It is essential to lubricate your bike chain to ensure that it performs effectively and lasts for a long time. Though there are several types of bike lubricants-
- Dry Lube
- Wet Lube
- Wax Chain Lube And
- Ceramic Lube. Then Why You Should Be Using Dry Bike Chain Lube?
Dry Lube is a great choice for dry conditions or off-road riding. In hilly and rough terrain, it prevents dirt and debris.
Before applying any lube to your bike chain, it is important to know the use of dry bike lube. Take a look at the article for more details on this topic.
Here is a related article that might interest you on the 10 Best Bike Chain Lubes To Make Your Bike Faster & Smoother.
What Is Dry Bike Chain Lube?
The chain can be trapped in the crosshairs of loose and dusty conditions. In these conditions, dry Lube is ideal since it does not attract dirt.
After the solvent is applied, there is no need to do anything because it will evaporate and dry. Dry lubricants do a great job of preventing dust, dirt, or debris from gathering on the chain.
Riding in the rain and puddles will wash away dry Lube fairly quickly in wet conditions. Your drivetrain will become creaky and noisy and prematurely wear parts.
It can lead to performance issues if dry Lube is washed away and the chain needs to be properly lubricated.
Why You Should Be Using Dry Bike Chain Lube?
Dry Lube is the best choice for mountain bikers and off-road riders. Your bike comes into contact with grime and dirt whenever you ride in hill areas. Dry Lube can prevent that only.
For beginners, Dry Lube is a great choice because it is easy to use. Those who want to lubricate their chains frequently should use dry Lube. Dry Lube can also be used if:
- You are a beginner rider
- Riding on dry or rocky trails
- Like to lubricate frequently
- If you want to avoid cleaning or degreasing your chain regularly.
How To Apply Dry Lube On Your Bike Chain?
Lubricating your bike chain regularly will prolong its lifespan. Use the following lubing procedure to lube your drive chain regularly after you learn it.
What Do You Need?
To apply dry Lube on your bike chain, you will need the following things:
- Degreaser or soapy water
- chain scrubber or toothbrush
- Microfiber cloth
- Dry Lube
Step1: Clean The Bike Chain
Cleaning your bike chain is as simple as following the steps below;
- Clean the chain directly with degreaser to remove all dirt and grime. Alternatively, you can clean your bike chain with soapy water.
- Ensure the chain is clean by wiping it with a rag.
- To get rid of dirt, use a chain scrubber or toothbrush instead of a rag.
- Once your bike has been degreased, clean it with water and dry it thoroughly with a microfiber cloth before applying lubricant.
Step2: Apply Dry Lube On Your Bike Chain
Slowly move the pedals backward while lubricating the inner side of the chain. Ensure that each chain link is lubricated. You might be pressing too hard on the bottle if the Lube drips on the ground.
Make sure you don’t apply too much Lube to the chain as you pedal. A thin stream goes a long way, so apply a small amount at a time.
When the Lube drips on the ground, you may be pressing too hard. Make sure you don’t apply too much Lube to the chain as you pedal.
Don’t use too much at once, just a thin stream is enough. Be sure to wipe away excess lube from all the nooks and crannies. Ensure the chain has made at least one full cycle. Once the drivetrain has moved the lubricant, let the chain run again. Lubricating your gears isn’t necessary.
Step3: Remove Excess Lubricant
After lubricating the inner edges of the chain, you must remove excess lubricant. Take a dry rag, grab the chain and pedal through it. Repeat this process for two or three rotations or until all excess surface lube has been removed.
It is important to clean your chain of excess surface lube to prevent dirt and debris from clogging it. You should also lubricate your rear derailleurs’ pulleys and pivot points. You will be able to shift gears freely by doing this.
Step4: Set The Lubricate
Please ensure the drivetrain and chain are set after you have lubricated them.It’s better to lubricate your chain the night before you go riding. As a result, all links and parts can absorb the lubricant.
How Often Should I Lube My Bike Chain?
Lubricating your bike regularly during the week is the best way to maintain it. A bicycle’s drive chain suffers the most because it is always in motion, grinding against its counterparts. Chains are open to many elements, including dirt and grit, which can damage them.
You should lubricate your bike chain adequately to ensure maximum performance and protect your drive train (derailleurs, gears, and cranksets). In challenging conditions, such as riding in the rain or off-road biking, your bike’s drive chain needs to be cleaned and lubricated.
A clean and lubricated drive chain is also a good maintenance practice in the event of noise, binds, or dry links. If you don’t ride your bike regularly, you should lubricate the chain at least once a month.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
How Long Does Chain Lube Last?
To increase your chain lifespan, it is essential to lubricant your bike chain. It will help prevent dirt and give you a smooth and faster running chain.
The lifespan of dry chain lube is typically 100 miles. Every 50 to 100 miles, wax chain lube should be applied again.
Typically, wet chain lube lasts more than 100 miles, and Ceramic Chain Lube can go up to 175 miles.
Can I Apply One Type Of Lube Over Another?
Applying a dry lube over wet won’t explode, but it can be unpredictable. New Lube may penetrate the chain and be set up properly, or old Lube may suspend it. You may need a degreaser when changing from one type of Lube to another.
Do I Need To Lube My New Bike Chain?
New bikes come with pre-lubricated chains. Factory-installed grease-type lubricant. Don’t remove the Lube right away after buying a bike. Other wet will dilute the factory lubricant, so do not apply them to the new chain. Before the Lube loses effectiveness, you can drive several hundred miles with it.
Final Words:
Ultimately, we understand that dry Lube works best in dry conditions. It’s perfect for mountain bikers or off-road riders. Those who don’t clean their bike chains regularly.
It prevents all kinds of dirt and debris from sticking to rough surfaces. Before applying dry Lube, clean and dry your chain. You should lubricate your bike chain adequately and remove excess Lube.
Also, make sure to check out my post on How To Use Bike Chain Lube To Keep Your Parts Moving Smoothly?
