Which Bike Chain Lube Do You Need This Summer?

Should the weather affect which type of bike chain lube you use on your bike chain? Of course!

There are loads of different types of lubricant out there and it’s easy to not know where to start. But it doesn’t have to be that way! As a general rule of thumb, you want to use a wet lube in the fall / winter and a dry lube in the spring / summer.

So, what’s the difference?

Dry lube is typically wax-based, which is lighter than its oil-based, wet counterpart. Wax is great for repelling dirt and dust motes that would stick to a wet lube, and prevent a drivetrain greasy, gunk-filled mess.

Lube development has come so far that you can even find formulations which contain nano ceramic particles and synthetic polymers, like our C3 Dry Ceramic Lube. These added ingredients help to maximize power output by reducing the metal-to-metal contact between your chain and cassette, and can also enhance performance in damp conditions.

Because a dry lube is much lighter, it can wash off easier when it starts to rain. So, if you think there’s a chance for a summer shower, switch over to a wet lube or an all-weather formulation, like our Team Sky Hydrodynamic Lube.

Here are some top chain lubing tips:

Make sure your chain is completely clean and dry before applying a lube.
Try and leave as long a period as possible between application and riding - we recommended at least 15 minutes, but preferably overnight if you can.
We recommend you clean and lube your chain after every ride, especially in the winter months.
Always apply your lube on the inside of the chain link, rotating the crank backwards as you go.
Wipe off any excess lube with a microfibre cloth.

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