Bicycle chains wear as grit works into the rollers and pins. The goal of chain care is simple: keep grit out, keep a thin film of lubricant in, and replace the chain before it stretches enough to wear the cassette. These steps are general. Your bike’s manual and the chain manufacturer’s instructions come first.
When to service the chain
- After wet or muddy rides, once the bike is home.
- When the chain looks dry, grey or noisy.
- On a regular miles-based habit if you ride often in dry conditions.
Clean, then lube
- Shift to a mid-gear so you can turn the pedals with the rear wheel off the ground, or hang the bike in a stand.
- Wipe the chain with a clean rag while backpedaling. For a deeper clean, use a bike chain cleaner tool or degreaser made for bicycle chains, then rinse and let it dry fully.
- Apply lubricant to the inside of the chain (the rollers) while backpedaling so each link gets a drop. Use a product intended for bicycle chains.
- Let it sit a few minutes, then wipe the outside of the plates thoroughly. Excess lube on the outside collects dirt.
- Check chain wear with a chain-wear gauge at regular intervals, and replace the chain when the gauge says it’s due so you don’t wear out the cassette early.
Wet and dry conditions
Dry, dusty routes favor a lighter lubricant and a careful wipe so dust doesn’t stick. Wet gravel and winter road spray favor a lubricant that resists water, with more frequent cleaning afterward. In both cases, a dirty chain wiped and re-lubed is better than a chain buried in paste.
Motorcycle chains are a different design and usually take a different product; see motorcycle winter storage for layup notes that include chain care on bikes with engines.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I lube a bicycle chain?
After wet or dirty rides, and whenever the chain looks dry or sounds rough. Regular riders often wipe and lube on a fixed miles habit in dry weather.
Should I oil the outside of the chain until it drips?
No. Lubricate the rollers, then wipe the outside plates clean. Extra oil on the outside throws off and attracts grit.
Can I use motor oil or WD-style sprays on a bike chain?
Use a lubricant made for bicycle chains. Heavy oils and many household sprays attract dirt or lack the film bicycle chains need.
AMSOIL product that lists bicycle chains
- AMSOIL Semi-Synthetic Bar and Chain Oil. AMSOIL’s highlights state it is “ideal for chainsaws and bicycle chains,” with a “tacky formula” and “anti-wear additives” for bar-and-chain applications. Read the label for application directions, and wipe excess off the outside of the chain so it doesn’t throw onto the wheel.
Product wording above is quoted or summarized from amsoil.com. Read each product’s label and data sheet for directions.
AMSOIL Chain Lube is marketed for motorcycle chains and sprockets; this page sticks to the product that AMSOIL explicitly lists for bicycle chains. For other AMSOIL products, see AMSOIL’s official lookup guide.