The Best Bike Chain Lube Reviews
Should you use wet or dry lube?
The question of whether you should use wet or dry lube really comes down to the conditions you are riding in whether on a mountain bike or a gravel bike. A dry lube, not surprisingly is better for dry conditions, it won’t attract dirt or dust but it often doesn’t last as long as more durable wet lubes. Shorter rides on dry, summer trails will need a dry lube, whereas longer rides on wet sloppy trails in the winter will need you to use a wet lube. A wet lube, as well as being more durable will; stick to the chain better when riding in the rain on longer rides. It can be a messy affair though and become sticky and gloopy if you use too much.
The best chain lubes
WD40 Bike Dry Lube £6
The WD40 Dry Bike Lube is easy to use, works well to keep chains running smoothly without clogging them with dust and grit, and can even withstand puddles or downpours. It also doesn’t build up over time like wax-based lubricants do. However, the nozzle can be a bit overzealous and there are cheaper options available.
ProGold ProLink Chain lube £8
ProgGold ProLink Chain Lube is a good lubricant that produces a smooth, clean chain in many conditions, produces minimal build-up in many applications and lasts quite well. However, it is a very dilute liquid and should be handled with care.
Juice Lubes Viking Juice chain lube £10
Viking Juice is a long-lasting chain oil suitable for all conditions of Juice Lubes and with careful use it will work. It’s thinner than most wet lubricants, so it soaks up well, but it needs multiple layers to work – and it’s easy to spill. It’s made in the UK and is completely biodegradable and won’t pick up dirt on the trail.
WPL wet chain lube £8
WPL Wet Chain Lube is a non-stick chain lubricant that reduces the build-up of black dirt on your gears and is also reasonably priced. For now, we just wish it was a little more widely available, although you can buy it from TF Tuned suspension experts.
Squirt lube £8
Squirt Lube is a 100% biodegradable wax and water emulsion that dries on the chain and forms a “long-lasting lubricant”. It can be used for wet or dry riding and assuming you follow the instructions it should work and last.
Green Oil Wet chain lube £7
Green Oil’s Wet Chain Lube is an exceptionally effective barrier against water, dirt and corrosion, greatly reducing maintenance and will not turn the planet into an uninhabitable wasteland. The price is good and the app is well designed. There’s really nothing to dislike.
B’Twin 300 bike oil £2.50
B’Twin 300 lubricating oil is a cheaper option than many other lubricants and we don’t think you’ll use much more than that either. It is easy to use and will keep your chain and derailers running smoothly.
Pedro’s Syn lube £6
In 2009, our Stu tester found Pedro’s Syn Lube to be “Awesome”. And now nothing has changed – it’s still a crack-resistant product that keeps you squeaky-free during the winter months.
Rock n Roll Absolute dry chain lube £6
Rock n Roll Absolute Dry Chain Lube is an ultra-clean formula designed primarily for the drier months, but some very wet weeks found this to be some of the toughest. In our opinion, it’s worth a try if you don’t mind reapplying it a little more often than your usual average daily weight.
Wickens and Soderstrom No.5 drivetrain lube £14
Wickens & Soderstrom No. 5 Drivetrain Lubricant is a thin lubricant that does a great job of keeping things running smoothly while being grit-free and easy to clean. It is as good as chain lubricant.
Smoove Universal chain lube £14
Smoove is a thin, white liquid that should only be applied to the rollers as you spin the chain for light and even coverage. Then you let it dry overnight (Smoove recommends, though an hour is enough) and the next day the necklace looks completely dry. Only by touching it can you detect the presence of a slightly sticky lubricant. While most wax-based lubricants work by peeling off dirt, Smoove creates a long-lasting coating that doesn’t fall off (hence long-lasting lubricant) but sticks more to the dirt. Whether or not this is an issue for you depends on how often you want to clean your chain, but if you’re someone who cleans often then Smoove should work well between cleanings.
