The Best Bike Chain Lubes of 2024

With Squirt, it’s important that the chain, even if brand new, is completely cleaned beforehand, ideally by submersion in a degreaser. This deep cleaning will open up all the nooks and crannies of the chain so that the wax can penetrate and coat all surfaces and then cure to provide a waterproof barrier against contamination and the premature chain wear it brings on. If Squirt is applied to a less-than-perfectly clean chain, it will still work well but will collect more grime and need to be reapplied more frequently to keep the chain humming nicely. 

Squirt is an efficient lubricant, meaning that it spreads out easily across a fully cleaned chain, and keeps it running smooth and quiet for a better-than-average interval. The result is that a 4 oz bottle can easily last 10,000 km of road riding in mostly dry conditions. Better yet, a new and perfectly clean chain lubricated with Squirt may also reach 10,000 km before it reaches the .5mm of wear between rollers which indicates that the chain should be replaced. 

Some riders note that using wax-based chain lubes like Squirt results in more chain noise than oil-based lubricants. While we agree with this premise broadly speaking, Squirt is one of the best options available for noise reduction among the cohort of wax-based drip lubricants. We also would rather have a chain lube that helps our chain last longer, saves our chainrings and cassette, and is clean to the touch than a lube that makes our chain silent for a while. 

At $3.75 per ounce, Squirt Long Lasting Chain Lube competes well with other drip-on wax lubricants that sell at double the cost. It helps the chain last longer, keeps it quieter than many other wax-based options, and provided that the chain is prepped correctly, ensures a buttery-smooth operation of the drivetrain. Just be advised that it can separate if it is allowed to freeze.

First though, came the chain prep required for UFO and all wax-based lubes of its kind. Preferably, switching to UFO coincides with replacing the chain, but even if the chain is fresh out of the box, you’ll want to have it cleaned such that all the factory coating is removed. This is critical because UFO is designed to slowly penetrate and spread all throughout the chain, and it won’t be able to do that with contamination or factory grease in its way.

With the release of the newly updated UFO drip lube, Ceramic Speed changed the application instructions to a method that sounds like it will induce folks to use up a bottle more quickly. We stuck with the tried and true method of simply applying a generous dollop to every chain roller, then backpedaling the chain to help it work its way in. The white color stands out and helps identify any rollers that were missed along the way. We let the chain sit overnight so that the UFO coating could cure completely and then went out into the toughest conditions for a chain lube – a group road ride on wet roads with nary a fender to be found. 

While we didn’t do 300km that day, we did hit triple digits and came away impressed with how smooth and quiet the chain was throughout the ride. After cleaning the bike off with a hose, cleaning wipes, and another hose rinse, the chain was virtually spotless and still ran nearly silent. Given the amount of road grime and water the chain was exposed to on that ride and subsequent cleaning, we are convinced that Ceramic Speed’s claim of 300km is fairly reliable. Of course, results will vary based on many factors specific to each rider, but it’s nice to know that a chain coating that costs $7.10 per ounce is tough enough to hold onto the chain through some nasty riding conditions. 

The new, updated formula of UFO Drip All-Conditions from Ceramic Speed is non-toxic and biodegradable, meaning it’s a better choice for your health and the planet. At $24 for 100ml, it’s certainly not cheap, but considering that a little goes a long way, literally, and that wax-based coatings can extend the life of drivetrains significantly, we see UFO drip more as an investment than a splurge. Along with updated packing, UFO Drip also now comes in Indoor and Wet Conditions formulas.

For more info, read our full review of Ceramic Speed UFO Drip.

According to absoluteBLACK: “Graphene – the wonder material that is still not commonly used because of its incredibly high cost, is a great additive for a few reasons. It has an extremely low friction coefficient in all environments, is far stronger than any known material…and can cling to metal, protecting friction surfaces from excessive abrasion. Moreover, it repels the water and is not permeable to air reducing therefore oxidative stress on the metal surface. Even a single atom layer is enough to reduce the friction considerably.”

absoluteBLACK GraphenLube absolutely must be applied to a new and fully stripped clean chain. It’s not that it won’t work otherwise, but rather it would simply be a bit of a waste of this magical potion to apply it to a contaminated or factory-greased chain. And, at over $40/oz, it’s not a lubricant you want to spray about carelessly. 

What separates GraphenLube from other lubes, even other wax-based lubes that incorporate graphene, is the noise and chatter reduction absoluteBLACK achieves. Even fully cross-chained and chopping away out of the saddle to crest a roller, the chain felt serene, quiet, and in harmony with the cassette and chainrings. Riding on fully drenched roads was no different. Our chain felt proofed against the elements while riding and was still going strong after three days of abusive exposure to road spray and bike cleaning. 

This lube is very expensive, even compared to other high-end lubes, but if you must have the best, and the cost is not a concern, absoluteBLACK GraphenLube is the one to choose. Whether your motivation is to save watts, enjoy a quieter drivetrain, or protect your top-of-the-line components from premature wear, GraphenLube does it all. 

You can learn more in our tech coverage of absoluteBLACK GraphenLube.

Traditional oil-based “wet” chain lubes are great at keeping the chain quiet and shifting smoothly, but the oil-based compositions also attract and absorb dust and dirt particles, eventually forming a grinding paste that can drastically accelerate the wear of not only the chain itself but also cassettes and chainrings. None of these items are inexpensive to replace. 

The independent chain lube tester, Zero Friction Cycling, found that Silca Synergetic Wet Lube was the only wet lubricant ever tested which produced zero chain wear in preliminary rounds of testing. What this means in the real world is that if Synergetic is applied every 500 miles and ridden in favorable conditions like dry weather on clean pavement, you can expect to increase the service life of your drivetrain components by a significant margin over other wet lubes.

If ridden in wet conditions on grimey, or even unpaved roads, Synergetic is a great performer, keeping the chain quiet and shifting smoothly for many hours, and its ability to protect the drivetrain remains stronger relative to other wet lubes used under similar conditions. According to Silca, because Synergetic Wet Lube “forms a durable Tribofilm at the metal surface, and is strongly attracted to itself, the lube proves to be exceptionally waterproof, remaining inside the chain even in testing under full water submersion.”

Silca Synergetic Wet Lube is a wonderful option for riders who are not interested in the lengthy process of applying wax-based chain lubricants, but who are conscious of drivetrain wear and the costs that it incurs, and also want to maximize the efficiency of their drivetrain and, along with it, their speed while riding. At $25 for 2 oz, Synergetic sits at the premium end of oil-based lubricants. Still, it’s important to note that thanks to its fine applicator, Synergetic coats very well with just a small amount from the bottle, and once applied, extends the life of drivetrain components, making it a great investment to make in your bike. 

More info in our coverage of the launch of Silca Synergetic Wet Lube.

Like most wet lubes, it goes on thick, is easy to apply, and you don’t need to let it cure overnight before heading out for a ride. It clings tenaciously to the chain in wet conditions helping your drivetrain remain quiet and spinning smoothly. The caveat is that like other wet lubes, it picks up a lot of grit and grime, so your chain needs to be cleaned frequently and re-lubed regularly. And, it’s certainly not ideal for riding in dry conditions as it will attract and cling to lots of dust.

While the details of the composition of WD-40’s Specialist Bike Wet Lube are scarce, the proprietary oil-based blend is “not hazardous” according to the safety data sheet. Regardless, it hangs tough in the wet conditions it was designed for, and WD-40 claims that it “performs in freezing temperatures to keep you riding all winter long.”

If you’re looking for a quality wet conditions lubricant to get you through the worst riding conditions, the reasonably priced WD-40 Specialist Bike Wet Lube is a great option to consider. With frequent chain cleanings and reapplications, this lube will keep you running smooth and quiet through your wettest rides without breaking the bank.

To test these claims, we applied it to a used chain that was well-contaminated from wet-weather commuting miles. The chain hadn’t been ridden, cleaned, or lubricated in a long time, so in the work stand, before the application of WT-1, it was squeaky and the shifting was sticky and slow. After applying WT-1 and wiping away the excess, we spun the drivetrain through about 30 cycles. The chain was immediately running more quietly with WT-1, which was no surprise.

What was surprising was the amount of sludge that quickly appeared on the surface of the chain riding the bike around later that day. While unsightly, this was WT-1 doing exactly what it’s designed to do, which is pushing out old contamination from deep within the chain. As we continued to ride and wipe away the newly-surfaced crud from the chain throughout the week, the chain and drivetrain became smooth, quiet, and eventually fairly clean in appearance. It was not “eat off it” clean like a dip waxed chain, but it was clear that the chain was no longer acting as an abrasive wear accelerator for the cassette and chainrings.

So, if you’re the type of rider who chuckles at the thought of spending 24 hours prepping your chain so you can apply a $50 lubricant, the WT-1 Chain Lube is probably a better option for you. Its oil-based composition means it can go on dirty, and clean the chain while you ride, increasing your enjoyment of riding while preserving your expensive drivetrain components.

Read our review of the Wolf Tooth WT-1 Chain Lube.

Application is best done by holding the bottle above the chain as it passes over the top of the cassette and dripping it onto the chain while backpedaling the bike. Unlike many wax-based lubricants, Pedro’s Slick Wax is quick to penetrate the chain and creates a protective coating that reduces wear and noise. Keep in mind that although penetration is quick, Slick Wax, like other wax-based lubes, works best when given at least 12 hours to cure. 

While it is intended for dry and dusty conditions, we were impressed by how clean Slick Wax kept our whole drivetrain during sloppy winter rides. Riding without fenders, and getting home with clothing and bike covered in road spray, we found that the chain, chainrings, and cassette were all virtually spotless. Slick Wax also hung tough through repeated bike washes and a week of riding in nasty conditions. Eventually, the chain began to whisper a bit, but a quick wipe down and reapplication of Slick Wax returned it to near silent and buttery smooth running.

Another detail we appreciated was the odorless nature of Slick Wax. We’re not sure what started the trend of making chain lubes smell like food products, but thankfully Pedro’s isn’t following it.

If you want a chain lube that keeps your drivetrain clean, is safe for the environment, and doesn’t smell up your garage, Pedros Slick Wax is a great choice that’s also reasonably priced.

What sets Silca Super Secret apart from all other drip-on wax-based lubricants, such as Squirt, absoluteBLACK GraphenLube, and Ceramic Speed UFO Drip, is that Super Secret is able to immediately penetrate and spread throughout a perfectly clean chain. All the other lubricants mentioned can take longer to fully penetrate. Of course, this is contingent on the chain being perfectly clean, which is to say, brand new, and cleaned by submersion in mineral spirits. Still, you need to give it 12 hours to cure for maximum effectiveness.

So, while Super Secret drip lube is less work than a hot-melt wax, it’s not as simple as opening the bottle and dripping it onto the chain. While deep-cleaning the chain does sound like a lot of work, and yes, it is a bit of a faff, Silca offers an excellent step-by-step guide on chain prep and lubricant application here. Regardless, it’s an impressively effective drip-on chain coating that repels dirt, stays clean to the touch, helps reduce friction, and runs super quiet. It has also proven itself in Zero Friction Cycling’s independent testing as one of the best lubes available for dry conditions.

If $45 sounds outrageous for an 8 oz container of chain lube, keep in mind that the application intervals are quite lengthy, so a bottle goes a long way. Also, Silca Super Secret’s ability to delay drivetrain wear means that it will likely save many hundreds of dollars in chain, cassette, and chainrings replacement costs. 

Find out more in our launch coverage of Silca Super Secret Chain Lube.

We found that Motorex worked brilliantly in dry conditions but required frequent reapplication to keep the chain running quietly. This is typical of dry lubes, as they are not all that viscous just a few hours after applying. However the benefit of dry lubes – Motorex Chain Lube being no exception – is that assuming the chain isn’t contaminated with dust or dirt, you can simply wipe the chain with a dry cloth and apply more chain lube, skipping the pre-cleaning associated with wet lube reapplication. 

While it is expressly intended for dry conditions, we were impressed with the performance of Motorex in dry and wet conditions. When many dry chain lubes would have been compromised or completely washed off the chain, Motorex Chain Lube with PTFE held on for a couple of hours of riding in the rain, long enough to make it home before the dreaded squeaking of an under-lubed and abrasive chain was heard. 

If you ride in dry conditions and want a reasonably priced, easy-to-apply chain lube with race-ready performance, Motorex Chainlube with PTFE is a good option to consider. 

Rock N’ Roll Gold is surprisingly tenacious and held up through a week of road riding in nasty conditions, about 200 miles in total, without any excessive noise, grime build-up, or need to be topped up. When we eventually heard the subtle rasp of a thirsty chain and pulled it off for a deep clean, we were impressed with how the contamination appeared to be suspended in the membrane of Gold, on the outer surface of the links, and how the chain was otherwise quite clean. 

Like other Rock N’ Roll lubes, Gold separates easily and needs a good shake before applying, and it is relatively low viscosity. Application of Gold is best done by holding the bottle above the chain and cassette, and squeezing it gently out as you back-pedal the bike being sure to give it a good soaking. Cross-chaining the big chainring and biggest cassette cog helps expose more of the chain for quicker penetration into the links. Since it works as both a cleaner and lube, you’ll want to be sure to wipe the chain clean after the initial application and first ride to remove the contamination that comes to the surface.

While Rock ‘N’ Roll asserts that Gold can go on without any chain prep, we found that this didn’t work as well when other types of lubricant were already present in the chain. If that is the case, we recommend a deep clean prior to application. If a different type of Rock ‘N’ Roll has been used previously, however, there is no need to clean the chain. Rock N’ Roll Gold also works best when given several hours to cure before riding.

At $8 for a 4-ounce bottle ($2 an ounce), Rock N’ Roll Gold is relatively affordable compared to most other competitors. That said, the thin nature of the lube and the soaking application recommended by Rock N’ Roll means that you’ll go through it a little quicker than many others.

Like other Rock N’ Roll products, Holy Cow requires vigorous shaking to mix before applying as the ingredients tend to separate relatively quickly. Look at the bottom of the bottle to ensure the active ingredients have detached and mixed into the rest of the liquid before dripping Holy Cow on your chain. It also comes out of the bottle very quickly due to its low viscosity, and Rock ‘N’ Roll recommends really soaking the chain by gently squeezing a continuous stream of lubricant over the chain as you backpedal that crankset, to help the lubricant spread evenly and penetrate the rollers of the chain. Letting Holy Cow cure overnight is ideal for achieving optimal results. 

On the road, Holy Cow Chain Lube worked as expected to keep the chain running smoothly and quietly, but did require a reapplication after only 100 miles, which was a bit surprising. To its credit, Holy Cow did seem to help clean the chain and get pretty nasty initially, although a quick wipe down and reapplication brought it right back to life. Subsequent treatments, especially in drier conditions, proved to be longer lasting and did not attract lots of contaminants. 

We are confident that with consistent and correct application, combined with occasional deep cleans of the chain, Rock ‘N’ Roll Holy Cow will provide a great ride experience and allow you to get more mileage from your drivetrain, by removing and deflecting contaminants. At just around $8 for a 4 oz bottle, Holy Cow’s reasonable price and solid performance make it a good value. 

Parafilm is a semi-transparent, flexible film composed of a blend of waxes and polymers. It is highly malleable, which makes a great additive in chain lubricant, which must penetrate tiny gaps in the construction of the bike chain. Applying Maxima Chain Wax is easy, thanks to a long and fine applicator. This type of applicator makes it easy to precisely deposit lubricant only where you want and in the correct amount, to avoid waste and extend the life of the 4 oz bottle. 

Maxima Chain Wax performed well in wet conditions which included a 10-mile stretch of hard-packed gravel. Although our chain was exposed to a lot of contaminants including dirt, and grimy road spray, it stayed clean and quiet throughout the ride. After cleaning the chain without removing it from the bike, and reapplying, we were able to ride for almost 150 km in dry weather before feeling any excessive stiction in the drivetrain and hearing the rasping of a chain that needed to be re-lubed. This is a respectable application interval for wax-based drip-on chain lube, so we recommend Maxima Wax Lube for riders who are on the road frequently and don’t want to reapply every ride.  

The only thing we weren’t huge fans of was the smell, which can charitably be described as a Cinnamon sent. We recommend wearing latex gloves when handling, applying, or cleaning off Maxima Chain Wax, as the scent is tough to get off of hands if they come in contact. Beyond that, the Maxima Chain Wax Parafilm Lube is inexpensive compared to many other competitors, easy to apply, and helps keep your drivetrain running quietly for a relatively long time between applications.

Thankfully, Muc Off provides a fine-tipped applicator on the bottle of Muc Off Dry, so that the lube only goes where it’s needed, and doesn’t end up getting over-applied and then wiped off the chain before it’s even penetrated the links. This easy and precise application helps prevent dust and dirt from finding errant lube and contaminating the chain. 

Additionally, Muc-Off has stopped using PTFE across its entire range of products. So, while the previous version of this lube was not completely biodegradable, the latest version is.

Muc Off Dry also feels very light when riding. While it’s not the quietest of lubricants, it did give the chain fast-running and slick-shifting performance for about 70 miles on the road before needed to be topped off. If you are looking to keep your drivetrain very clean and ride in dry conditions, Muc Off Dry Lube is a solid and reasonably priced choice at only $12 for a 4 oz bottle. 

While it works as advertised, it also builds up a significant amount of crud that needs to be cleaned quickly and thoroughly in order to ensure the chain and drivetrain stay free of buildup that can be left behind by contaminated wet lubes. It’s also important to never overapply Muc-Off Wet Lube, as any excess lube can mean more likely contamination and build up on the other parts of the drivetrain, such as chainrings, cassette, and rear derailleur pulleys. Thankfully, all Muc-Off lube bottles feature a precision applicator, so it’s easy to get the lube where you want it, the chain rollers, and nowhere else. Muc-Off even supplies a small flashlight with Wet Lube so you can easily see where the lube has coated the chain. 

We tested Muc-Off Wet Lube for 3 days of rainy riding and even though the rides were rather short, we still needed to do a full degrease and reapply after each ride, due to the state of the chain. That said, during these sopping wet rides, the chain felt great, running smooth and quiet, with excellent shifting performance. 

We recommend Muc-Off C3 Ceramic Wet Lube for rides in extremely wet conditions after which not only the chain, but also the cassette, chainrings, and rear derailleur pulleys will all receive a thorough cleaning. It’s not a lube for riders who like to just lubricate the chain, ride, and then top off when the chain gets noisy. At just $17 for 4 ounces, it’s easy to keep Muc Off Wet available for the worst conditions you’ll face.