TEN GREAT CHAIN LUBES FOR YOUR BIKE
MBA buyer's guide: A chain lube for every occasion
CHAIN LUBE BUYER’S GUIDE
The best way to get the most out of your chain is to keep it clean and lubricated. Here are ten choices that cover every riding condition and budget:
Muc-Off Ludicrous AF
Muc-Off has expanded its extraordinarily wide range of chain lubes with what it calls the one for speed freaks. This lube is claimed to be the fastest in the world and is designed to do only one thing, reduce friction and wear. With only that goal in mind this lube does not have any coloring, fragrance or corrosion inhibitors—just speed.
Price: $64.99 (1.69 oz.)
Price per ounce: $38.45
Other versions offered: Bio Dry, Bio Wet, C3 Dry Ceramic, C3 Wet Ceramic, Hydrodynamic, eBike Wet, eBike Dry, eBike All-Weather, Dry, -50°C, Harsh Conditions
Contact: www.mucoff.com
Maxima Chain Pro
In the dry conditions that prevail for much of the Southwest, Maxima’s Chain Pro has become a MBA go-to. This dry lube leaves behind little for the dirt to stick to, so the chain remains clean yet very well-lubricated in dry-to-moderate (hero dirt) conditions. Most riders love the surf-wax-like scent, especially those who transport their bike inside a vehicle.
Price: $9.99 (4 oz)
Price per ounce: $2.50
Other versions offered: Chain Wax, Synthetic Chain Guard
Contact: www.maximausa.com
Finish Line Wet Lube
We have been using Finish Line’s wet lube for years and continue to do so simply because it works and it is relatively cost-effective. This wet lube is thick and tacky retaining its slippery properties for a long time in harsh conditions. It gets bonus points for smelling nice, too.
Price: $8.99 (4 oz.)
Price per ounce: $2.25
Other versions offered: Dry, 1-Step Cleaner and Lubricant, Wax, Ceramic Wax, Ceramic Wet, e-Bike
Contact: www.finishlineusa.com
Prestacycle One Liquid
If you care about the environment and sustainability in cycling, then Prestacycle’s One Liquid is worth a look. This USDA-certified bio-based formula uses agricultural ingredients where others use alcohol and petroleum. Prestacycle says this USA-made formula can act as a wet or dry lube depending on the application method and lubricates extremely well.
Price: $18.95 (4 oz.)
Price per ounce: $4.74
Other versions offered: None
Contact: www.prestacycle.com
Pedro’s Enduro
Pedro’s premium wet lube has been a long-time MBA favorite because it lasts a very long time and bridges the gap between a wet and dry chain lube well. It’s not as clean as most dry lubes, but it tolerates adverse conditions better and is a good choice when you don’t know what conditions you might face or just want something that will last.
Price: $12.50 (4 oz.)
Price per ounce: $3.13
Other versions offered: Slick Wax, X Dry, Syn Lube, Chainj, Ice Wax
Contact: www.pedros.com
Rock N Roll Gold
Another MBA favorite that spans the range between dry and wet lubes is Rock N Roll’s Gold formula. This long-lasting chain lube runs ultra-smooth and resists dirt pickup well. Rock N Roll claims that it creates a “wet membrane” inside the chain for long-lasting performance. In dry-to-moderate conditions, application of the lube and a wipe with a rag is all that’s typically needed for cleaning.
Price: $8.99
Price per ounce: $2.25
Other versions offered: Holy Cow, Absolute Dry, Extreme
Contact: www.rocklube.com
Peaty’s Link Lube Wet
If anyone knows wet-weather chain lube, it’s the UK’s Steve Peat. His Link Lube Wet is a wet lube designed to withstand harsh conditions found on the EWS race circuit. Its Irish coffee-scented blend of oils, waxes and corrosion inhibitors are designed to lubricate, clean and protect your chain in the absolute worst conditions.
Price: $18 (4.1 oz.)
Price per ounce: $4.39
Other versions offered: Link Lube All Weather, Lube All Weather Premium, Link Lube Dry,
Contact: www.peatysusa.com
AbsoluteBlack
If you’re looking for the ultimate chain lube with a shocking stick price, look no further than AbsoluteBlack. It’s claimed to be the world’s first hydrocarbon-based wax chain lubricant containing Graphene. With a claimed 3- to 10-watt savings in friction over its competitors and wet or dry condition use, its performance might justify the cost. Maybe.
Price: $145.95 (4.7 oz.)
Price per ounce: $31.05
Other versions offered: None
Contact: www.absoluteblack.cc
Silca Super Secret Chain Lube
Silca says this super-secret formula has all the speed and silent-running benefits of a hot-melt wax dip but without the hassle. One of its not-so-secret ingredients is nano-scale Tungsten Di-Sulfide, one of the world’s fastest, most lubricious additives. According to Silca, NanoPlatelet WS2 has less than 1/3 the dynamic coefficient of friction of PTFE and 1/4 that of Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2).
Price: $25 (4 oz.)
Price per ounce: $6.25
Other versions offered: Secret Chain Blend Hot Melt Wax, Synergetic Wet Lube
Contact: www.silca.cc
Wolf Tooth WT-1
Wolf Tooth’s new chain lube is a synthetic all-condition formula designed to clean and protect while lubricating. It is claimed to last three to five times longer than most other lubes because of the way it bonds to the chain. Dirt and debris are pushed from the inner parts of the chain upon application where it can be wiped away.
Price: $18.95 (2 oz.)
Price per ounce: $9.48
Other versions offered: None
Contact: www.wolftoothcomponents.com
