By Rick Schultz, MBA, DBA
Squirt Long Lasting Dry Lube
MSRP: 120ml (4oz) $14.00
Source: Websites, Amazon
How Obtained: Manufacturer’s sample.
Summary: A thinner (liquid wax-based) formula that lasts 200 miles and doesn’t attract sand, dirt and grit.
HOT!
- Goes on quickly and easily, apply like you would regular chain lube.
NOT!
- Only about 1,000 miles more chain life than standard oil-based lubes.
SMOOVE Universal Chain Lube
MSRP: 125ml (4.25oz): $14.95
Source: Websites
How Obtained: Manufacturer’s sample.
Summary: A liquid wax-based lube that is thicker than SQUIRT and lasts 350+ miles.
HOT!
- The guys from SMOOVE recommend that the chain only be lubed every 600 miles!
NOT!
- So thick that the spout becomes clogged between lubes.
ProGold Lubricants ProLink Chain Lube
*compared to SQUIRT & SMOOVE
MSRP: 120ml (4oz) $11.00
Source: Websites, Amazon
How Obtained: Manufacturer’s sample.
Summary: A light viscosity liquid lubricant that dries quickly keeping the drivetrain clean. I re-apply every 100 miles.
HOT!
- The go-to lube that most cyclists use.
NOT!
- Need to re-apply a lot more frequently.
A while back, I did a very detailed chain and lube test. Fast-forward a couple years and let’s see how these lubes are holding up.
11-speed chains and name brand chain oils were tested for almost 5 years. For these conventional/oil-based lubes, I followed 5 rules for all tests;
- I used a new Ultegra chain.
- I used only one lube for each new chain, i.e., I used the same lube for the entire life of a chain.
- I applied lube every 200 miles (322 km) and recorded chain wear at each of these intervals.
- I cleaned the chain just prior to applying new lube.
- Rode the chain at a consistent high wattage.
All oil-based lubes lasted between 3,200 and 3,400 miles. Compared to these oil-based lubes, the wax-based Squirt adds about 1,400 miles to the chain. SMOOVE adds a phenomenal 124% more life to the chain … that’s about 2.25 X more chain life than with top-tier oil-based chain lubes.
This summary of findings still applies through today.
My ‘go-to’ lube is SMOOVE, but I need to keep a small nail nearby since the nozzle will be completely clogged prior to the next lube. As for price/performance, SQUIRT comes in second.
A Quick Word About GO, A Motorcycle Chain Lube by the Same Company as SQUIRT
GO is a motorcycle chain lube is from the same company that makes Squirt. GO is specially formulated for motorcycle chains with a very, very thick viscosity. GO can also be used on bicycle chains but, in my opinion, it is a little too thick. This lube is the only lube I use on my sport bike, since it doesn’t fling, a very important trait for motorcycle lubes.
I stopped using oil-based chain lubes on motorcycles after the first time I tried one. I washed my bike … spotless. Lubed the chain with a high-quality motorcycle oil-based chain-lube and went for a ride. When I got back, oil was thrown all over the rear of the bike, the swing arm, frame, rear wheel, rear tire, rear of the engine/transmission and all over me!
This was about the same time I found out about SQUIRT, and learned that the same company had another lube specifically designed for motorcycles.
Observations
GO has the viscosity that is thicker than a heavy-duty gear oil. GO is even thicker than SMOOVE. For best results on a motorcycle, I recommend applying right after a ride when the chain is still warm. Otherwise, it is so thick that it will just sit on top of a cold chain. Using this lube on my sport bike, I am getting 10,000+ miles out of a ‘520’ race chain and rear sprocket — which is pretty good for a Honda CBR1000RR. Conventional lubes yield less than half of that mileage. Reapply every 200 miles and when the chain is warm. Shake the bottle vigorously and have a paperclip nearby to unclog the hole at the end of the applicator.
Where can you buy Smoove lube? I can only find it in the UK.
You can buy it directly from Smoove here: https://smoovebikelube.com/products/smoove-universal-chainlube-bottle-125ml
And they have a few US dealers listed, but none of them have web addresses and only have contact email addresses.
http://www.smoovelube.com/dealers/
Strange test of chain lube when no reference is made as to how the chain was tested for longevity. Was it a simple measurement of the chain or was it when the shifting deteriorated? Also, what about the chart stating a oil based chain has to be cleaned every 200 miles? Does this mean taking the chain off and placing it in some kind of cleaner? I’ve been using the Progold for many years and I simply wipe the chain off and apply Progold. I get about 3000-3500 miles on a Shimano chain and 4500 miles on a Campy chain. Chains are a disposable part and to spend time trying to extend their life is time when you could be riding.
This is a long-term test update. Go to biketestreviews.com and look up original tests.
The CC-2 is not a very accurate measurement tool. The Shimano CN42 is a more accurate tool because it isolates pin wear. Perhaps use one on the next test.
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How about:
Regular motor oil ?
Gear oil?
Chain saw bar oil?
I’ve been using a home-brewed combination of the three. Works fine.
s.
I have used Dumondetech for years on road and MTB any thougts on this brand. It really seems to last and quiets down the drivetrain.
I have used Dumondetech for years on road and MTB any thoughts on this brand. It really seems to last and quiets down the drivetrain.
I’m using Boeshield T-9 that was featured in one of your videos. It lasts for at least 300 miles and keeps the chain clean.
White Lightening is the best. Why didn’t you test it too ?
I’m a White Lightning guy. I ride Campy chains, so it’s not strictly interchangeable metrics, but … I was doi 9000 to 10,000 miles each chain on my 9-speed setup. Replaced at 3/4 wear on chain length measurement. So far, my 11-speed chains have lasted 12,000 to 15,000 miles.
I tested Pro-Link at the strong urging of compatriots. When I first tested for length, it was already shot at ~2000 miles. At the time, I had two 9-speed setups and both were wiped out in the 2000-2500 mile range. Had to replace cassettes with the chains because both had stretched too far in remarkably short mileage.
I live in Arizona, so water is not much of an issue. Re-apply White Lightning after even the slightest water exposure.
I’ve been using Rock’n’Roll lube for a few years. It very quietly came in 2nd or 3rd on a chain lube test Velonews did a few years ago. Chain wear is good (probably the same as Squirt), but the drivetrain is absolutely silent with it.
Chains wear out because they stretch that’s why when new chain is installed it’s not not compatable with the cassette. Personally I use a go-no-go gauge and change the chain when it’s 3/4. worn. I never need to buy a new cassette. Personally I use Muck Off if it’good enough for team SKY it’s good enough for me.
IMHO Chains do not stretch – the pins wear causing the links to become a tad loose -thus causing the chain to get longer. Thanks
Graham
Thanks for the feedback. What is IMHO?
I have used paraffin wax since 1982. The good news, is that it keeps the drivetrain clean, so, I get many thousands of miles usage from my chainrings and cogs.
The bad news; will not hold up well in rainy, wet conditions. I reside in southern California, and before that in the Phoenix, Az. area, so wet was not much of an issue. Not so sure I would use this if I lived in Seattle.
Also, although I can go from 700 to 1,000 miles of usage before having to clean and “cook” my chain in the melted (liquid condition) of the paraffin; IT is time consuming and more labor intensive than just applying the liquid type waxes that most folks use.
Nevertheless, I am happy with paraffin, and continue to use the product on my bikes, and have for the past 36 years.
I have been using Rock and Roll Gold for two years now, and I find it is the best I have ever used for lubrication. Chain stays clean, and I get many miles out of an application. I was surprised to NOT see this product in your list.
According to testing by Jason Smith of CeramicSpeed and Friction Facts, Squirt is among the fastest, if not the fastest, bicycle chain lube there is. Chain wear and application intervals are separate issues. I do not know if Smoove was tested.
My favorite is NixFrixShun http://www.nixfrixshun.com/nixfrixshun-ultimate-bicycle-chainlube/
I notice you clean the chain every time you lube. I have done similar experiments and went to the trouble of building a chain cleaner that does a super job and is left overnight to work, so the chain is immaculate. That said, cleaning the chain every 200 miles (every 8-10 days) is a lot of time invested for a $25 chain. I generally use a small brush to knock off the little wax balls and just add lubricant. Additional mileage was less, but similar to yours using Squirt.
The only thing more personal it seems than saddles is chain lube choice.
Well said! No. 3 on the list would be energy/rehydration/body fuels.