Most cyclists lubricate their chain too rarely, too often, or incorrectly. Chains covered in black paste, dry as a desert, or dripping lubricant onto the frame are a common sight. Yet just 15 minutes every few rides keeps the drivetrain running like clockwork throughout the entire season. This article presents precise procedures for cleaning and lubricating your chain — without complicated methods or expensive equipment. Proven techniques that ensure long drivetrain life in all conditions.
How to recognise when your chain needs attention
Before starting any cleaning or lubrication, assess the actual condition of the chain. Intervening "just in case" after every hour of riding wastes both time and lubricant.
Place the bicycle on a stand or turn it upside down resting on the saddle. Rotate the pedals backwards and observe the chain — audible sounds such as grinding, clicking or a quiet "shh-shh" are the first sign of trouble. Visual inspection reveals either a black, sticky mass between the rollers or conversely — a dry, dull-looking chain. Both conditions require attention.
The touch test involves running a finger along several links. If your finger becomes covered in black grime mixed with lubricant — cleaning is necessary. If your finger remains clean but the chain feels dry — lubrication alone will suffice.
Checking lateral chain play provides another indicator. Grasp the chain midway between the rear sprocket and front chainring and attempt to pull it sideways. If the chain deflects more than 5–10 mm, it's likely already heavily worn and no amount of lubrication will restore full functionality.
The proper cleaning process
Chain cleaning isn't simply spraying WD-40 and wiping with a cloth. It's the systematic removal of everything adhering between the rollers, plates and pins. The grime is a mixture of old lubricant, sand, dust and metal particles from wearing components — essentially a perfect abrasive paste.
The process begins with preliminary brushing. An old toothbrush or dedicated chain brush removes loose dirt from between the rollers. This prepares the surface for proper cleaning.
Next, apply a professional cleaning product. OC1 Chain Cleaner aerosol is a product used in racing conditions. It works at any angle — the can functions horizontally, vertically, or upside down — always reaching where needed. Spray generously over the entire chain whilst rotating the pedals backwards. Economising on quantity limits penetration into every crevice.
After application, wait one minute. The cleaner must dissolve old lubricant and grime. During this time, attend to the cassette and chainrings — significant contamination accumulates there as well. After one minute, vigorously work a brush through the chain, cassette and chainrings to reveal black grime running off. All of this was acting like sandpaper between the metal surfaces.
Rotate the pedals and spray again until the cleaner runs clear, without black residue. Rinsing the chain with water is optional — OC1 Chain Cleaner evaporates quickly and leaves no deposits. The crucial step is drying — leave the bicycle for 15–20 minutes or wipe the chain with a dry, clean cloth. Moisture beneath lubricant leads to corrosion.
Lubrication — less is more
The most common mistake is pouring excessive lubricant onto the chain believing it will "last longer". The result is lubricant dripping onto the frame, attracting dust, creating black sludge. Lubricant should be inside the chain, not on the outside.
Position the bicycle securely and prepare a clean cloth. After selecting the appropriate lubricant for the conditions, hold the bottle with the nozzle directly above the chain rollers. Slowly rotate the pedals backwards whilst applying one drop to each roller. One drop, one roller. No more.
For an 11–12 speed chain, that's approximately 116 drops. The process takes two minutes and uses precisely as much lubricant as needed — no more, no less. After application, rotate the pedals for 30 seconds forwards and backwards, shift through the gears several times on each derailleur. The lubricant must distribute evenly into all crevices.
The crucial step often overlooked — removing the excess. Lightly grip the chain from below with a clean cloth and rotate the pedals backwards. The cloth will collect everything remaining on the outside. Only what has penetrated inside should remain. Wiping too vigorously may draw lubricant out from within the components.
Before riding, wait 10–15 minutes. Some lubricants need time to "soak in" and achieve full effectiveness. During this time, inflate the tyres or check the brakes.
Which lubricant for which conditions — simple guidelines
Three basic options exist, each with its application. Selecting the right product for weather conditions ensures optimal protection.
OC1 Chain Lube Wax is the choice for dry, dusty conditions. Summer, gravel roads, sandy trails. Once dry, it forms a dry, waxy coating that doesn't attract dust. The chain runs quietly and remains clean even after 200 km. It reduces drivetrain wear by over 80%, which in practice means significantly longer cassette and chainring life.
OC1 Chain Lube Dry is the universal choice for most of the season. The British climate features variable conditions — dry in the morning, light drizzle in the afternoon, dry again by evening. Dry lubricant penetrates deeply, protects against corrosion and doesn't attract dirt like wet lubricant. It performs everywhere — road, gravel, forest trails, urban streets.
OC1 Chain Lube Wet is intended for autumn, winter and genuine mud. The thick, synthetic formula creates a durable coating that water cannot wash away. Riding through puddles or rain for three hours — this lubricant will endure. It will attract dirt, but in such conditions that's the lesser evil. Better a dirty but lubricated chain than a clean one wearing dry.
Common mistakes to avoid
Lubricating a dirty chain — new lubricant mixes with old grime and creates an abrasive paste. Cleaning before lubrication is mandatory.
Too much lubricant — excess drips, makes a mess, goes to waste. The chain needs lubricant inside, not outside. One drop per roller is the maximum.
Lubricating before storage — a bicycle left in the garage for winter shouldn't be "preventatively" flooded with lubricant. Lubricant attracts dust and moisture. Better to clean, dry and lightly lubricate only before the new season.
Using WD-40 as lubricant — WD-40 is a water displacement product and mild degreaser. It is not chain lubricant. It evaporates quickly, leaving bare metal. Use dedicated products.
Ignoring the cassette and chainrings — the chain is only part of the drivetrain. Dirty sprockets and cassettes also wear and rob power. Cleaning should encompass the entire drivetrain.
How often should you perform maintenance?
The myths about "every 100 km" or "every week" are imprecise. Observing the chain and responding to signals is the proper approach.
After riding in dry conditions, check the chain — if it's clean and quiet, no intervention is required. If dust and dry links are visible, lubrication alone without cleaning will suffice. Only black grime necessitates full cleaning and fresh lubrication.
After riding in rain, lubrication is mandatory. Water displaces lubricant more effectively than any other factor. Wipe the chain dry, wait, then lubricate. The process takes 10 minutes but saves the drivetrain from corrosion.
After muddy riding, there's no debate — cleaning and lubrication the same day is essential. Mud is the chain's worst enemy. Left overnight, it leads to rust and baked-on contamination.
Summary — a habit that pays dividends
Proper chain maintenance isn't fastidiousness — it's a simple habit that extends drivetrain life by 50–80%. A cassette costing £60 that lasts two years instead of one. A chain costing £25 that requires replacement after 4,000 km instead of 2,000 km. These are tangible savings.
Fifteen minutes every few rides dedicated to thorough cleaning and lubrication is an investment in equipment durability. Quality products — OC1 Chain Cleaner, OC1 Chain Lube Wax, Dry and Wet — are formulations tested in the most demanding motorsport conditions, where failure costs a podium finish. Now available to every cyclist who wants to ride smoothly, quietly and economically.
Related Products
- OC1 Chain Cleaner 500ml€11.00