The first rule of thumb is that you should clean and oil your bike and chain yearly. Use a wet lube and wipe the chain down after every ride to help prolong the chain lubes life. Clean the chain and reapply lube every 100-200 miles.

How often should you lube your MTB chain?

The recommendation to lube your mountain bike chain “at least every 100 miles” is a generic suggestion found in many bicycle owner's manuals. If you use your bike for leisurely rides in dry, clean conditions, such as a paved bike path, you could rely on this arbitrary marker.

When should I lube my bike chain?

Lube your chain when the cracks and crevices are vacant of lube. Ride 5 miles a week in good weather and you're good for months. Average 30 miles a week in good weather and you should be lubing about every 2 weeks. Average 50 miles a ride in good weather, and it's every ride.

Should I lube my chain after every ride?

Chain Lube – Part & Parcel Of Cycling

A clean chain is as critical as a properly lubricated one. Ideally, chains should be thoroughly cleaned after each and every ride. Unfortunately not many of us have the time to do this, but even a quick wipe with an clean rag can make a huge difference.

How long does a MTB chain last?

A typical mountain bike chain will last 750 miles of single track riding. It's not easy to gauge exactly how long a chain will last, but there are ways to prolong the life of the chain.

How To Clean & Lube Your Motorcycle Chain at RevZilla.com

27 related questions found

Do you need to degrease bike chain?

And if you ride regularly, remember to clean and lube your chain at least once a month. If you like exploring off-road and getting your bike muddy, you should clean it even more than that.

Is it OK to use wd40 on bike chain?

You can use WD-40 Multi-Use-Product. It is a water based lubricant that provides the right amount of lubrication to the chain lube. ... 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.

Should I use wet or dry chain lube?

Dry lubes are for the driest conditions and cleanest chains. Wet lubes can be used all year, offer better value and have the greatest longevity. Whether wet or dry, it's often a question of how much time and effort you want to put in. Either way, make sure you use a lubricant — your chain will thank you for it!

Should I wash my mountain bike after every ride?

For road bikes, we suggest degreasing and "re-greasing" your drivetrain every 100 miles. For mountain bikes, you should clean your bike after every muddy ride or every couple of weeks with regular use in dry climates.

How often should I degrease and lube bike chain?

If you feel like your bike needs a thorough cleaning, you can get help from your local bike shop, especially if your bike is made by one of the top manufacturers. You should make a point that after every 100 to 150 km, clean, degrease and re-lube your bike chain.

Is Chain Wax better than lube?

If you want to use your motorcycle immediately you lubricate the chain, then you'll be better off using chain lube. ... If you ride your bike in dirty and dusty terrains, then you should consider using a chain wax since it has proven to pretty effective at keeping off elements such as dirt, grime, water, etc.

How often should you dry chain lube?

If you are using dry lube on the bike chain, then you have to follow some rules. When the riding is limited to 5 miles a week in good weather, then once a month is better. You have to lube the chain every two weeks if your average ride is 30 miles.

When should you clean your MTB?

Ideally, you should do a quick clean and re-lube after every hard ride or two. A more in-depth wash is necessary if you ride through rain or mud. Keeping your MTB clean (particularly drivetrain) is the most important preventative maintenance you can perform for your mountain bike.

Does a worn chain slow you down?

Old worn out chains feel sluggish as they have a high slugocity factor. This is to be avoided at all costs. Ok, so I know my chain is stretched when the gears start slipping and the drivetrain is a bit rough.

Is dry lube good for bike chain?

You can't just use any lube on your bike chain — your garage or toolbox should have both dry and wet bike chain lubes. ... You should use a dry, wax-based lube during dry, summer, and spring conditions. They attract less dirt during such conditions, making it easy to ride on gravel or off-road conditions.

Is dry chain lube any good?

Dry lube is a lighter lubricant and less prone to attracting dirt, so it's better suited to riding in fair conditions. The downside of a dry lube is that it is less durable, sometimes losing its lubricating property fairly quickly. Chains will also be washed clean of dry lubricant if it rains.

Can you use dry lube in winter?

So, if you have a dry winter, you can try dry lubes. They create a wax base on the chain that prevents dirt from sticking. On the contrary, if your winter is muddy and rain and snow cover the roads, use the wet bike chain lube.

Can I use olive oil to lube my bike chain?

Yes, because an extra virgin olive oil on a bike chain is better than no oil at all. ... Olive oil will never be as effective as proper lube oil, but it can help a lot when you are in an emergency situation. It can provide a temporary effect, which should be enough to get you to a bike shop nearly for proper fixing.

Can I use Vaseline on my bike chain?

There are even advanced lubricants, such as Bike WorkX Chain Star, developed to penetrate chain links as fast as possible and stay on as long as it can hold. ... Once the thinner evaporates, Vaseline will do its best to make your chain running quietly.

Can I use washing up liquid to clean bike chain?

Mix in your preferred bike wash to get some suds. Cheap car shampoo or washing-up liquid works fine. Some contain salt but it's a tiny amount when mixed with a couple of gallons of water. You won't turn your bike into rust.

Is washing your bike bad?

Washing your bike with a high-pressure hose can cause damage to sensitive bearing systems throughout your bike. So, when washing with water, do so carefully. Cleaning your bike consists of four main steps: Wash your bike frame.