November 22, 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Chain Lube for MTB and Gravel Riders

Or Why Your Chain Lube Could Be the Secret to a Better Ride.

Ever felt like your bike wasn’t riding quite right—like something was holding you back, even on a good day? I’ve been there. For years, I focused on upgrading components and tweaking setups, only to realize I was overlooking something ridiculously simple: my chain lube. It’s a small thing but a game-changer. The right lube can make your ride smoother, extend the life of your drivetrain, and save you cash in the long run.

Here’s everything I’ve learned about chain lubes, especially for the gnarly conditions we MTB and gravel riders face. Stick around, because there’s a sweet spot between maximum performance and minimal hassle, and I’ll help you find it.

What Makes Chain Lube So Important?

Your chain is the heart of your drivetrain, transferring power from your legs to the trail. But here’s the catch: friction is its enemy. Without proper lubrication, your chain wears down faster, costing you speed, efficiency, and money.

Now, if you’re like me—a weekend warrior more than a racer—shaving a few watts isn’t as important as making sure your drivetrain lasts. MTB and gravel riding are tough on chains. Dirt, grit, water, and mud are relentless. That’s why choosing the right lube isn’t just about performance; it’s about protecting your gear.

Example: I once went for an early spring ride on a muddy trail, thinking my trusty wet lube would do the job. By the end of the ride, my chain was so caked with gunk it felt like I was dragging an anchor. Lesson learned: conditions matter, and so does your lube.

Types of Chain Lubes and How They Work

Not all chain lubes are created equal. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main types and when to use them.

Type	Best For	Pros	Cons
Wet	Wet, muddy conditions	Stays on in rain; great protection	Attracts dirt, needs more cleaning
Dry	Dry, dusty trails	Less dirt attraction; clean drivetrain	Wears off quickly in wet conditions
Ceramic	High-performance claims	Supposedly smoother rides	Composition unclear; not always worth it
Wax-Based	Mixed or dry conditions	Clean, long-lasting, efficient	Requires time to apply correctly

Wet Lubes

Wet lubes are designed to handle sloppy, muddy trails. They stick to your chain like glue, which is great for keeping things moving in bad weather. The downside? They’re magnets for dirt, so your drivetrain will need more cleaning. If you live in a wet place, it’s your go to lube. No other option for you.

Dry Lubes

Dry lubes are the opposite. They go on wet but leave a lighter residue after the carrier evaporates. They’re ideal for dusty trails, but if you hit unexpected puddles or rain, you’ll be reapplying sooner than you’d like.

Ceramic Lubes

Ceramic lubes are marketed as cutting-edge tech, with brands like Muc-Off claiming smoother rides and better protection. But independent testing by experts like Zero Friction Cycling (ZFC) suggests they might not live up to the hype. Plus, it’s unclear what “ceramic particles” actually do.

Wax-Based Lubes

This is where things get exciting, especially for MTB and gravel riders. Wax-based lubes resist contaminants better than wet lubes and last longer than dry lubes. But—and it’s a big but—wax lubes need a squeaky-clean chain for their first application and take time to set (ideally overnight). If you’re willing to put in the effort, the payoff is huge: a cleaner drivetrain and less maintenance. This is my personal choice. Always.

What the Experts Say

I’m not just pulling this out of thin air. There’s real science behind it.

Bikeradar recommends wax-based lubes for MTB, gravel, and cyclocross riders. Why? Because these lubes prevent dirt and grime from getting into your drivetrain—a must for messy conditions.
Zero Friction Cycling puts lubes through rigorous testing. Their results show that cheap lubes often lead to poor efficiency and increased wear, costing you more in the long run.

Choosing the Right Lube for Your Rides

Here’s the truth: no single lube is perfect for every condition. The best choice depends on where and how you ride.

For Wet and Muddy Rides

Use a wet lube, but clean your drivetrain after every ride.
Be ready to scrub off the grit that sticks to your chain.

For Dry, Dusty Trails

Go for a dry lube or wax-based lube.
Wax-based lubes are a better option if you want to reduce maintenance.

For Mixed Conditions

Wax-based lubes are your best bet. They handle dirt and light moisture better than dry lubes and don’t attract as much gunk as wet lubes.

Why AMS is Obsessed with Chain Lube

At AMS, we’re all about making your rides better. Over the last few years, we’ve been digging deep into what makes a great chain lube. I can’t say too much (yet), but let’s just say we’ve learned a lot from the experts and our own testing. Whether it’s wax-based efficiency or balancing longevity with ease of use, we’re excited about what’s possible.

How to Maximize Your Chain Lube’s Potential

You can have the best lube in the world, but it won’t help if you don’t use it properly. Here’s how to get the most out of your lube:

Start with a Clean Chain: Always clean your chain before switching lubes. Residue from old lubes can mess up performance.
Follow the Instructions: Especially for wax-based lubes, let the lube set overnight for the best results.
Inspect Regularly: Check for wear and reapply lube as needed. If you use wax-based lubes, reapply before every ride, ideally the night before.

Wrapping It Up

If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: the right chain lube can transform your ride. Whether you’re bombing down muddy trails or grinding out a gravel century, picking the right lube—and using it properly—makes all the difference.And hey, if you’re curious about the next evolution of chain lubes, keep an eye on AMS. We might have something in the works to take your rides even further.

Lube Type	Best For	Pros	Cons
Wet	Muddy, wet conditions	Great protection	Attracts dirt
Dry	Dry, dusty conditions	Clean drivetrain	Doesn’t last in wet conditions
Ceramic	Performance-focused	Smooth claims	Questionable benefits
Wax-Based	All-around, especially mixed	Clean, long-lasting	Requires more prep