Just like any other vehicle, bicycles require regular upkeep and maintenance to ensure they're kept in working order. That's why using the right bike chain oil or bicycle chain lube is crucial for extending your bike's lifespan and improving performance.
Choosing the best bike chain oil can be overwhelming, as there are various options designed for different environments and how often you use your bike. To save you time, we've reviewed and compared the top 10 bike chain oils and lubricants in the UK, including WD-40, Muc-Off, Fenwicks and Finish Line for racing bikes, road bikes, MTBs and more.
Quick List - Top Bike Chain Oils
Fenwick's
Wet Weather Chain Oil That’s Suitable for All Conditions and Environments
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Table of Contents
The first thing you'll want to consider is whether you'd prefer a liquid or spray lubricant as both come with drawbacks and benefits. Spray oils are easy to apply thanks to the pressurised container, making them a good option for quickly and easily lubricating your chain and gears. However, accuracy can be difficult, meaning you may end up using more than you need and creating a mess.
Liquid lubricants require a bit more precision to use, but are far more accurate, helping to avoid any unwanted spillage. They do tend to be more expensive than spray oils. Although, they will go a lot further per millilitre, which may be well worth the investment if you cycle regularly.
Stay comfortable both on and off-road with a bike seat cover.
Depending on the conditions you ride in, you'll need a wet, dry, or all-purpose lubricant. Dry oils are better suited to serious racing or mountain bikes, as it's usually thinner and doesn't pick up dirt and grit in the same way a wet oil can. The downside is that it has to be reapplied often, especially in winter as it washes away in the rain.
Wet and all-purpose oils make a better choice for UK weather conditions and regular bike usage, as you don't have to constantly reapply it. The more waterproof the oil, the more viscous it tends to be meaning it can pick up dirt that can affect the smoothness of your ride. For general and recreational use, this isn't noticeable, but can make all the difference when competing.
Don't get caught out on the road by picking up a bike tool kit!
When considering any bike chain oil, you'll want to have some idea of what the lubricant is made of. Some formulas will include silicone, Teflon, and other added polymers which can increase the oil's efficiency and resistance to water and dirt. Anti-rust and corrosion formulas are also common in bike chain oils to help keep all moving parts healthy.
If you've switched to cycling because of its green credentials, you may want to avoid oils and lubricants with added silicone. That said, the benefits of a high-quality, long-lasting oil far outweigh the negatives, and it's worth noting that nearly all synthetic oils are biodegradable, including Teflon.
Avoid getting stranded out in the countryside by carrying a puncture repair kit wherever you cycle!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | WD-40 All Conditions Chain Lube | ![]() | A Specialist Formula From the Nation’s Favourite Brand | |
2 | Fenwick's Wet Weather Chain Lubricant | ![]() | Wet Weather Chain Oil That’s Suitable for All Conditions and Environments | |
3 | Finish Line Dry Cycling Chain Lubricant | ![]() | Premium Lubricant for Competitive Road and Mountain Bikes | |
4 | Muc-Off Dry Lube | ![]() | A Great Bike Chain Oil for Dry and Dusty Environments | |
5 | GT85 Multi-purpose PTFE Spray | ![]() | Budget-Friendly, Extra Large Spray for All-Around Maintenance | |
6 | Muc-Off Wet Chain Lube | ![]() | Liquid Lube Perfect for General and Recreational Use | |
7 | Finish Line Wet Lube Cross Country Lubricant | ![]() | A Wet Weather Oil for Long Rides That Prevents Mud Build Up | |
8 | Fenwicks Stealth Road Bike Chain Lube | ![]() | The Perfect Choice for Road Cycling and Racers | |
9 | Weldtite Cycling Dry Lube Bike Lubricant | ![]() | A Solid Lubricant That Will Keep Your Chain Running Nicely | |
10 | Muc-Off C3 Ceramic Dry Chain Lube | ![]() | Ceramic Dry Lube That Shines Under UV Light |
When it comes to oils and lubricants, the nation's favourite is WD-40. While the usual stuff works great on everything, this specialist formula is designed specifically for bikes. It's suitable for all weather conditions and prevents rust, wear, and corrosion.
The spray nozzle allows you to quickly and easily coat your chain and gears, just make sure you do it outside in plenty of space! The water-repellent and wax-free formula also mean that, even though it's an all-weather lube, you won't have to worry about picking up dirt and grime, ensuring a smoother ride.
Despite being described as a wet weather lubricant, this offering from Fenwick's is suitable for all weather conditions as it's both water and dust repellent. It's designed for everyday use, making it a fantastic option for both commuters and recreational cyclists.
The clear and viscous oil provides an easy and effective way to maintain your chain. Plus, Fenwick's is a family-run company founded by avid cyclists and triathletes, so they certainly know what they're doing when it comes to lubricants!
If you're looking for premium bike oil for serious racing or competitive mountain biking, then the Dry Cycling Chain Lubricant from Finish Line is one of the best choices around. The dry formula resists dirt and grime, making for a perfect ride every time.
Just like their Wet Lube, Muc-Off's Dry Lube is a durable choice that penetrates deep, to provide long-lasting lubrication and a frictionless ride. This formula is dust-resistant too, which makes it perfect for sandy, off-road conditions.
Once applied, this oil goes onto the chain cleanly, meaning you won't have to worry about any excess mess. It also dries quite nicely, so there's little risk of getting oil on your trousers or legs when riding. Perhaps best of all, it smells like banana milkshake!
Even if you're not an avid cycist, you have to take care of your bike when it's not in use. As well as keeping the chain lubricated, you'll need to ensure the brake cables, gear cables, and wheels are able to move freely. Luckily, this multi-purpose spray from GT85 is a fantastic option for all-around maintenance.
At such a low price point, and with 400 ml per can, you'll have plenty of oil to ensure that everything is running smoothly, even if your bike has been stored away for the winter. The formula even includes Teflon to help displace water and reduce corrosion and rust.
Many people are turning to cycling as an alternative to driving, and the Wet Chain Lube from Muc-Off is a great choice for those riding to work when it's a little wet and windy outside. Whether it's a light shower, or you're struggling through the mud, this can handle the job!
The 120 ml will last you a very long time, as you only need to apply a small amount fairly infrequently, even if you use your bike every day. It's an ultra-durable bike chain lube that penetrates deep to provide long-lasting lubrication. Although, it does tend to collect gunk on your chain. So, you'll need to wipe any excess off.
Finish Line's Wet Cross Country Lubricant is designed for long rides across a variety of terrain by preventing mud from building up on your chain in bad weather conditions. It features water-repelling polymers, making it Finish Line's longest-lasting and most water-resistant lubricant.
It's a high viscosity lubricant and can be quite thick on the chain, coming out almost like a slimy foam. This may seem a bit strange and potentially hard to apply, but once it's in place, you won't have to worry about reapplying for quite some time!
The Stealth Road Bike Chain Lube offers silky-smooth lubrication by deeply penetrating the chain and linkage components. This, unsurprisingly, makes it a wonderful choice for road cycling. Perfect for all weather, this is well worth it if you have a road or racing bike.
That said, those with mountain bikes who prefer off-road cycling should probably look elsewhere. However, if you're after seamless and silent running, you won't be disappointed with the results!
There's a lot to like about this dry bike chain oil from Weldtite. It contains Teflon to help protect the drive chain, is water-repellent, and comes in a conveniently small bottle to take on rides. You really can't complain, as it does everything it says on the tin!
Expect outstanding results, as the oil is a little thicker than you would expect from a dry lube. Arguably, this makes it more suitable for those seeking an all-weather option, rather than simply protecting against dust.
The C3 Ceramic Dry Lube from Muc-Off is specifically formulated to excel over long distances in dry and dusty conditions. It contains tracer dye that appears under UV light to ensure full coverage, and even claims to create a ceramic coating for increased performance.
However, many customers disagree with Muc-Off's claims that it lasts for long distances, with some describing the lubricant as forming into more of a glue-like substance than oil. For dry oil, there are also reports that it collects dirt and grit, so your results may vary.
No. 1: WD-40|All Conditions Chain Lube
No. 2: Fenwick's |Wet Weather Chain Lubricant
No. 3: Finish Line|Dry Cycling Chain Lubricant
No. 4: Muc-Off|Dry Lube
No. 5: GT85 |Multi-purpose PTFE Spray
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