How To Lube Your Chain
Keeping your chain lubricated extends the life of your entire drivetrain and makes your bike feel smoother and ride quieter.
Its better to apply chain lube the night before your ride as it gives the lube a few hours to work its way into all the links and kinks. We are using Motul Chain Lube which is available in a Wet and Dry option and here’s the lowdown, (in video and written format) on how to apply it.
How to lube your chain: Step-by-step guide
Review: Motul Chain Lube – Dry & Wet
Motul Chain Lube is available in both Dry and Wet options that are for sunny and rainy days respectively. They contain an organic base lubricant that is more friendly on the planet. Through the use of Ester Base Stocks, they have a unique molecular structure which Motul says is specifically crafted to suit the demands of the bicycle.
Details
| Organic base with non-fossil renewable materials |
| Use on all bikes (Road, MTB, Gravel, eBikes) |
| Dry Lube: for dry/sunny conditions |
| Wet Lube: for wet/rainy conditions |
| Anti-wear and anti-corrosive properties |
| ±R135 |
| Learn more |
Impressions
I have not done thousands of kilometers with these lubes, nor have I applied any majorly scientific testing on drivetrain wear. However, I have used them for a few weeks on mountain bikes and road bikes, through wet and dry riding conditions over a total ride time of about 30 hours which has given me a good feel for them.
On a road bike, I’m getting around 200km before the chain needs more lube. On a mountain bike it is around every 100km, or a little less if the conditions are harsh. This time of year, the weather conditions in the Cape vary (wildy!) meaning there’s a little more bike washing and re-lubing taking place. Having said that, it does seem like the Motul Dry Lube lasts a little longer than what I have seen with other lubes. It is easy to apply, is quick to penetrate into the chain, doesn’t gunk up the drivetrain like wax lubes do, and is easy to clean.
The Motul Wet Lube has both anti-wear and anti-corrosive properties and is designed for riding in wet and rainy conditions. Understandably, it is slightly thicker in consistency than the Motul Dry Lube but less so than most wet lubes I’ve used. This is probably why it’s easy to apply and then also very easy to clean. In wet, muddy and rainy conditions, I’d describe it as a steadfast clinger, keeping the drivetrain rolling efficiently and so minimizing wear. [As with all wet lubes, you really shouldn’t ever use them in dry and dusty conditions as they gunk up and this accelerates drivetrain wear.]
Another boon is the Motul Chain Lubes are odorless which in particular can be appreciated if you store your bikes in the house or transport them inside your car. With pricing around R135 for a 100ml bottle they are relatively inexpensive too. //
| WORDS: Myles Kelsey | IMAGES & FOOTAGE: Max Sullivan |