The 20 Best Bike Chain Lubes – Reviewed

Whether your bicycle is a mode of transportation or a means of recreation, you love your bike. And just like any other machine, bikes require regular maintenance. This includes the obvious steps of changing your tires regularly and keeping them properly pressurized. But it also means lubricating your bike chain regularly.

To help you find the best bike chain lube on the market, we’ve searched far and wide, and come up with a list of 15 products that are good enough to be considered the best MTB chain lube. We’ve looked at a variety of chain lubes, including dry lubes, wet lubes, wax-based lubes and ceramic lubes. These all have their purposes, which we hope will become clear.

Best Bike Chain Lube

1. Muc Off 966NP

Muc-Off Bio is technically a dry lube, but has the tack and tenacity of a wet lubricant.

Key Features

• Dry lubricant
• Comes in a 4-ounce bottle
• Wax and Teflon based formula
• Biodegradable

Muc-Off Bio Dry Lube is a wax-based lubricant that also contains a significant amount of Teflon. It helps it to stick to your bike chain better than the average Teflon lube and keeps it thick and tacky enough for use in hot weather. The Teflon provides additional slickness and coats the surface of your chain to help the wax penetrate more smoothly.

Be careful on very dusty trails, though; it is sticky, and collects a lot more dirt and debris than you’d typically expect from a dry lube.

Pros

• Great for hot-weather rides
• Excellent penetration
• Includes dry and wet components

Cons

• Collects dirt easily

This is an ideal lube for hot summer days when a thick formula will be most effective.

2. WPL 

WPL is USDA-certified as biologically based, so it’s very safe for planet Earth.

Key Features

• USDA-certified bio-based lubricant
• Comes in a 4-ounce bottle
• Biodegradable
• Teflon-free

WPL is a dry lubricant that’s based entirely on natural, biologically-derived oils. In this context, “dry” means that it’s designed for use in dry weather. In rain, it will quickly wash away, leaving your chain vulnerable to corrosion.

This is a lightweight lube that’s designed to quickly and easily penetrate all the grooves and channels in your bicycle chain. Because it’s so light, it’s a good choice for cool weather riding, because it will continue to flow while thicker oils will tend to get tacky at these

Pros

• Very planet friendly
• Good cold weather lube
• Excellent penetration

Cons

• Wears off and washes away quickly

If the environment is your primary concern, the WPL is a solid choice.

3. Pedro’s X

Pedro’s X has a self-healing, semi-solid polymer formula.

Key Features

• Dry lubricant
• Comes in a 4-ounce bottle
• Polymer-based formula

Pedro’s X Dry is a dry lubricant that’s formulated from a unique polymer solution. When you drip it into your chain, it’s a liquid, but the polymers spread across the surface and grooves of the chain to provide a slick, all-round solid finish. When this finish is damaged – for example, by passing over a sprocket – the polymer returns to a liquid and flows until it’s uniform.

The advantage of this formulation is that the finish is very long-lasting. The downside is that it will also bond to dirt and debris, which can cause it to wear away very quickly if you’re riding on dry, dusty trails.

Pros

• Self-healing solid finish
• Good for all temperature conditions
• Excellent penetration
• Long-lasting performance

Cons

• Does not work on dirty chains

This powerful bike-lube is perfect for year-round use.

4. Rock N Roll Absolute

Rock N Roll Absolute is a thin, wax-based lube that’s exceptionally smooth.

Key Features

• Dry lubricant
• Comes in a 4-ounce bottle
• Wax-based formula

Rock N Roll Absolute is a wax particulate lube, with particles of wax suspended in a thin oil. This oil allows the wax to quickly penetrate all your chain’s contours, where the wax can get to work. This lube runs very smoothly and quietly, the way you’d expect from an expensive, high-end lube. But it’s very reasonably priced, so your wallet is safe.

Because it’s so thin, Rock N Roll Absolute is perfect for use in cool weather. That said, it’s not designed for dirty conditions, because it will collect dirt, mud, and other debris.

Pros

• Runs very smoothly
• Excellent penetration
• Great for spring and fall use
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Rated for road-bikes only

If you do most of your riding on the pavement, this is a good lube.

5. Rock N Roll Extreme

Rock N Roll Extreme is an inexpensive wet lube that runs very quietly.

Key Features

• Wet lubricant
• Comes in a 4-ounce bottle
• Wax-based formula

Rock N Roll Extreme Lube is a thicker, heavier-duty version of the Rock N Roll Absolute lube we just looked at. It uses a heavier weight oil for the wax particles, which means it can stand up to rain and puddles better than a dry lubricant.

Like other Rock N Roll lubes, this formula runs smoothly and quietly, so you won’t have your ride spoiled by the sound of a rattling or clicking chain. Be careful about dusty roads, though. While it’s not quite as prone to dust collection as the Rock N Roll Absolute, it still gets dirty easily. That said, it’s very affordable, great value for what you’re getting.

Pros

• Runs smoothly and quietly
• Ideal for wet, sloppy conditions
• Long-lasting
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Collects dirt and dust

This is a good choice if you’re looking for an affordable bike lube for rain riding.

6. WD-40

WD-40 is an easy-to-apply spray lubricant that comes in a 6-ounce can.

Key Features

• Dry lubricant
• Comes in a 6-ounce spray can
• Teflon base

WD-40 is a Teflon spray lube that’s very easy to apply. Just hold the can a few inches from the chain, turn the pedals backward to coat the entire chain, and you’re ready to ride.

Because this lube is made of Teflon, it will maintain a good coat regardless of temperature. It’s also not sticky, so your chain will stay clean even if you’re riding on dirty, dusty trails. The downside? It’s not very long-lasting. But considering how easy it is to apply, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Pros

• Very easy to apply
• Useful for riding in all seasons
• Great for dirty and dusty conditions

Cons

• Not very long-lasting

This WD-40 is a great choice if you ride a lot of dusty trails.

7. Muc Off 967NP

Muc-Off Wet is a medium weight lube that’s effective in all weather conditions.

Key Features

• Wet lubricant
• Comes in a 1.7 or 4-ounce bottle
• Vegetable oil-based formula with “extreme pressure additives”

Muc-Off Wet is a vegetable oil-based lube with a medium thickness, well-suited to riding in most temperatures. It’s also thick and tacky enough to stay in place in rain or other wet conditions.

This lube contains what Muc-Off calls “extreme pressure additives”. They’re proprietary, so we have no clue what they are, but the gist of it is that they’re designed to cause the lube to coat all sides of the chain links, including the outside edges. This allows them to slide smoothly up and down when you’re shifting.

Pros

• Good choice for all weather conditions
• Runs smoothly and quietly
• Promotes smooth shifting

Cons

• A little pricey

For smooth shifting, while you climb hills, the 967NP is an excellent choice.

8. Muc Off 872 Green C3

Muc Off C3 Dry dries to a tough ceramic coating that keeps your bike chain running smoothly.

Key Features

• Ceramic lubricant
• Comes in a 1.7 or 4-ounce bottle
• Nano-ceramic balls for lubrication
• Biodegradable and petroleum-free
• Includes a UV flashlight

Muc Off C3 Dry is a ceramic lubricant, which means it’s designed to create a layer of ceramic, rather than grease, to lubricate and protect your bicycle chain. It’s formulated without the use of any petroleum products, which makes it safe to apply over your lawn, and won’t leave the oil in the environment as it wears off.

This lube includes a UV flashlight, which allows you to check your chain to ensure full coverage. But remember; you need to let a ceramic lube set up and soak into gaps overnight before you ride.

Pros

• Effective lubrication in all conditions
• Environmentally friendly
• Great value

Cons

• Needs to soak in overnight

The MUC Off C3 does a great job of protecting both your chain and the planet.

9. Finish Line Ceramic WAX

Finish Line Ceramic is rated by the manufacturer to last for 175 miles.

Key Features

• Synthetic-wax and ceramic lubricant
• Comes in a 2, 4, or 32-ounce bottle
• Boron nitride platelet additives

Finish Line Ceramic is what its name implies: a ceramic lubricant with a wax base. The ceramic itself consists of boron nitride platelets, which use the wax as a carrier to create a coat over 100 percent of the surface. This coating is very durable and is rated to last for up to 175 miles.

This lube goes on wet, but it sets up overnight to create a hard finish that stands up well to rain and dirt. If you like what you get, you can save money on future orders by ordering the large, 32-ounce bottle.

Pros

• Long-lasting and durable
• Resists rain and dirt
• Goes on wet and dries to a solid finish

Cons

• Needs to set up overnight

This is a tough chain lube that provides a durable ceramic finish.

10. CeramicSpeed UFO

CeramicSpeed UFO is formulated to run smoothly even when pedaling for long distances at high speeds.

Key Features

• Ceramic lubricant
• Comes in a 4-ounce bottle
• Goes on wet and dries hard

CeramicSpeed UFO Drip Lube is a top-of-the-line lube that’s formulated for racers. When you’re looking at any performance product like this, you’re going to pay a premium, so prepare for a little sticker shock.

That said, if you’re looking for the absolute best lube available, this is the stuff. It’s a ceramic lubricant that goes on wet and dries hard overnight. Provided you apply it every 120 miles as CeramicSpeed recommends, you’ll get excellent protection from corrosion, and buttery smooth operation.

Pros

• Formulated specifically for racers
• Runs exceptionally smoothly
• Works well in all weather conditions
• Superior corrosion protected when used as directed

Cons

• Needs to set up overnight
• Expensive

This high-performance lube is by far the best on the market, provided money is no object.

11. Muc Off Hydrodynamic

Muc Off Hydrodynamic is a tough polymer lube that’s designed to last for over a hundred miles.

Key Features

• Wet lubricant
• Comes in a 1.7-ounce bottle
• Polymer-based formula
• Petroleum-free

Muc Off Hydrodynamic is a polymer-based lube that’s designed to provide a smooth, reliable, solid coat that can take a lot of abuse. It runs very smoothly and doesn’t attract dust or dirt. And because it’s a solid, polymer coat, it stands up well to rain and water.

This lube is also environmentally friendly. While it’s not 100 percent biodegradable, it is petroleum-free, so you won’t be depending on fossil fuels to maintain your bicycle.

Pros

• Environmentally friendly formula
• Good performance in all weather conditions
• Long-lasting performance
• Runs smoothly
• Good choice for dirty conditions

Cons

• Pricey

This chain lube is a solid choice for all-season riders.

12. Molten Speed Wax

Molten Speed is a unique wax coating that you meltdown when you apply it.

Key Features

• Wet lubricant
• Comes in a 1-pound bag
• Pelletized wax coating

Molten Speed is an oddball, but a very effective one. It’s essentially a bag of pelletized bike chain wax, which you meltdown and dip your chain into, then let it dry overnight. This application process can be a challenge since you need to heat the pellets indirectly with boiling water, rather than heating it over an open flame.

That said, this application method ensures a complete, 100 percent coating on every link in the chain. It also ensures excellent performance, since the wax dries very hard once it’s completely set up.

Pros

• Exceptionally-thorough coating
• Long-lasting performance
• Effective in all weather conditions

Cons

• Time-consuming to apply

If you’re willing to put in the work, this is exceptionally effective chain lube.

13. Wend Bike

The Wend Bike includes an easy-to-use applicator that gets you a full coat of wax in just seconds.

Key Features

• Dry lubricant
• Comes in a 2.5-ounce applicator
• Wax-based formula
• Includes a 4-ounce aerosol bottle of chain cleaner
• Includes a microfiber cleaning cloth

The Wend Bike is a complete bicycle waxing kit that includes everything you need. Not only do you get a 2.5-ounce wax applicator, but you also get a 4-ounce aerosol bottle of chain cleaner. The kit even includes a microfiber cloth, so you can remove any cleaning residue before re-applying.

This kit is a great value for what you get and does a good job of protecting your chain in most weather conditions. The only thing we didn’t like was that your chain is likely to squeak while you’re using it.

Pros

• Complete kit
• Easy roll-on applicator
• Good value

Cons

• Poor noise reduction

This wax kit contains everything you need to keep your chain well-lubed.

14. Squirt Long Lasting

Squirt Long Lasting coats all surfaces of your chain quickly and easily.

Key Features

• Dry lubricant
• Comes in a 4-ounce bottle
• Wax-based formula

Squirt Long Lasting is a wax-based lube that’s mixed in a watery emulsion for easy application. This gives it outstanding penetration, coating all your chain pins within seconds of applying your lube.

Because it’s lightweight, this lube is ideal for spring and fall riding, when you’ll be dealing with cooler temperatures. It provides a thorough coat, which results in very smooth riding and shifting. That said, you will need to reapply it relatively frequently.

Pros

• Excellent penetration
• Excellent corrosion protection
• Good cool weather formula
• Smooth riding and shifting

Cons

• Not very long-lasting

This chain lube is a great choice if you’re concerned about corrosion.

15. Finish Line Dry

Finish Line Dry dries to a Teflon and polymer finish that won’t attract dirt or dust.

Key Features

• Dry lubricant
• Comes in multiple sizes
• Teflon and polymer-based formulation

Finish Line Dry is designed to keep your chain as clean as possible. It’s available in either a drip bottle or an aerosol can, and we highly recommend the aerosol can. The drip cap on the bottle allows way too much flow, while the aerosol can is very easy to use.

This lubricant allows for smooth, quiet operation of your bicycle. It goes on wet but dries to a slick, solid finish within just a few seconds. Best of all, it comes at an affordable price.

Pros

• Smooth, quiet operation
• A great choice for dusty conditions
• Goes on wet and finishes dry
• Affordable

Cons

• The bottled version is difficult to apply

The Finish Line Dry provides good protection at an affordable price.

16. ProGold Xtreme

ProGold Xtreme is a long-lasting petroleum-based lube that’s easy to apply.

Key Features

• Wet lubricant
• Comes in a 4-ounce bottle
• Petroleum-based formula

ProGold Extreme Chain Lube is a medium weight lubricant with a petroleum base. It’s designed to protect from corrosion as it lubricates, and it flows easily between all your chain’s joints and hinges when you apply it.

While this is generally a very well-engineered product, it doesn’t quiet your chain as much as a wax or a thicker lube will.

Pros

• Good corrosion protection
• Excellent penetration
• Long-lasting protection
• Useful in all weather conditions

Cons

• Poor noise reduction

If you want an all-weather lube that protects from rust as it lubricates, this is a good selection.

17. Rock N Roll 135816

Rock N Roll Gold is Rock N Roll’s top-tier bicycle chain lubricants.

Key Features

• Dry lubricant
• Comes in a 4-ounce bottle
• Proprietary formula

Rock N Roll Gold has a proprietary formula. Rock N Roll isn’t saying what’s in it, but it goes on wet and leaves a slick, clear shine.

This lube penetrates all the nooks and crannies on your chain. And when it’s applied, it allows for smooth, quiet cycling that feels like you’re pedaling on ice. It also provides plenty of protection against corrosion, and repels dirt rather than attracting it. That said, it’s a dry lube, so you’ll need to apply it relatively frequently.

Pros

• Runs smoothly and quietly
• Good rust and dirt protection
• Excellent penetration

Cons

• Requires frequent re-application

This chain lube is a good choice for riding on dry, dusty trails.

18. White Lightning

White Lightning is formulated to clean your chain while you’re riding.

Key Features

• Dry lubricant
• Comes in a 4-ounce bottle
• Formulated to keep your chain clean

White Lightning Wet Ride is a unique, wax-based lubricant that goes on wet but dries to a slick, waxy finish. It runs very smoothly and quietly, reducing clatter for a minimum. The quietness of operation is impressive for an inexpensive lube.

It is engineered so it will soak into any dirt and dust, creating clumps that get dropped or thrown off while you ride. This keeps your chain exceptionally clean, even on the dirtiest trails. The downside is that you’ll lose wax quickly, requiring frequent re-application.

Pros

• Runs smoothly and quietly
• Protects from dust and dirt
• Affordable

Cons

• Not very long-lasting

If you ride filthy, filthy places, this chain lube will keep your chain running smooth and clean.

19. Tri-Flow TF0021060

Tri-Flow is a high-flow lubricant that’s a combination of petroleum and Teflon.

Key Features

• Wet lubricant
• Comes in a 6-ounce bottle
• Petroleum and Teflon formula

Tri-Flow Superior Lubricant is designed for extreme corrosion protection as well as for smoothing out your ride. It achieves this with a mixed petroleum and Teflon formulation. The Teflon provides a smooth surface, while the petroleum coats all of the chain’s surfaces to protect it from rust.

While this is a very effective lube, it’s messy to apply, since you have to wipe off any excess oil yourself with a rag. It also requires frequent re-application to keep the coating intact. That said, it comes at a low price, and it gets the job done.

Pros

• Excellent corrosion protection
• Excellent penetration
• Good all-weather performance
• Affordable

Cons

• Messy application
• Not very long-lasting

If rust is a major concern, this chain lube is a solid choice.

20. WD-40 Bike Wet

WD-40 Wet is a thick, durable lubricant that’s well-suited for tough conditions.

Key Features

• Wet lubricant
• Comes in a 4-ounce bottle
• Proprietary, wax-free formula

WD-40 Wet is engineered for use in extreme conditions like rain, muddy trails, and slush. If you ride year-round, give this lube a good look. The formula is secret, but it’s not a was base, and it’s thick and tacky enough to last for hundreds of miles between applications.

Normally, we’d be skeptical of an inexpensive lube that’s this high-quality. But we’re talking about WD-40 here. This is a reliable brand with a long track record of quality.

Pros

• Ideal for rain, dirt, and mud
• Long-lasting protection
• Affordable

Cons

• Takes a while to apply

If you want a chain lube that can handle extreme conditions and don’t want to break the bank, this is the way to go.

Bottom Line

As you can see, there are many lubricants on the market, and all of them are unique.

One challenge when deciding on a bike chain lube is determining how well they’ll perform under various conditions. This is because the exact formulations of these lubes are generally a trade secret.

Manufacturers will tell you whether their lube is dry, wet, wax, or ceramic, and some of them will specify whether or not there’s any Teflon (PTFE) in the formula. Other than that, your best bet is to read reviews like ours or to ask your bicyclist friends what lube they prefer.

So what’s the best chain lube for mountain bike maintenance?

It depends on what you need. In general, dry lubes are inexpensive and easy to apply, but they wear off quickly, particularly in the rain. Wet lubes cost a bit more, but stand up better to the weather. Ceramic lubes are the most effective and durable, but need to be meticulously applied and should be left to dry overnight before you ride.

And that about covers it. We hope we’ve answered all your questions! If you have any other fitness equipment needs, head over to our homepage for more reviews!