Bike Chain Lube Vs Chain Wax

In the world of cycling maintenance, the debate between chain lube and chain wax is a growing one, with more riders choosing to invest in a bike chain wax setup, compared to having lots of bottles of chain lube dotted all over the garage (like we have!)

Both chain wax and chain lube are very much the ‘same but different’, and both are essential for keeping your chain in optimal condition, ensuring smooth rides, and extending the life of your chain, cassette and complete drivetrain. The two types of products serve similar purposes through different means and come with their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. In this post, we look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of using either chain lubricant or chain wax.

What Is Chain Lube?

Chain lube, or chain lubricant, is a fluid which has been designed specifically to reduce friction between the metal components of your chain and what comes into contact with your cassette and drivetrain.

Chain Lube works by seeping into the crevices of the chain links and the chain itself, reducing wear and tear caused by metal-on-metal contact between your bike and it’s chain. Chain lube comes in various formulas suited for different riding conditions and the two main choices are either wet lubricants, and dry lubricants.

Wet Lubricants are dense and sticky, designed for wet or muddy conditions. They stick really well to the chain, providing excellent lubrication even in the most challenging environments. The other type of chain lube is Dry Lubricants, these are lighter and often contain additives like PTFE (Teflon) that help repel dirt and grime. They are ideal for dry and dusty conditions but require more frequent application than wet lubes, so it’s a good idea to keep a little bottle on your person if undertaking long rides in dusty conditions, especially when mountain biking or gravel biking off road.

One of the biggest advantages of using chain lube, is the massive amount available on the market, there’s the perfect chain lube for every chain, every bike and every riding condition. Most commonly available in little plastic containers, it’s also easy to apply to the chain and to keep on you.

Many of these products also have corrosion fighting properties as well, helping extend the life of your chain. There’s not many disadvantages of using chain lubricant as it’s so essential, but if you over apply the wrong time of lube, it can attract lots of dirt and grime and because chain lubricant will not always last very long on the chain during harsh riding conditions, you also need to make regular checks to keep on top of it.

What Is Chain Wax?

Chain wax is a solid form of lubricant.

When applied to the chain, you need to melt the solid chain wax and then apply to your chain. When melted and applied, chain wax does a fantastic job in penetrating the links of the chain and when it hardens, it forms a fantastic protective coating aross the full area of the chain. Chain wax is most suited for use in drier conditions and is valued for its ability to keep the chain clean by repelling dirt and debris, so it’s the perfect choice for summer riding here in the UK.

One of the biggest advantages of chain wax is how clean the product is, unlike some chain lubricant products, it does not attract as much dirt and grime, over time - this means a cleaner chain which performs better and is easier to clean. One of the downsides of Chain Wax is that it takes longer to apply, as the keen cyclist needs to melt the wax and then apply it slower, compared to just squeezing lube out of a bottle. As mentioned, if you are riding in wet and sloppy conditions, we believe a wet lubricant will be your best bet.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Experimenting with both chain lube and chain wax can provide firsthand experience of their benefits and drawbacks, helping you make an informed decision that enhances your riding experience. We are seeing more and more customers of ours switching to chain wax, and being glad they have made the change.

Regardless of your choice, regular chain maintenance is crucial for performance and longevity. Keeping your chain clean and properly lubricated will ensure smoother rides, improved efficiency, and a longer lifespan for your drive system.