Working on Your Bicycle? Skip the WD-40

I'm pleased that my co-workers regard me as a go-to guy when they need bike knowledge. One of them recently asked me why his bike chain squeaks. He didn't think it should ... because he liberally applies the WD-40.

"There's you're problem," I told him.

Listen up, folks: In the name of everything that is in good and right with the universe, keep WD-40 away from your bike chain. Look, this stuff isn't a lubricant: It's a solvent. Inside your bike's chain, there are all sorts of nooks and crannies filled with a nice greasy substance that keeps stuff rolling smooth. WD-40 pushes that happy grease out. Then, the WD-40 evaporates. That leaves metal-to-metal contact, and the unhappy, joyless noise of a squeaky chain. Soon, you will enjoy bad shifting performance, and smarter cyclists will nudge each other in the ribs while pointing and laughing at you.

The WD-40 Web site claims it's good for cleaning bike chains and also driving moisture out of them. It also claims to "protect" them, whatever the hell that means. Let's talk about the other two:

Cleaning Bike Chains: Yes, WD-40 can do this. But there are better ways. Instead of WD-40, remove the chain from your bike. Get an old bike bottle with a 4-1 solution of water and a biodegradable degreaser like Simple Green. Put the chain in there, put the top on, shake vigorously for a minute. Let it sit for 30 minutes. During that time, the degreaser will-degunk your chain. the gunk will float to the bottom. Fish the chain out, carefully pour the degreaser back into its container, and then clean the gunk out of the bottle for the next use.

Driving Moisture out of the Chain: Yes, WD-40 can handle this, too. But the right type of moisture is good for chains.

So, no more WD-40 near your bike, especially as chain lube. Try something from Phil's, Pedro's, White Lightning or ATB instead. I promise your chain will thank you for it.