Best oil for bike chain

Mike63

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 23, 2008
809
64
Hi.....which is the best oil for my bike chain ?
Where I live we only have a Halfords, and one assistant didn't know and another said "any will do"
....Thanks....Mike
 

oldtom

Esteemed Pedelecer
Hi.....which is the best oil for my bike chain ?
Where I live we only have a Halfords, and one assistant didn't know and another said "any will do"
....Thanks....Mike
Mike, there are already threads with all sorts of views on this subject if you can be bothered searching a little for them.

Alternatively, await some new responses to this old question but I fear the answers will be much the same as previously, ranging from do nothing at all with the chain until problems arise then replace, right through to the full gamut of oils, greases and various dry-lub potions. Alternating two chains and steeping the 'spare' one in various marinades may get a mention plus the chain-cleaning devices which some recommend.

I'm happy with my lubricant but you can make up your own mind as to how much time and effort you wish to expend on a relatively cheap consumable item. Obviously, differing terrain material can have a significant effect on chain/sprocket longevity - sand and salt aren't really desirable but for some people, those elements are unavoidable.

I look forward to reading some of the recommendations this post may attract.

Tom
 
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Mike63

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 23, 2008
809
64
cheers Tom...in the past I've used GT85 but I read somewhere in the forum best to use a special lube for the chain.
If I don't get a better suggestion I'll just use the GT85.
.....Mike.
 
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Fordulike

Esteemed Pedelecer
Feb 26, 2010
3,802
1,538
Hi.....which is the best oil for my bike chain ?
I've been using Finish Line Dry Bike Lubricant for the last 1500 miles and the chain is still in excellent condition.

Finish line No Drip 4 oz Dry Chain Luber Combo.jpg

Bear in mind that I'm using it on a Bafang BBS02 running up to 1200 watts of power through the drivetrain.

I run the chain through a clean/dry rag after every 20 miles or so and lube up lightly every 50 miles.

The 'No Drip' applicator makes lubing super easy and fuss free ;)
 
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Yamdude

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sep 20, 2013
842
639
Somerset
I use gear oil, the same as i use on my motorcycle chains...... and its a lot easier to put on sparingly with a small brush than the stuff in aerosol cans.
 
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oldtom

Esteemed Pedelecer
For over a year now, I have been using Purple Extreme and it's the third dry lub I have used. The others, both recommended in various places were ok to apply but seemed to need quite frequent applications, ie, didn't seem to last on, or in, the chain very long.

On using PE for the first time, I immediately noticed that gear changing was much smoother and quieter so that impressed me. Whether or not it would last any time, I didn't know but I can now say after a year's usage, the somewhat expensive little bottle is going to last me a long time.

My derailleur gears have needed very little fettling since I started using PE so I really can't knock the product although it comes with quite a lengthy American sales blurb. Like the well-known outdoor stains and varnishes ad claims, this stuff also 'does what it says on the tin'.....or plastic bottle in this case.

Tom
 
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