In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
Oils, waxes, dry lubricants - there are far more lubricants than links on a bicycle chain. Manufacturers offer the right lubricant for almost every conceivable weather condition. This makes it difficult to keep track of everything. You can either continue to rely on the classic chain oil, which may have proven itself over the years, or you can orientate yourself on the results of our test. We invited 19 manufacturers to take part in our large comparison test and asked them to submit a maximum of two different products for testing.
The test field contains a wide variety of solutions for perfect bike chain lubrication. Classic chain oils at a low price can be found in the test, as well as the expensive chain lubricant from Dry Fluid. Dry particles and lubricating polymers are designed to maximise lubricity and extend the service life of the chain.
Our extensive laboratory test provides information about the actual qualities of the lubricants. In this article, you will find the test results from the magazine summarised again in clear graphics. This makes it easier for you to compare the different products and filter out the best lubricant for your application.
Lubricity
The lubricity (according to Brugger) was determined using the Triboproof T100 test device. A cylindrical test specimen is pressed with a constant load of 400 newtons onto a rotating cylinder that is wetted with the lubricant - offset by 90 degrees so that the contact surface initially only produces one point. The following phenomenon occurs: The rotating cylinder digs into the test specimen and leaves a wear surface in the shape of an ellipse. As soon as the surface pressure falls below a certain value, above which the lubricant can form a lubricating film, the system calms down and the wear decreases abruptly despite contacting surface peaks. By measuring the elliptical surface, the so-called Brugger value in N/mm² is determined, with which the lubricant can be loaded. This lubricant testing method is recognised in the industry and is laid down in DIN 51347.
No product category shows clear advantages in terms of lubricity. Rather, it appears that certain manufacturers produce particularly resilient lubricants. Dynamic, Motorex and F100 as well as the Dry Fluid chain lubricant deliver particularly good values here
Creeping ability
For the test, two glass plates are thoroughly degreased and placed on top of each other so that the lower plate protrudes by one centimetre. The lubricant is applied twice at the plate projection and creeps between the two glass plates due to capillary forces. After 15 minutes, the wetted surface is marked on the upper plate and transferred to graph paper. The graph paper is cut off at the mark and weighed. The calculated wetted area in cm² is used as a measure of the creep capacity.
With a few exceptions, low-viscosity products such as waxes and dry lubricants as well as most sprays have the edge here. However, many of these products buy their creeping ability through the addition of solvents. This means that some of the contents of the bottle evaporate immediately after application.
Dirt adhesion
Evenly polished metal sheets were wetted with the candidates, left to dry vertically for 30 minutes and then sprinkled with quartz sand. Before and after sanding, the sheets were weighed using a precision balance; the difference is a measure of the dirt adhesion.
If you attach particular importance to a clean chain, you should take a look at the waxes and dry lubricants. With a few exceptions, products that leave a dry film on the chain after the solvent has evaporated have a clear advantage here.
The test categories in comparison
A comparison of the various test categories shows that there is no such thing as the perfect lubricant. Each product has to make more or less significant compromises in at least one criterion. However, the two products from Dynamic and Motorex and the PTFE spray from Hanseline come very close to the optimum.
...
ALL LUBRICANTS WITH BIKE-TEST RATING SUPER
Dynamic dry lubricant (BIKE tip: test winner)
Price 10,90 Euro (10,90 Euro)¹
Available containers² Dropper bottle 100 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 10 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 8 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ SUPER
Motorex Dry Power (BIKE tip: price/performance)
Price 17.90 Euro (5.96 Euro)¹
Available containers² Dropper bottle 56 ml/100 ml, spray can 300 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 10 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 6 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ SUPER
Dynamic chain lubricant
Price 9,40 Euro (9,40 Euro)¹ >> available here
Available containers² Dropper bottle 100 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 10 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 8 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 8 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 8 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ SUPER
Hanseline PTFE spray
Price 9.95 Euro (6.33 Euro)¹ >> available here
Available containers² Spray can 150 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 10 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 6 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 6 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ SUPER
Motorex Wet Protect
Price 17.90 Euro (5.96 Euro)¹
Available containers² Dropper bottle 56 ml/100 ml, spray can 300 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 10 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 6 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 6 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ SUPER
¹In brackets: Price per 100 ml ²If several containers are available, the tested size is marked in bold
The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super, very good, good, satisfactory, with weaknesses, unsatisfactory.
...
ALL LUBRICANTS WITH BIKE-TEST RATING VERY GOOD
Finish Line Ceramic Wax
Price 6.99 Euro (11.65 Euro)¹ >> available here
Available containers² Dropper bottle 60 ml/120 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 8 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 8 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 8 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ VERY GOOD
Dry Fluid High End chain lubricant
Price 18,90 Euro (37,80 Euro)¹ >> available here
Available containers² Dropper bottle 50 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 10 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 4 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 8 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 10 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ VERY GOOD
Rohloff Oil of Rohloff
Price 5,90 Euro (11,80 Euro)¹ >> available here
Available containers² Dropper bottle 50 ml/refill bottle 1 litre
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 10 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 8 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 4 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 10 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ VERY GOOD
F100 Dry lubricant
Price 11,99 Euro (11,99 Euro)¹ >> available here
Available containers² Spray can 100 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 10 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 8 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 4 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 6 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ VERY GOOD
Shimano PTFE Lube
Price 5.95 Euro (5.95 Euro)¹
Available containers² Dropper bottle 100 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 10 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 6 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 4 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 10 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ VERY GOOD
Muc-Off C3 Ceramic Lube
Price 14.95 Euro (29.90 Euro)¹ >> available here
Available containers² Dropper bottle 50 ml/120 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 8 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 4 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 10 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ VERY GOOD
F100 chain oil
Price 7,99 Euro (15,98 Euro)¹ >> available here
Available containers² Dropper bottle 50 ml/spray can 100 ml/300 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 10 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 4 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 4 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 10 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ VERY GOOD
Ballistol BikeCer
Price 7,50 Euro (7,50 Euro)¹ >> available here
Available containers² Spray can 100 ml/dripper bottle 65 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 6 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 8 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 6 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ VERY GOOD
Brunox top chain
Price 8,99 Euro
Available containers² Spray can 100 ml/400 ml/dripper bottle 100 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 6 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 8 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 6 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ VERY GOOD
¹In brackets: Price per 100 ml ²If several containers are available, the tested size is marked in bold
The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super, very good, good, satisfactory, with weaknesses, unsatisfactory.
...
ALL LUBRICANTS WITH A GOOD BIKE TEST RATING
Pedro's Ice Wax 2.0
Price 14,90 Euro (14,90 Euro)¹ >> available here
Available containers² Dropper bottle 100 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 6 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 4 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 10 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ GOOD
White Lightning Clean Ride
Price 10.99 Euro (9.16 Euro)¹
Available containers² Dropper bottle 120 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 4 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 6 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ GOOD
R.S.P. Red Oil
Price 5.95 Euro (11.98 Euro)¹>> available here
Available containers² Dropper bottle 50 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 6 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 6 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 6 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 10 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ GOOD
WD-40 all-weather chain spray
Price 8.95 Euro (3.58 Euro)¹
Available containers² Spray can 250 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 4 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 4 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ GOOD
Juice Lubes Chain Juice Wax
Price 9.95 Euro (7.65 Euro)¹
Available containers² Dropper bottle 130 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 4 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 6 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 8 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ GOOD
Innobike 107 Xtreme
Price 13.50 Euro (6.75 Euro)¹ >> available here
Available containers² Spray can with brush attachment 200 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 4 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 6 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 8 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ GOOD
Holmenkol Natural Bike Lube
Price 7.99 Euro (15.98 Euro)¹
Available containers² Dropper bottle 50 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 6 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 4 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 4 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 10 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ GOOD
Finish Line Teflon lubricant
Price 5.99 Euro (9.98 Euro)¹
Available containers² Dropper bottle 60 ml/120 ml/spray can 240/500 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 4 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 4 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 8 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ GOOD
Muc-Off Dry Lube
Price 5.95 Euro (11.90 Euro)¹ >> available here
Available containers² Spray can 50 ml/400 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 4 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 4 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 4 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ GOOD
¹In brackets: Price per 100 ml ²If several containers are available, the tested size is marked in bold
The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super, very good, good, satisfactory, with weaknesses, unsatisfactory.
...
ALL LUBRICANTS WITH A SATISFACTORY BIKE TEST RESULT
Atlantic chain grease
Price 7.95 Euro (5.30 Euro)¹ >> available here
Available containers² Spray can 150 ml/spray can 500 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 4 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 6 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 6 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 6 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ SATISFACTORY
Hanseline MTB Oil
Price 4.95 Euro (3.96 Euro)¹>> available here
Available containers² Dropper bottle 125 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 4 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 4 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 6 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 8 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ SATISFACTORY
WD-40 Chain Oil Wet
Price 9.95 Euro (9.95 Euro)¹
Available containers² Dropper bottle 100 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 4 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 6 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 4 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 8 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ SATISFACTORY
Ballistol Bike-X-Lube
Price 7,50 Euro (7,50 Euro)¹ >> available here
Available containers² Spray can 100 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 2 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 4 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 6 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ SATISFACTORY
Atlantic Oelzeuch
Price 4,90 Euro (9,80 Euro)¹ >> available here
Available containers² Dropper bottle 50 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 4 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 2 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 4 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 10 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ SATISFACTORY
Juice Lubes Chain Juice Ceramic
Price 9.95 Euro (7.65 Euro)¹
Available containers² Dropper bottle 130 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 2 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 4 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 4 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 8 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ SATISFACTORY
Pedro's Syn Lube
Price 10,90 Euro (10,90 Euro)¹ >> available here
Available containers² Dropper bottle 50/100 ml
RATING
Lubricity (50 %) 2 out of 10 points
Dirt adhesion (20 %) 4 out of 10 points
Creeping ability (20 %) 4 out of 10 points
Handling (10 %) 10 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement³ SATISFACTORY
¹In brackets: Price per 100 ml ²If several containers are available, the tested size is marked in bold
The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super, very good, good, satisfactory, with weaknesses, unsatisfactory.
You can read the complete lubricant test with all the test results and the entire BIKE 4/2016 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or in the DK shop reorder:
Stefan Frey
Editor
