The Complete Guide to Bicycle Chain Maintenance: Lubes, Cleaners, and Tools Explained

Keeping your bike chain clean and well-lubricated is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to extend the life of your drivetrain and ensure a smooth, efficient ride. Whether you’re commuting daily, riding trails on the weekend, or logging serious kilometres on the road, proper maintenance makes a noticeable difference.

Why Chain Maintenance Matters

A dirty or dry chain wears out faster, runs less efficiently, and can even damage other components like your cassette and chainrings. Regular maintenance reduces resistance, improves shifting, and cuts down on unnecessary wear and tear.

How Often Should You Clean and Lube Your Chain?

As a general rule:

Clean and lube your chain every 150–250km in dry conditions
Clean more frequently in wet, gritty, or off-road conditions
Always reapply lube after riding in the rain or through water crossings

If your drivetrain sounds noisy, feels sluggish, or looks filthy, it’s time for a clean.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Chain

Use a bike-specific degreaser to break down old grime (e.g. Zefal Bike All-in-1 or Zefal Bike Wash Cleaning Agent)
Scrub with proper brushes like the Zefal Brush Bundle or the IceToolz Tyre and Sprocket Cleaning Brush Set
Rinse and wipe down thoroughly
Allow the chain to dry completely before reapplying lubricant

Choosing the Right Chain Lube

Different riding conditions require different lubricants:

Wax-based lubes like Squirt Chain Wax are clean-running and ideal for dry conditions
Wet lubes like Armor All Wet Lube are best in rain and mud but attract more dirt
All-purpose options like Zefal E-Bike All Conditions Chain Lube offer balanced performance

If you’re riding an eBike, consider lubes specifically formulated for the extra torque and load, such as Squirt Chain Wax for eBikes or Finish Line e-Bike Chain Lube.

Workshop Options for Heavy Use

For those with multiple bikes or running a workshop setup, larger quantities make sense:

These offer better value and reduce waste.

Essential Tools to Keep On Hand

Zefal Bike 3 Brush Set – covers all angles
Zefal Disc Brake Cleaner – keeps your braking surface contaminant-free
Zefal Pro 2 Grease – perfect for bearing and bolt interfaces

Final Tips

Avoid over-lubing; a light, even coating is enough
Always wipe off excess lube after application
Clean before relubing to avoid grit buildup

Recommended Maintenance Products

Explore our full Bicycle Maintenance category for a curated range of lubes, brushes, degreasers and workshop tools to keep your bike in top condition.

Maintaining your chain doesn’t need to be complicated – with the right products and a little consistency, you’ll enjoy a quieter, smoother ride and get more life out of your components.