Road and gravel riders
A dry or wax lube keeps a fast drivetrain clean on long, dusty rides.
Chain lube: how to choose the right one
The right chain lube keeps your gears shifting cleanly and your chain running quietly for longer. Here is how we match lube to the weather, the roads and the way you ride.
Which chain lube suits your riding?
Four lube styles from our range, plus two close companions.
DRY LUBES
Dry lube options for dusty roads and summer rides.
What to prioritise
Dry conditions
Bike Chain Lubes & Cleaners
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WAX LUBES
Wax-based lube options that help keep chains cleaner.
What to prioritise
Low grime
Bike Chain Lubes & Cleaners
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WET LUBES
Wet lube options that hold on through the rain.
What to prioritise
Wet weather
Bike Chain Lubes & Cleaners
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E-BIKE LUBES
E-bike specific options for hardworking drivetrains.
What to prioritise
E-bike ready
Bike Chain Lubes & Cleaners
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GREASE
Bike greases for bearings, threads and fittings.
What to prioritise
Not for chains
Bike Chain Lubes & Cleaners
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WORN CHAIN?
Replacement chains and cassettes for when lube can't help.
What to prioritise
Replace when worn
Bike Cassettes, Drivetrains & Chains
Shop the RangeWhat to look for in a chain lube
Match it to your weather
Dry lubes suit dusty, dry rides because they attract less grit. Wet lubes stay put through rain and puddles but pick up more grime. If your rides swing between both, an all-weather lube is a fair middle ground.
Decide how clean you want it
Wax-based lubes run cleaner and leave less black residue on your hands and frame. They usually need topping up more often and work best on a properly clean chain. Oil-based lubes last longer between applications but need wiping more often.
Drip bottle or spray
A drip bottle lets you put one drop on each roller, with less waste and no overspray. Aerosols are quick but harder to aim. Either way, keep lube well away from disc rotors and brake pads.
Think about your bike
E-bikes and loaded commuters put more force through the chain, so a durable lube is worth it. Road riders often favour lighter, cleaner lubes. Mountain bikers riding in mud usually reach for a wetter formula.
Who needs which lube
Commuters
A wet or all-weather lube copes with rain, puddles and daily kilometres with less fuss.
E-bike riders
Extra torque wears chains faster, so regular cleaning and a durable lube pay off.
Chain lube at a glance
| Lube type | Best for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Dry lube | Dry, dusty roads and trails | Reapply more often, especially after rain |
| Wax lube | Riders who want a cleaner chain | Apply to a fully degreased chain |
| Wet lube | Rain, mud and winter commuting | Wipe off the excess to limit grime |
| E-bike lube | E-bikes and heavy daily use | Check chain wear more often |
| Bike grease | Bearings, threads and fittings | Keep it off the chain itself |
How to lube a chain
- Start with a clean, dry chain and add one drop per roller while you turn the pedals backwards.
- Let the lube soak in for a few minutes, then wipe off the excess with a clean rag.
- Re-lube after wet rides or whenever the chain sounds dry or squeaky.
- Keep lube and spray well away from disc rotors and brake pads.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I lube my bike chain?
There's no fixed schedule, because it depends on the weather, the lube and how far you ride. A good habit is to re-lube every few rides, after any wet ride, and whenever the chain looks dry or starts to squeak. Dry and wax lubes generally need topping up more often than wet lubes.
What's the difference between wet and dry chain lube?
Wet lube is thicker, so it resists being washed off by rain and lasts longer between applications, but it attracts more dirt. Dry lube goes on thinner and picks up less grit, which suits dry, dusty conditions. Choose by the conditions you ride in most often.
Should I clean my chain before applying lube?
Yes, ideally. Fresh lube over old, gritty lube makes a grinding paste that speeds up wear on the chain and cassette. A quick wipe is enough between rides, with a proper degrease every so often. Wax lubes in particular work best on a fully clean chain.
Can I use a general-purpose spray on my chain?
General-purpose sprays can help loosen a stiff or rusty chain, but many are made to displace water or clean rather than to lubricate for the long haul. A dedicated chain lube clings to the rollers and keeps working under load. If you've used a general spray, wipe the chain down and follow up with proper chain lube.
How do I know if my chain needs replacing, not lube?
If the chain still skips, crunches or shifts poorly after a clean and lube, it may be worn and stretched. A chain checker tool measures wear in seconds, or your local bike shop can check it for you. Replacing a worn chain early helps protect your cassette and chainrings, which are bigger jobs to replace.
Explore our Top Sports
Keep your chain running smoothly
A few minutes with the right lube makes every ride feel smoother. Browse our full maintenance range for everything else your bike needs.
Free delivery on orders over $150. Members get our lifetime warranty.
