We are often asked in-store whether we should use a wet or dry lube during winter months and whether you need to do anything to your chain when switching between the two.
First, what is dry lube, and how does it differ from wet lube?
Dry lubes are usually wax-based and tend to suit dry conditions. They repel dust and keep the chain running smoothly.
Wet lubes suit rainy or humid conditions.
So, we should use a wet lube in late autumn, right?
Well, wet lube does work well, but it also gets gloopy and dirty, leading to chain wear and expensive bike shop bills to replace cassettes, etc.
An excellent routine to optimise performance and to lengthen the drive train's life is 24 hours before a ride, coat the chain with a dry lube (one drop per link) and leave it to soak into all the parts. Three or four hours before you ride add wet lube on top. This will push water away from the chain while the wax gives you a smooth-running, efficient chain. Top up with wet lube throughout the week, and once a week,k thoroughly clean the chain using a specific drive train cleaner. Then restart your twenty-four-hour lube process.
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