Three most important requirements of a chain lubricant:
Lubrication
Lubrication
and Lubrication
While properties like external cleanliness may seem important, the fact is
that internal wear of the 112 overloaded, overworked and overlooked
bearings is what destroys chains. A road cyclist, riding first-tier equipment, will typically wear a chain out in as little as 50* hours of use -- often destroying the cassette or chainrings in the process. On a high-end bike, drivetrain wear is the most expensive maintenance cost per mile.
That’s why, when developing Chain-L, we approached is as a bearing-
wear problem and formulated it consistent with our theory of how chains
wear and how best to combat it. We then road tested with racers,
messengers, shop staff and others; refining it over the span of
almost a year before we began selling to the public in the fall of 2007.
Rather than bore you with sales hype or smoke and mirrors, we prefer to
follow the old adage that the “proof of the pudding is in the eating”
and encourage you to give it a try and see for yourself if Chain-L is
something you should be using.
Submitted by
hootsmon
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane, QLD, Australia Date Reviewed: November 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Frogmouth Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$12.00
Purchased At:
By mail order from C
Strengths:
After trialling Chain-L lube for ~12 months:
* Noticeably reduced chain-wear (measured as 'chain-stretch')
* Minimal signs of wear on the chainrings or cassette.
Weaknesses:
No a big deal, but this lube works best when applied regularly, and according to the instructions.
Similar Products Used:
Tri-Flow, mineral oil
Bike Setup:
Paragon 29er
Bottom Line:
I ride quite a LOT of kms (mainly hilly commuting, plus bush-bashing whenever time permits). As a moderately strong pedaller, I know that chains & drivetrains can wear out fast, without good maintainance. Hence I'm a bit fanatical about maintenance.
The bottom line is I reckon Chain-L is the best commercial chain-lube that I've tried.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
argnof
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise ID Date Reviewed: October 21, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Way smooth, versatile, long lasting even in slop. Big time antirust. Only a few grams needed even on bikepacking trips. Cheap/application. Reduces chain noise. Better shifting.
Weaknesses:
Nothing signifigant. The smell. Not as clean as RNR but close enough.
Similar Products Used:
Rock n Roll Extreme, Triflow, Maxima Chain Wax, Slick 50 One Lube.
Bottom Line:
I'm in love. One of the best lubes on the planet, and the best I've tried so far. Noticeably better shifting over Rock n Roll extreme, quieter, and longer lasting. I drag one big drop across each link, which works perfectly and assures I can lube at LEAST 150 times w/ 4 oz bottle. Maybe double. Don't know. I don't recommend just laying it down. This is great because I don't worry about conserving lube, I just lube when I feel like it. Keeping it clean is easy, just wipe every coupla mountain rides. My chains stays shiny for a few days after usually. It's actually a pretty clean lube. I estimate about 300 miles per lube (mixed town / dusty desert mountain) or about three weeks of my own riding. I can best describe the smoothness factor as warm butter on a fat baby's butt, although not truly slick. Smooooth, kinda slick, but not way slick.
Chain-l seems to provide a good bit of protection against shock loading the chain, like when you slam the crank forward when accelerating hard. I can feel a bit of cush vs. RNR Extreme. Even though RNR extreme is truly excellent, I'd call chain l superb and I can't go back or bring myself to experiment with anything else.
Francis (the man behind the lube) tells me CL is made in part from sythetics, which I understand have some degree of natural solvency- and apparently my chain is being cleaned from the inside out as I ride. Curious, after the first 300 miles or so, I pushed a pin out of my chain and removed the roller and pushed the side plate out of the way. Very clean, no glazing or gunk. I could see just a little lube on the roller but the side plates were getting dry so this is how I figured on about 300 miles interval. I think maybe they claim 1000 miles but I don't think that's realistic, as I ride mostly in dry conditions. Could've pushed it a little more but I want my chain in top shape.
I store my bike outside, and it once rained on my bike for nearly 48 hours. If I wasn't riding (10 miles over two days), my bike was outside in the rain. No rust, and still ok after things dried up. Before the rain, I rode about a week in the dry. Nice. Rock n Roll can't do that.
I also put a few drops in my freehub after cleaning it out, (this was about six weeks ago)as chain l is about the right viscosity for this. I like it alot, its very smooth and my freehub has gotten quieter and quieter since. Now it's almost TOTALLY silent, and we're talking about a generic taiwanese unit! Francis warns not to use it for this below 20 degrees f, but I've ridden down to freezing w/ no problems at all even when climbing. I'd bet you could even use it as an emergency grease substitute in the woods to get you home.
Coupla downsides:
1) The smell. I caught a whiff or two on a hot uphill ride with a freshly lubed chain but not too strong. You shouldn't smell anything after the first dirty wipe.
2) Not good for cables. RNR extreme is excellent for this.
CL is okay for tire pumps but RNR is way better.
Overall, my new fave. The best I've used.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dad Man Walking
a Cross Country Rider
from South Bay Area, California Date Reviewed: September 27, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$12.00
Purchased At:
direct from Francis
Strengths:
Long lasting, and the chain stays shiny clean with fast wipe-down between rides. I was using other lubes (every commerical one out there, plus home-brew) on the "apply after every ride" schedule. This product is lube-and-forget for a lot of riding...when you start to hear the chain running, it's time to re-apply like with other products but that is (for me) 6-8 rides, not every ride or every other ride when I get lazy.
Weaknesses:
It's not "drizzle on/wipe off" convenient...you need to start with a clean chain and do it properly. But it's worth it, because you don't do it nearly as often and there is no excess product slopping around the bike to mess things up.
Similar Products Used:
You name it...from old-school hot paraffin and home brew to the "dry" and "wet" petroleum and paraffin suspensions, I'll try anything once.
Bike Setup:
Yes, it is, thank you
Bottom Line:
The real deal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
prosailortim
a Weekend Warrior
from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA USA Date Reviewed: September 16, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Many
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$12.00
Purchased At:
From Vendor
Strengths:
Lube works great, need to review after further use an some experimentation.
If anyone is a gear head you'll know what this product smells like, 90W gear oil. It also has the same viscosity as 90W gear oil. I'd guarantee that this product is mainly gear oil, maybe it has some additives thrown in. I'll be doing an experiment using some gear oil as a lube on my chain to see if their is any noticeable differences between the two.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
toothpuller
a Cross Country Rider
from Flushing, NY, USA Date Reviewed: September 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Cunningham Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$12.00
Purchased At:
Pedros Fest
Strengths:
Stays put, renews the vigor left in an old chain. Buttery smooth.
Weaknesses:
You must follow the directions to get the maximum performance of the product. It is thick which is different than many of the thin lubes I was used to using. Apply it by turning the chain s....l...o...w...l...y.
Similar Products Used:
Pedros Syn lube, Finish Line XC, Pedros Ice Wax, White Lightning, Purple Extreme
Bike Setup:
Titus Racer X w/Reba set at 100mm. WTB Laserdisc hubs and rims, SRAM XO, XT Cassette, XT Chain. Truvativ chainrings and crankset
Bottom Line:
Imagine butter for a chain. Imagine a chain so buttery that when you pedal it you want to eat it because it feels so damn good underfoot. That is the best way to describe how my chain feels after one single application of the Chain-L product. This is by far the best lube I have ever used in 16 years of mountain biking. The thinner lubes weren't cutting it for our Northeast riding which can range from dry and dusty during the doldrums of summer to wet and muddy during the spring and fall races. I recently rode in some muddy and damp conditions and not once did I ever have any chainsuck or squeaking from the chain. This lube works and works well. It is way worth it. The other lubes in my collection I use now to oil my car doors or squeaky hinges but I wouldn't dare use them on my bicycle. 5 flaming turds for value and performance, simply outstanding in both categories.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
javelina1
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: August 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere in Arizona!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$12.00
Purchased At:
From Francis @ Chain
Strengths:
Great lube, quiet, works better than any wax I've used. Chain stays clean, (which surprises me for all the dust here in AZ).
Literally the best lube I've come across, ever. Francis has whipped up a miracle lube. My chain is whisper quiet now! incredible stuff. Honest, I never knew my bike could be so quiet. awesome stuff, great job Francis!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Airhammer
a Cross Country Rider
from New York Date Reviewed: July 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Blue Mountain Reservation
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$12.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Renaissance
Strengths:
Best Lube on the Market. Allows the chain to run incredibly smoothly and quietly. Lubricates longer than any other lube I have tried (and I have tried a LOT over 20 years)
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
White Lightning ( all versions ), Rock and Roll, Triflow ( wet and rey ), Pedros Syn Lube, Pedros Ice Wax, Boeshield T9, FInish Line and a bunch of other stuff I have probably forgotten about either because they were forgettable or terrible.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Perp with Saint, Cannondale Prophet with Sram X9, Cannondale Beast of the East with XT, Santa Cruz Chameleon with XO
Bottom Line:
This is the best lubricant I have ever used in my many years as being a cyclist. One of the issues I have with most wax type lubes is that they do not lubricate well. They coat the chain with wax which keeps it dry but that doesnt lubricate the metal or the bushings in the chain well at all.
Dry lubes will lubricate better but they will not lubricate as long. They will also help keep the chain clean, however in the northeast where it rains a lot I find myself lubricating a lot to make sure the chain stays lubed.
Chain-L lubricates much better and longer. I have found my chain runs much quieter. When you hear you chain running loudly that means you have metal running on metal which means your chain is wearing out much quicker in addition I lube less frequently.
I would recommend this lube to anyone who rides a bike. Racer, Downhiller, Commuter whatever. It is the only lube that I will use now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dekindy
a Weekend Warrior
from Fishers, IN USA Date Reviewed: June 19, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
free sample from Ser
Strengths:
Great lubrication, quiet operation, and chain stays much cleaner.
Weaknesses:
Some say the smell. I did not particularly notice it.
Similar Products Used:
Dumonde Tech
Bike Setup:
Serotta Legend with Ultegra
Bottom Line:
I just recently learned about this product. I was contemplating changing lubricants because my Dumonde Tech chain was always black and dirty. Now there is only a very light black film after a ride that wipes off quickly and easily. I am sold and will buy some when my sample runs out.
And you have got to love the name!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Omb1
a Cross Country Rider
from Quebec Date Reviewed: June 3, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$12.00
Purchased At:
www.Chain-L.com
Strengths:
Makes the drivetrain totally silent, improves shifting, durable, doesn't collect much dirt and easy to clean.
Weaknesses:
The smell, but everything else makes up for it.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Moded Opus Artemis '08
Bottom Line:
I've been looking for the perfect chain oil for a long time, i've used prolink because i like my drivetrain clean. But it's a pain to use, it takes 8 hours to dry and last only 1 or 2 rides or wear off even when your not on the bike. So i ran out of prolink and decided i'd give Chain-L a try. I've bought two 4oz bottles. I've followed instructions, cleaned the chain and let it dry for the night. Next day i warmed the Chain-L bottle with hot tap water and applied it to chain, waited 20 minutes and wiped it good 5 times before i put it back on bike. The first thing i noticed is how smooth and silent the drivetrain was, it was like floating on cloud. i would just zoom past people and they would jump off their feet because they wouldn't hear me coming. It improved the shifting alot too, it would collect a bit of sand but really easy to wipe off with a cloth after each ride. I don't think i'll ever use anything else ever again and i've ordered another 3 bottles so it last me for years.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fran
a Racer
from Venezuela Date Reviewed: May 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
no preference
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Directly from Franci
Strengths:
It´s extremely durable, more durable than the finish line wet lube, dry lube, motorcycle wax, prolink and any other lube out there that could claim to be the best of the best in all conditions.
Weaknesses:
None so far...
Similar Products Used:
all the listed above
Bike Setup:
RM element 70.
Bottom Line:
First of all the attention to detail of Francis is amazing. He does make sure that you do understand ALL the steps to properly apply it (not that they are complicated, but they need to be done perfectly to enjoy the product the way it was meant to be).
After your first muddy or dusty ride, I just took a toothbrush and cleaned fast the chain to keep the dust away and voila, an inner lubed chain that didn´t look messy or nasty and works as you have just applied the lube...simply amazing, that´s something so SIMPLE that just a chain lube could bring so much security against competition in hard racing conditions. I don´t have to worry about chainsuck due to poor lube under nasty rains or heavy clouds of dust...
Also, forget about cleaning your chain or bike after every ride...I just cleaned everything up, because of the chain, the max amount of time that I was with a "lubed" chain was 2 rides...now, more than 5 rides and the chain still hangs up...
IMHO it´s a very well made product, of a man that just want to sell it and it worth every penny...believe me...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nitty gritty
a Cross Country Rider
from croton on hudson Date Reviewed: May 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
my favorite trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
Down Cycles
Strengths:
Improves shifts, quites your drive train, lessens wear, and increases speed do to less friction.
Weaknesses:
You need to know how to apply and maintain this product.
Similar Products Used:
I've never used a chain lube that works as good as this product.
This chain lube works so well that I felt I had to write this positive review. My last product review was over five years ago for a Core Rat Jacket (by the way is still holding up). Chain L lube is a secret weapon. You will actually ride faster and cut down lap times if you use this lube on your chain! Just be sure to follow the directions and wipe your chain down after a ride. Also apply to a clean chain and let it soak in overnight. I apply new lube every 5th or 6th ride. It will attract dirt on the outside, but the dirt will not penetrate the bearings and the lube doesn't gunk or build up on the chainrings. I'm very pleased with this product!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
The Spork
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario Date Reviewed: April 24, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Free Sample from Fra
Strengths:
Great lube that really lasts - makes everything run very quietly. Any crud that does get on the chain wipes off very easily.
Weaknesses:
Slow application - but I'd rather being doing that than watching TV or doing the dishes.
Similar Products Used:
Pedro's, Finish Line
Bike Setup:
07 GF Wahoo - Complete SLX Drivetrain.
Bottom Line:
Excellent lube.
Seems to last forever. I have at least 10 godd rides on the latest application and the drivetrain is still whisper quiet. I just give everything a good wipe after every ride and it's good to go.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dirthead
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: April 13, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Hawes, National, Templeton (Sedona)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Chain-L.com
Strengths:
Long lasting, attracts less dirt and dust than any other lubes I've tried
Weaknesses:
Messy application if you can't remove the chain
Similar Products Used:
Prolink, Dumonde Tech, Various Waxes and dry lubes
Bike Setup:
Sworks Epic, XTR/XO, SLR, Maxxis Larsen TT
Bottom Line:
The dust in Phoenix is horrible and really eats away at the drive train components. I've used Prolink for years and it's the best I had found until trying Chain-L. With Prolink, I would get under 1.5 hours of ride time, before needed to relube. With Chain-L, I get a minimum of 3 hours, sometimes more. Even though it's very thick and stringy on application, it really doesn't attract as much dust as the "dry" lubes.
If you use an Sram chain with a powerlink, remove it to apply. If you can't, make sure you clean the cassette, chainrings, and derailleurs before hitting the road or trail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Captain Dondo, Retired
a Cross Country Rider
from Putney, VT USA Date Reviewed: March 30, 2009
Favorite Trail:
I don't want the others to get jealous
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$12.00
Purchased At:
West Hill Shop, Verm
Strengths:
Hangs in there through Vermont mud, snow, slush, dust, and my redneck penchant for neglectful bike maintenance.
Weaknesses:
Smells like the part of New Jersey near the oil storage tanks off I-95.
Similar Products Used:
Uh, Pedro's SynLube (the old school stuff) and maybe Phil Tenacious Oil, but this penetrates better than Phil's and lasts longer than Pedro's
Bike Setup:
'96 Serotta Colorado Ti w/XTR that's probably considered vintage now, plus a 2006 Specialized Enduro Comp SL and an '88 Ibis Custom
Bottom Line:
I've never been terribly brand loyal about chain lube. I figure it's better to lube than not to lube and the rest is just BS. Chain-L is magic stuff, though. I left my Ibis out under the eaves after a snow race for two months and the chain rusted solid. I gobbered it up with Chain-L, just in case it might make a difference, and forgot about it for another week or so. Came back and had maybe two tight links I twisted free easily and the surface rust was gone. That's just gravy, though. I live with 21 teenage boys in a dormitory and kept their bikes operational through a Vermont winter with one or two applications of the stuff per month. Just be sure to wipe the excess off the outside of the chain after you let it sit overnight and it won't turn into a carbon snake, like some synthetic lubes do to my chains. One bottle got me through the whole winter for seven or eight bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dan0
a Cross Country Rider
from New Hampshire Date Reviewed: March 29, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Carr Ridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$12.00
Purchased At:
direct
Strengths:
lasts, quiet
Weaknesses:
a little messy at first
Similar Products Used:
most
Bike Setup:
Rip9 xtr, spec.Enduro sworks, SurlyPugsley
Bottom Line:
I was skeptical, I posted against it, but they offered me a sample to try. Well, crow tastes like crap. This stuff is for real, best Ive used and Ive used them all
just follow the directions, you'll need to wipe off the chain a couple of times but you will only need to re lube a fraction of the amount you used to
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
trailsend
a Racer
from virginia Date Reviewed: March 28, 2009
Favorite Trail:
many
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$12.00
Purchased At:
Trail's End Cycling
Strengths:
This really is the best lube we have ever used. It is all we use in our shop. We've tested it on road, mountain, DH, cross, kids bikes and BMX. Long time mechanics feel the difference the moment it is applied.
Weaknesses:
none, but some will find it to be a bit messy if you don't wipe off the excess thoroughly.
Similar Products Used:
nothing is really similar, but all Pedros, Rock n Roll, White lightning etc etc etc
Bike Setup:
Pinarello Prince record 11, Sworks SL2 red, record and chorus.Rocky MTN flatline pro, saint. Stolen Cheater, Fuse 3, Rocky mtn Altitude 50, Sworks SJ fsr xtr and many more.
Bottom Line:
Get it. It works. It works well. Every other lube in our shop is sitting on the shelf with dust on them. The Chain L sells out so fast there is no time for dust to settle!
It is dirty. It is lube that will protect your drivetrain investment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
stduoo7
a Weekend Warrior
from Trois-rivieres Date Reviewed: March 27, 2009
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$12.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Last longer, quiet drive train
Weaknesses:
for me none so far, i ride on pavement
Similar Products Used:
Pedro's
Bike Setup:
High performence hybride bike
Bottom Line:
Last at least 700 to 800 kilometers before i hear the chain sreaming for a lube ... i lube it before going to bed and wipe the excess at the morning ... and ready to go ... for another 800 kilometers ... best bang for the buck's at 12$.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frs1661
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester NY Date Reviewed: March 27, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Weaknesses:
Kind of finicky to proper application.
Similar Products Used:
White Lightning, Tri flow XC green 'wet' lube.
Bottom Line:
Stood up to my wettest winter riding and muddy spring riding with extremely infrequent reapplication. Nice not to have to reapply my old wax lube every ride. Good stuff, just make sure you follow the application directions! Doesn't seem to attract dirt like the Green 'wet' XC stuff did.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mojavehanna
a Cross Country Rider
from Las Vegas, NV. USA Date Reviewed: March 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$11.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
This stuff lubes great, lasts a long time, and runs quiet. Seems to me to be a good value too.
Weaknesses:
Tends to develop "gunk" on inside of chain plates and deraileur rollers.
Similar Products Used:
Ive used them all.
Bike Setup:
Giant Trance
Bottom Line:
The stuff works if you follow the directions. You need to keep the product inside the chain to keep the gunk from building up so proper application and frequent wipe downs are essential in dusty conditions. I ride in the dustiest conditions imaginable so I know what I'm talking about here. When the drivetrain is clean and ChainL is applied properly the bike runs and shifts very smooth and quietly, way better than the wax lubes that I've used in the past that stay relatively clean but dont really lubricate the chain.
I went from needing a wax lube after every ride to lubing and wiping everything clean once a week (4 - 5 rides). There is no "fling off" of the product onto other parts of the bike, it stays put.
The $11.00 bottle is pretty large, since you need to use this stuff very sparingly it should last a long time. So 5 chilis for value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
doccoraje
a Cross Country Rider
from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico Date Reviewed: March 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Piedra Balanceada
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Chain-L direct
Strengths:
Long lasting lubing action.
Weaknesses:
Chain picks up dirt more than with regular lubes.
Similar Products Used:
Finish Line, Pedro's, White Lightning
Bike Setup:
Litespeed Sewanee custom.
Bottom Line:
I received a sample for testing, I ordered inmediately a full size bottle after, I was re-lubing my drivetrain after two or three rides in dry weather, with Chain-L after 6 or 7. In wet rides also doubles the lubing interval. Buy it if you like a silent drivetrain and don't mind your chain looking dirty in the outside.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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