What To Put On Mountain Bike Chain

The bike chain is a series of metal links, usually made of steel or aluminium, that connects the pedals to the rear wheel. The chain moves back and forth as you pedal, turning the gears in the front wheel hub which causes the back wheel to turn.

Should I oil my mountain bike chain?

The majority of bicycle owner’s manuals and bike repair books recommend to clean and lube your mountain bike chain after every hard ride or after exposure to dirty and wet conditions.^[1]

What is the best thing to put on a bike chain?

When you buy a bike, the original chain comes greased which, if maintained, ensures longevity. However, some of the lubricant options will actually degrade the lubricants. So, aside from brand bike chain lube, the most common options people opt for include olive oil, household greases, and cooking oil.^[2]

Can I put WD-40 on my bike chain?

WD-40 is a great bike chain lube water based lubricant and will not only lubricate the chain well, but will also keep it rust and corrosion free. It also minimizes the accumulation of dirt which reduces the wear and tear of the chain.^[3]

What lube should I use on my bike chain?

Use a light, waterproof lube such as Boeshield T-9 Waterproof Lubricant. For wet-weather conditions, try Pedro’s Chainj. Never Use: Motor oil—it contains acids and particles of metal that can compromise a chain’s strength and cause it to wear more quickly.^[4]

Is Vaseline good for bike chain?

Is it ok to use Vaseline as a bike chain lubricant? No, it will rapidly cause the chain to gum up with dirt and abrasive bits that will rapidly wear the chain and chain rings. It will also wear off fairly rapidly leaving you with dry dirt and abrasive bits accelerating wear.^[5]

Can you use olive oil for bike chain?

Can I use olive oil on my bicycle chain? You can use olive oil on your bicycle chain because having oil in some amounts is better than having no oil at all. However, this can be effective only for a short time. If you are thinking big, using olive oil on your bike’s chain isn’t effective.^[6]

Should I oil my bike chain?

“At a minimum, a rider should re-lube the chain prior to every ride, even if they are re-lubing over a dirty chain. For efficiency, it’s better to re-lube over a dirty chain than do nothing at all,” suggests Smith.^[7]

Is silicone spray good for bike chains?

Yes. It is not optimal for use on chains though. It washes away rather easily leaving your chain unprotected and un-lubricated. It would work in a pinch but a light oil or something specifically made for the application will work much better and last a lot longer.^[8]

How often should I lube my bike chain?

If you are a frequent rider, using your bike several times throughout the week, your bicycle will benefit from a regular cleaning and lubrication of the drive chain. Bicycle Tutor recommends cleaning and lubricating your bike’s drive chain at least once every month to maintain optimal performance and protection.^[9]

Can I use 3 in 1 oil on my bike chain?

I don’t recommend using either motor oil or 3in1 oil to lubricate the chain. Motor oil is too heavy and won’t fully penetrate the rollers, and 3in1 oil is vegetable based and will gum up the chain.^[10]

How do I know if my bike chain needs lube?

Check for adequate lubrication by listening for squeaks while riding. If you find either condition, your chain needs at least a spot-cleaning. To spot-clean the chain while it’s still on your bike: Brush out the links with a firm brush (an old toothbrush also works).^[11]

What household items can I use to clean my bike chain?

An effective homemade degreaser for bike can be achieved by mixing distilled vinegar, soap, baking soda, water, and lemon juice. This homemade degreaser does wonders on your chain. Where you will mix all ingredients to come up with a homemade cleaner.^[12]