Lubricant Cost To Run

Compare the efficiency and long-term cost of different bicycle chain lubricants.

Lubricant Details

Bottle Price ($)

Bottle Size (ml)

ml per Application

km per Application

Annual Riding (km)

km/yr

Economic Efficiency

Enter price and coverage to compare efficiency.

Overview

The 'price per bottle' of chain lubricant (lube) is rarely a reflection of its true cost to run. Some expensive waxes may last 400km per application, while cheap oils might only last 100km and require more frequent cleaning. Additionally, high-quality lubricants significantly extend the life of your expensive drivetrain components (chain, cassette, and chainrings).

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Pro Tips

Wax-based lubricants (immersion or drip) often have the highest initial cost but the lowest total cost to run due to reduced drivetrain wear.
Wet lubes are great for rainy conditions but attract road grime, which acts like a grinding paste on your chain.
A well-maintained chain can last up to 5,000 km, whereas a poorly lubed one might only last 1,500 km.
Clean your chain thoroughly before switching to a different type of lubricant for maximum efficiency.

Fun Facts

"Using a high-quality lubricant can save you between 2 to 5 watts of power compared to a dirty or dry chain."
"The most efficient lubricant currently known is hot-melt paraffin wax."
"Friction Facts research shows that a dirty chain can increase drag by over 10 watts at peak efforts."
"Modern drip-waxes use water or alcohol as a carrier that evaporates, leaving a dry lubricating film behind."

Formula: Cost per km = Price / ((Size / Amount per Use) * km per Use)

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