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Bike Chain Lubes

(66 products)

Chain lubes are essential for maintaining a smooth and efficient drivetrain.

Some brands make condition specific lubes like Muc-Off's Dry Lube and Wet Lube. Dry lubes are wax based, so they repel dirt and dust - perfect for dry conditions. Wet chain lubes are oil based and are designed to stay on the chain longer in wet conditions.

All-weather chain lubes are designed for both types of conditions. The downside is, you may need to this more frequently.

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What is a bike chain lube?

Bike chain lube (also called chain lube or bike lube) is a specially formulated oil or wax used to reduce friction between the moving parts of a bike chain.

It keeps the chain running smoothly, extends its life, and helps protect it from rust, corrosion, and wear caused by dirt and moisture.

Broadly, there are 4 different types of bike chain lubes:

  • Dry lubes
  • Wet lubes
  • Ceramic lubes
  • Wax lubes

Dry Bike Chain Lubes

These bike chain lubes are best for dry, dusty conditions.

  • Dry lubes go on wet (usually as a thin liquid).
  • Then dry to a light, waxy film.
  • And they're designed to repel dust and dirt instead of attracting it.
  • Example: Muc-Off Dry Lube and Krush Lush Wet Lube

It’s perfect for dry climates or trail conditions where a sticky lube would just become a dirt magnet.

Advantages of Dry Lube

  • Cleaner drivetrain: Since it dries to a film, it doesn’t stay tacky, meaning less dust, grit, and grime cling to your chain.
  • Quieter ride: Keeps your chain running smoothly with minimal noise.
  • Lightweight feel: Many riders say it gives a snappier, more efficient pedal stroke compared to heavier bike lubes.

Consider

  • Needs reapplication more often than wet lubes — especially after long or hard rides.
  • Washes off easily — not ideal for wet or muddy riding.
  • Works best when you apply it to a clean, dry chain and give it time to dry fully (usually 2–4 hours) before riding.

Wet Bike Chain Lubes

Wet bike chain lubes are a type of lubricant designed for riding in wet, muddy or harsh conditions. Unlike dry lubes (which dry to a film) wet lubes stay wet and oily on the chain.

Wet lubes are oil-based.

Sometimes with additives like PTFE or ceramic particles. These reduce friction and improve durability.

Example: Muc-Off Wet Lube

Advantages of Wet Lube

  • Long-lasting: Doesn’t wash off easily in rain or stream crossings.
  • Top protection: Prevents rust and corrosion by creating a barrier.
  • Good lubrication: Keeps things running smooth under load.
  • Ideal for: Wet weather, winter riding, mountain biking, commuting year-round.

Consider

  • Attracts dirt: Because it stays wet, it can become a grime magnet in dry or dusty environments.
  • Messier drivetrain: Chains can turn black faster; needs more regular cleaning.
  • Not for dry days: On a dusty trail, it’ll pick up grit like a sponge.

Usage

  • For best results, apply the night before your ride so it penetrates.
  • If you’re riding in super sloppy conditions, apply every 2–3 long rides.
  • Always wipe the outer plates. Lube should live inside the chain, not on the outside.

Ceramic Bike Chain Lubes

Ceramic bike chain lubes are a performance bike lube.

It contains ceramic particles or nano-ceramic compounds, usually suspended in a synthetic or wax-based carrier.

These particles bond to the metal surfaces in your chain, creating a low-friction coating that is durable.

Traditional lubes reduce friction with oil.

Ceramic lubes help make surfaces smoother. This helps reduce drivetrain drag and extend component life.

Application

  • Start with a clean, degreased chain.
  • Apply lube drop-by-drop on each link.
  • Run the chain backwards to distribute.
  • Let it sit (min 4 hours to bond).
  • Wipe off any excess from the outside of the chain.

Types of Ceramic Bike Chain Lubes

Dry Ceramic Lubes

Wet Ceramic Lubes

Wax-Based Ceramic Lubes

Wax Bike Chain Lubes

Wax-based bike chain lubes use paraffin wax. They can sometimes be blended with additives like PTFE or ceramic particles.

These chain lubes are usually delivered in a liquid form that dries into a hard, slick coating. Or they're applied as melted wax via immersion.

  • Ultra-clean. Wax sheds dirt and doesn’t attract grime like oil-based lubes do.
  • Super quiet drivetrain creates a smooth, frictionless feel when riding.
  • Reduces wear. The dry coating protects against grit grinding into metal.
  • Easy to reapply. No need to degrease – just reapply wax once the chain dries out.
  • High performance. Popular among racers and long-distance riders for its efficiency.

Application

Start with a surgically clean chain – this step is critical

  • Shake bottle well (wax separates easily).
  • Apply one drop per link on the inside of the chain.
  • Backpedal to distribute.
  • Let it dry completely (usually 2–4 hours or overnight).
  • Wipe off excess if any appears on the outer plates.

Wax lube won't work well if applied on a greasy or dirty chain; it needs a clean metal surface to bond.

Hot-Waxing (Advanced Method)

Some serious riders use melted wax baths to immerse the chain in pure paraffin wax (sometimes blended with PTFE or molybdenum disulfide).

It offers the cleanest, longest-lasting performance but it's more time-consuming and requires a dedicated setup.

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