My bicycle has been a loyal companion on countless adventures. I’ve discovered that chain lubrication plays a pivotal role in boosting performance and reducing wear.
Some riders have found creative ways to keep their chains running smoothly, so I’ll explore alternatives and their benefits or drawbacks.
The methods I’ll list below have proven effective in situations I didn’t have chain lube and are excellent alternatives. Let’s go through them together, shall we?
1. Motor Oil
I recall an old cycling buddy who swore by a mixture of motor oil and mineral spirits. He claimed it was cheap and easy to find, which is certainly true.
Motor oil is everywhere, and combining it with mineral spirits in a 50/50 blend can help with penetration before the spirits evaporate. A thin film of oil remains behind, offering lubrication for a while.
I have tried it on a spare bike during warm weather, and it did keep my chain from squeaking. However, motor oil was originally meant for engines operating at higher temperatures than anything a bicycle chain faces.
The viscosity can be a bit too heavy for my liking. When I used it on dusty trails, grime stuck to the links and sprockets more than usual. That led to a noisy drivetrain after a short distance.
Regular wiping helped, but it felt like a temporary fix that demanded ongoing maintenance.
- Accessible at most auto shops and garages
- Inexpensive
- Blending it with mineral spirits can ease application
- Potentially attracts large amounts of dirt
- Meant for hotter environments than a bike chain experiences
- Requires constant cleaning and reapplication
2. Household Oils (Olive Oil, Vegetable Oil)
Every so often, friends ask if common kitchen oils are worth a try. Emergencies sometimes require improvisation, so I won’t dismiss a creative spirit. At one point, I experimented with olive oil out of curiosity.
I had run out of bike lube and wanted to see if I could get by for a few rides. It did reduce squeaks for a short time, but it also collected dust like a magnet.
There’s a reason commercial lubes are formulated with more than just an edible oil base. Another factor is the tendency of vegetable-based oils to degrade quickly. They can gum up and leave a residue that’s difficult to wash away.
- Readily available in most kitchens
- Better than nothing in a pinch
- Attracts large amounts of dirt
- Prone to getting sticky
- Hard to clean and breaks down quickly
3. WD-40
Most folks keep a can of WD-40 around for squeaky doors or rusty hinges. It’s a recognized brand with many practical applications and it can serve as a great gif for bikers. I recall using the classic WD-40 on my chain one rainy day, mostly out of desperation.
It helped displace moisture and quieted the drivetrain, but that effect didn’t last long. Classic WD-40 does a good job cleaning and preventing rust in short spurts, though it isn’t designed as a dedicated chain lubricant.
I ended up having to apply it more often than I liked. Some people mention its bike-specific products, which I have tried and found more suitable, but the multipurpose spray alone isn’t ideal for extended mileage.
- Accessible and good at displacing water
- Can offer short-term friction reduction
- Handy for cleaning
- Not built to endure the mechanical stress on chains
- Wears off quickly, especially in harsh conditions
- Bike-specific WD-40 products are much better for chain care than the original formula
4. Chain Saw Bar Oil
Chainsaw bar & chain oil on bike’s chain ?
byu/cantbelieveitsbacon inMTB
I got curious about chain saw bar oil after talking to a neighbor who maintains his own forestry equipment. He insisted that bar oil is made to cling to chains under demanding conditions.
I decided to give it a whirl on my mountain bike. True enough, it sticks quite well, and I noticed fewer squeaks, even on gritty terrain. On the flip side, it’s thick and can grab every speck of dirt within reach.
After a few days of riding, my chain looked downright grimy. Applying it with a gentle hand can solve part of the problem. Excess must be wiped off thoroughly, or the drivetrain becomes a mess.
Some people love the durability and tackiness it offers, so I won’t rule it out entirely.
- Clings well to moving parts
- Effective in preventing squeaks
- Offers a long-lasting lubricating film
- Attracts debris and turns chains filthy
- Requires diligent cleanup
- May be overkill for casual riding
5. Wax-Based Lubricants
A friend of mine tried paraffin wax on his chain, and I was skeptical at first. Then I read about modern wax-based formulas, which are popular among riders who want a tidy drivetrain.
Some come in a liquid form that dries to a smooth coating, while others involve melting solid wax and completely immersing the chain. I like how wax-based lubes repel dirt.
My chain remains remarkably clean, even after weeks of road and trail rides. Reapplication can be more frequent than oil-based lubes, especially under wet conditions.
Yet there’s something satisfying about having less grime to wipe away. Heating wax can be time-consuming, although certain brands now provide simpler solutions that only need a drip application.
- Cleanliness is a major advantage
- Reduces friction without leaving a sticky residue
- Perfect for riders who prioritize a spotless drivetrain
- Might need more frequent reapplications
- Melting or thorough cleaning can be a hassle
- Can wash off faster in very wet conditions
Key Considerations
Below are some thoughts on picking a chain lubricant outside the usual offerings. I’ve made choices that fit my riding patterns, and I hope these insights can help others.
- Dirt Accumulation: Oil-based products often attract dust, sand, and grit, leading to faster drivetrain wear. A quick wipe-down after every ride does wonders for extending component life.
- Frequency of Application: Certain alternatives, like WD-40 or household oil, wear off sooner than specialized products. Regular reapplication is crucial when using those.
- Riding Environment: Wet conditions can wash away certain lubricants. Bar oil might cling better in sloppy weather, but it also collects more grit. A rider logging miles in dry conditions may prefer wax-based formulas for their cleanliness.
- Cleaning Routine: Any alternative choice demands consistent cleaning. Gummy or dirty buildup can create drag on the drivetrain and shorten its lifespan. Even with wax-based approaches, persistent maintenance remains important.
Final Thoughts
I’m all for resourcefulness when it comes to caring for my bicycle. Motor oil, household oils, WD-40, and chain saw bar oil can help in specific circumstances, but I prefer products tailored to my riding routine.
Wax-based blends provide a neat solution if a bit more prep work is acceptable. My final advice is to keep the chain as spotless as possible, apply lubrication with intention, and use an approach that suits the environment.
