How to Lube Your Bike Chain (And Which Lube to Use)

Chain lubrication is the single most important thing you can do between services. It takes 2 minutes, costs pennies, and dramatically extends the life of your drivetrain. Here's how to do it right.

Why chain lube matters

Your chain has over 100 moving parts — pins, rollers, and plates that all need lubrication to move freely. Without lube, metal grinds on metal, causing rapid wear. A well-lubed chain can last twice as long as a dry one.

Wet lube vs dry lube

In the UK? Wet lube from October to March, dry lube from April to September is a good rule of thumb. Or just use wet lube year-round if you don't want to think about it.

How to lube your chain

• Step 1: Wipe the chain with a dry rag to remove surface dirt
• Step 2: Apply one drop of lube to each link while slowly backpedalling
• Step 3: Backpedal for 20–30 seconds to work the lube into the rollers
• Step 4: Wait 1–2 minutes for the lube to penetrate
• Step 5: Wipe off all excess lube with a clean rag

The wipe-off step is critical. Lube needs to be inside the chain (between the rollers and pins), not on the outside. Excess lube on the surface just attracts dirt and grit.

Common mistakes

• Using WD-40: it's a solvent and water displacer, not a lubricant. It strips existing lube and leaves the chain dry
• Over-lubricating: drowning the chain in lube creates a grinding paste of oil and grit
• Not wiping off excess: the outside of the chain should be almost dry after lubing
• Lubing a dirty chain: lube on top of dirt just makes things worse. Clean first, then lube
• Using cooking oil or motor oil: wrong viscosity, attracts dirt, doesn't penetrate properly

How often to lube

• After every wet ride — water washes lube out of the chain
• Every 1–2 weeks for regular riders in dry conditions
• Every ride if using dry lube in changeable weather
• When the chain sounds dry — if you can hear it, it needs lube

When to deep clean instead

If the chain is visibly dirty, black, or gritty, a simple wipe and lube isn't enough. You need to degrease it first:

• Apply bike-specific degreaser to the chain
• Scrub with a stiff brush
• Rinse with water
• Dry thoroughly
• Then apply fresh lube

Read our full bike cleaning guide →