# Best bicycle chain lubricant? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 17, 2023, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bicycle-chain-lubricant/985695 "2023-06-17T20:24:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2023, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bicycle-chain-lubricant/985695/1 "2023-06-17T20:24:01Z")
I think I have some good old fashioned Tri-Flow around somewhere, but I can’t find it. Back in the day when I did a lot of trail biking I used a white lubricant that had paraffin in it. The wax helped keep dirt and mud out of the chain and gears. But I’m mostly road biking these days. So what’s good nowadays? Is it still a choice between something like Tri-Flow or.a wax-based lube, or is there something even better these days? ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2023, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bicycle-chain-lubricant/985695/2 "2023-06-17T20:28:15Z")
Tri-Flow is still what all of the bike shops recommend. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2023, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bicycle-chain-lubricant/985695/3 "2023-06-17T20:40:57Z")
If that’s for chains, they shouldn’t be. Paraffin wax is the best. You can do it cheap with a block of wax and Teflon powder, old crock pot/slow cooker and a bent hanger or you can go with expensive like [Silca Super Secret Lube.](https://silca.cc/products/silca-super-secret-chain-lube) There are also several spray on wax lubes. The main advantage is they don’t collect dirt that turns into a grinding paste. I’ve tried several of the drip-on wax lubes and prefer the Silca despite the cost. I get 300-350 miles between applications. [Oz cycle](https://www.youtube.com/@stevenleffanue/featured) goes into the prep needed to use the melted wax method. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2023, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bicycle-chain-lubricant/985695/4 "2023-06-17T20:47:40Z")
Forgot the video. > **[Ultimate Chain wax - make it yourself](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHr9znwpwmQ%2F)** > > Reference pictures here....https://www.facebook.com/pg/Oz-cycle-559782270843560/photos/?tab=album&album\_id=1454891907999254PTFE powder available here....http... ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2023, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bicycle-chain-lubricant/985695/5 "2023-06-17T20:49:39Z")
“Best” might be to use the chain until the original Cosmoline wears off, then replace it… 🙂 I agree that paraffin wax is supposed to be the best, but the disadvantage is you have to melt a big block of it and dip the chain. With or without adding Teflon, tungsten disulphide, etc. > **[velonews-friction-facts-chain-lube-tests-combined.pdf](https://www.ceramicspeed.com/media/3505/velonews-friction-facts-chain-lube-tests-combined.pdf)** > > 5.02 MB ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2023, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bicycle-chain-lubricant/985695/6 "2023-06-17T20:56:46Z")
Before waxing, you need to clean the chain completely. > **[The Ultimate bicycle chain clean](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYxzHClWfQU%2F)** > > Reference pictures here...https://www.facebook.com/pg/Oz-cycle-559782270843560/photos/?tab=album&album\_id=1424324784389300 ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2023, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bicycle-chain-lubricant/985695/7 "2023-06-17T21:04:48Z")
Maxima Chain Wax. Good Stuff, Maynard. Prevents dirt from sticking, and smells good, too. I love Tri-Flow, but not for chains. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2023, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bicycle-chain-lubricant/985695/8 "2023-06-17T21:50:01Z")
I’m pro-wax, in part because I live in a nice dry climate that is ideal for that technique. I use the Silca wax mentioned upthread, largely because it comes in a sous vide bag, so no crockpot required. Put the bag in boiling water, put the chain in the bag, done. Of course when my wife bought an instant pot, out crock pot was retired from service and now lives in the garage, full of wax. My waxed chain is noticeably quieter than when I had a traditionally lubed chain which would seem to me to mean lower friction, but I’m no expert. The ongoing lack of drivetrain cleanup required is the best though. ---
**Author:** ![gnarator](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gnarator/32/8266_2.png) [@gnarator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnarator)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2023, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bicycle-chain-lubricant/985695/9 "2023-06-17T22:02:00Z")
If you want to stir things up, go over to [Bikeforums](https://www.bikeforums.net/) and ask this question. I’ve been researching this lately, because I hate how grimy my chain gets. I’m going to try [Rock N Roll Gold](https://www.rocklube.com/), based on several recommendations. ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 7:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bicycle-chain-lubricant/985695/10 "2023-06-18T07:41:23Z")
Use Tri-Flow if you enjoy cleaning a bunch of junk from your chain between applications. A decent lube, but it collects a lot of crap that is not easy to clean. Oftentimes, lubes are classified as either wet or dry lubes, depending on if they are expected to be used in the rain or not. Wet lubes in general work well, but collect a lot of crap, which means you’ll be having fun cleaning your chain often. Dry lubes work well in dry conditions, and I have found that Finish Line Teflon dry lube works great and is fairly clean. Even better, it is sold as Dupont Teflon lube cheaper than what they sell it under the Finish Line brand at bike shops. Small print on the back says manufactured by Finish Line. If you don’t ride in the rain often, give it a try. DuPont Non-Stick Dry-Film Lubricant Drip Bottle, 4 oz [https://a.co/d/bd3HJYR](https://a.co/d/bd3HJYR) ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bicycle-chain-lubricant/985695/11 "2023-06-18T13:28:37Z")
Thanks for the recs, all! > [@gnarator](#): > > If you want to stir things up, go over to [Bikeforums](https://www.bikeforums.net/) and ask this question. I had no idea it was such a controversial subject! I’m probably going to go with either this: > [@gnarator](#): > > I’ve been researching this lately, because I hate how grimy my chain gets. I’m going to try [Rock N Roll Gold](https://www.rocklube.com/), based on several recommendations. Or this: > [@Dag\_Otto](#): > > DuPont Non-Stick Dry-Film Lubricant Drip Bottle, 4 oz [https://a.co/d/bd3HJYR](https://a.co/d/bd3HJYR) ---
**Author:** ![gnarator](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gnarator/32/8266_2.png) [@gnarator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnarator)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bicycle-chain-lubricant/985695/12 "2023-06-18T16:37:38Z")
> [@solost](#): > > I had no idea it was such a controversial subject! That or helmets. Here’s a thread on waxing chains that ran 37 pages. [Immersive waxing / it should be more popular - Bike Forums](https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/1257322-immersive-waxing-should-more-popular.html) ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bicycle-chain-lubricant/985695/13 "2023-06-18T17:14:22Z")
Waxing is essentially a proselytizing form of religion. It’s hard not to talk about how good it is. In fact, I can drop by some pamphlets later if you like. Next: I’ll start talking about the advantages of going tubeless and what sealant is best. ---
**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bicycle-chain-lubricant/985695/14 "2023-06-18T21:43:30Z")
I don’t bother getting more sophisticated than dry vs wet, depending on the season. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bicycle-chain-lubricant/985695/15 "2023-06-18T22:10:04Z")
> [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > In fact, I can drop by some pamphlets later if you like. Uhhhh…sorry, I’m not going to be home then. What’s that— you didn’t yet say _ **when** _ you were planning to drop by? What I meant was…. (Runs away) ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2023, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bicycle-chain-lubricant/985695/16 "2023-06-19T00:47:46Z")
I use Boeshield T-9. I use it for the CNC machinery at work and just recently used it to resurrect a long-idle bike. It drys to a waxy finish and doesn’t pick up dust like other lubricants. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2023, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bicycle-chain-lubricant/985695/17 "2023-06-19T01:33:20Z")
Huh. I’m a little surprised that wax would work-- I’d have expected that, once it solidified, any disturbance would cause it to break and fall off. That’s what candle drippings usually seem to do, anyway. I might have to give it a try. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2023, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bicycle-chain-lubricant/985695/18 "2023-06-19T01:48:44Z")
The reason you immerse in liquid wax is to get it _inside_ the chain, the links,pins and rollers. Most of the wax on the outside will flake off as it’s not needed there. However, if properly prepped(as in NO trace of oil/grease) a thin layer will adhere and prevent corrosion. ETA: [![](https://i.etsystatic.com/8009749/r/il/b02e3f/2169631579/il_fullxfull.2169631579_4jnv.jpg) ](https://i.etsystatic.com/8009749/r/il/b02e3f/2169631579/il_fullxfull.2169631579_4jnv.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2023, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bicycle-chain-lubricant/985695/19 "2023-06-19T01:55:08Z")
Plus many of the waxes are not _just_ wax. The Silca wax I use has tungsten disulfide suspended in it so the wax acts not only as a lube in itself, but also as a carrier for other dry lubricants. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2023, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bicycle-chain-lubricant/985695/20 "2023-06-19T01:56:29Z")
> [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > Plus many of the waxes are not _just_ wax. The Silca wax I use has tungsten disulfide suspended in it so the wax acts not only as a lube in itself, but also as a carrier for other dry lubricants. - Same one I use(the drip variety). By far the best of the lubes I’ve tried in the past. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bicycle-chain-lubricant/985695.md?page=2)