Oil, Good or Bad?

Krystian Paczkowski has a question about spray oil, he wants to know if WD40 is any good for his bike or will it damage it. We tell him our thoughts on lubrication for the bike and make a suggestion as to what he should use after he has cleaned his bike

Question: What is the truth about WD40? Some people say there is no trouble using it and often after some extensive ride just clean you bike and spray parts with WD40. Others say it is bad for you bike. So what is the truth? WD40 or maybe better stick to some good oil stuff. Thanks!

Hi Krystian,

WD40 is great for the small moving parts, like the gears and brakes. After you have cleaned the bike spray some on the pivot bolts and any moving parts on the front and rear gears and the brake calipers, the WD40 will displace any water that has been left from cleaning and should lubricate the bushings on the moving parts, so keeping you’re braking and gear changing smooth.

I would not put it on your chain though, what you need is a lubricant with some Teflon/Silicone or you should look for a special chain wax lubricant, this usually comes in two bottles, you apply one then wait a few minutes and then the second is applied to finish it off. I have used many oils and have found that the Finish Line range of cleaning and oiling products as being one of the best, its not cheap, but works very well and could make your equipment last longer. In countries that are exceptionally wet you can use a light grease on the chain, the problem with this is that small stones, sand, grit, gravel and dust sticks to it and so you have to degrease it more often than when you use an oil or wax. Talking of cleaning your chain, the best method is to use a degreaser and apply it with an old paint bush, working the fluid into chains links and rollers, then after this wash it all down with soapy water, dry it off, then use either a Teflon, Silicone or wax oil to keep it running smoothly, a clean, well oiled chain will improve your gear change.

So the answer to your question; WD40 is OK, but not for the chain it’s a little bit light for that job, look for Silicone, Teflon or Chain Wax for the chain.

Oil & Grease