What To Look For
Look for non-oil based lubricants that also clean as they lubricate. They should be advertised as a product that is applied and wiped off, leaving the lubricant inside the bearings where it belongs. The lube should be clear. If it is in a clear bottle, it may also have a milky residue at the bottom which is normal; it just needs to be shook to mix it. Look for lubes that contain compounds that include Teflon, silicone, petroleum distillates and synthetic compounds. Check the ingredients on the back of the bottle for these compounds.
Common Pitfalls
Common problems are old-fashioned oil-based lubes that attract contaminants. Even though they do work well at first, they can actually cause excessive wear to your chain and gears because they trap sand and dirt. They turn your bike, your fingers your legs and anything they touch black. Old-fashioned lubes are products like WD-40 and Tri-lube.
Where To Buy
Buy your lube at your local bike shop. The salespeople know what kind of local conditions your bike will be encountering and will make sure you get the right kind of lube. Another good place to buy lube is REI. They know their lubes there and have a good selection. The cheapest place to buy your lube is through a bike catalog like Bike Nashbar or Performance Cycling. You can order your lube and have it on your doorstep a few days later.
Cost
Bike lube might seem expensive but it goes a long way. The cheapest non-oil lubricant will cost about $5. For the most expensive all-condition synthetic lube, you will pay about $15. These prices are for 4-ounce bottles, which will last about six months or 2,000 miles.
Comparison Shopping
There are two types of lube. One is used for bikes in wet conditions, the other for bikes that stay dry. For the most part, wet lubricants are used on mountain bikes because of their protection against mud and water. Wet lubricants can also be used on road bikes, but wet lubricants collect dirt. Dry lubricants have to be applied twice as often as wet lubricants, but dry lubes will keep your bike cleaner longer. Dry lubes are not recommended for wet riding conditions.
Accessories
Accessories that accompany lubes are cleaners and degreasers. These are biodegradable compounds that you spray on your chain. You leave it on for a few minutes, and then wipe it off. It breaks down the black grit and gets the chain ready for the bike lube. Bike degreasers won't harm rubber seals or paint. Another product is bike wash. You spray your bike, hose it off with a garden hose and then apply your favorite bike lube.
Insider Tips
Some bike lubes have been in stores since your grandfather was riding bikes. Products like Tri-flow and WD-40 really do work well for antique or kids bikes. Spend a little more and get a synthetic lube for your expensive road bike. Listen to your bike before and after you use any lube. A good lube will make your bike feel like it is moving faster and smoother. It should have less chain noise than before you put it on and the bike will feel like it is moving down the road easier. Some of the lubes that contain wax wear off quickly and need to be applied too often, as much as every two or three hundred miles. Check with your bike shop mechanic when you buy the lube to find out if it contains wax.
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