dirt.
Most people will keep their drivetrain pretty clean when using dry lubes, which is never a bad thing. Just keep in mind that the lube needs applied every 75 to 100 miles.
How And When Should Dry Chain Lube Applied
The best time to apply dry chain lube is the night before a long ride, giving it time to penetrate through the chain and coat all of the links pretty well. Too many people rush to do this right before they take off, but it will not last as long as one expects.
The cleaning and application process is pretty simple, as a person needs first to wipe off any grime that might be on the chain. Some people will opt for a chain cleaner if it is particularly messy, but a simple rag can help as well.
Do not over complicate the process, because sometimes lube still left on the chain can still be useful as well. Just make sure that there are not any huge amounts of buildup, and make sure also to check out all of the tougher spots to reach at times.
After that, start applying a drop of chain lube on every single roller. If it becomes too much, wipe off any excess before starting. It takes a lot to cause issues, so do not worry if it is too much at first. Dry lubes need a bit more re-lubing compared to other options.
Other than staying on a strict schedule, the other way to really tell if there is a need for more lube is to simply listen. Most of the time, a chain will tell on itself when it needs lube added to the mix.
Too many people think that something serious is wrong with their bike, when really, they just need to make sure that there is a lot of lube on there to work effectively.
How To Clean & Lube Bicycle Chain – Step by Step
How Much Is Lube Going To Cost?
Even the most expensive bicycle lubes out there is pretty affordable when looking at all the other things that keep a bike operating. Most lubes come in pretty small bottles, and they can get up to about $20 in price per bottle.
The good news is that bottles will have several applications in them, so there will not be much of a need to order that much at once.
Only those who ride every single day might start running through lube at a fairly quick pace, but even that really is not too much of an issue.
Companies understand that there is a lot of competition, so prices do not jump up too much at all. Expect to spend a little bit more money on dry lubes because they need replaced more often, but it is still not that much of an issue.
Fat bike and mountain bike riders tend to go through a lot of lube more often than other riders, but it also evens out if a road cyclist is doing a lot of miles.
Final Thoughts
Buying a new lube for any type of bike is a pretty simple process thanks to the internet. Reviews are plentiful, there is a lot of competition, and most people can find a good fit for them almost right away.
Using a dry bicycle chain lube requires a bit more maintenance, but most people like it in the end if they are riding in drier conditions. It just makes the most sense to keep everything clean and light. Instead of gunking on a heavier lube, This one works just fine.