Bike chain degreaser and lubricant: which to choose (dry, wet, wax)

The drivetrain is the part that wears out fastest — and best returned by good maintenance. Chain, cassette, and chainrings cost a lot to replace; a few euros of well-chosen products postpone the day and improve efficiency. Still, you need the right degreaser + lubricant duo.

Degrease before lubricating

Lubricating a dirty chain sticks grime inside the links: it wears faster. A degreaser (or a bath for deep cleaning) removes old lubricant and abrasives. Dry well before relubrifying.

The three lubricant families

• Dry (dry) : for dry, dusty weather. It attracts little dirt, but washes away in rain — reapply often.
• Wet (wet) : for rain and winter. It lasts long and protects from corrosion, but attracts dust (dirtier drivetrain).
• Wax (wax, liquid or immersion) : ultra-clean drivetrain and good efficiency, but requires a perfectly degreased chain from the start and regular reapplication.

Choice depends on your dominant weather: dry in summer, wet in winter, wax for efficiency and cleanliness purists.

The method that lasts

1. Degrease, rinse, dry.
2. Apply lubricant link by link, one drop per roller.
3. Spin the drivetrain, then wipe excess (surplus attracts grime).

How long between two lubrications

By sound and touch: a dry chain squeaks and speeds wear. In intensive use or after rain, relubrificate often. Check chain wear with a gauge and replace on time to spare cassette and rings (much more expensive).

Our recommendation

• Summer / dry : degreaser + dry lubricant.
• Winter / rain : degreaser + wet lubricant.
• Max efficiency : switch to wax, on new degreased chain.

Unsure about drivetrain wear or the right interval for your mileage? The L'Atelier assistant answers on your setup.