Dry heat and the dust of country roads and forest trails are just as hard on a chain as rain. Dust sticks to the lube, turns into an abrasive paste and literally grinds down the rollers and sprockets. The chain gets noisy, shifting suffers and the drivetrain wears faster.
These conditions call for a light lube that leaves a protective film once dry and does not attract dust. Here is how to prepare the chain and apply it correctly.
What you will need
Important: Keep all products off brake discs, pads and rims. Use the degreaser in a ventilated area away from naked flames.
Step 1
Set up the bike
Put the bike on a workstand so the rear wheel turns freely and every part of the chain is easy to reach. Place newspaper, a rag or a tray under the chain to catch dirt and excess product. Keep your tools within reach.
Step 2
Clean the chain
Good lubrication starts with a clean chain. Shake WD-40 Specialist Bike Degreaser and spray it from about 20 cm over the whole chain, derailleurs and sprockets while slowly backpedalling. It dissolves caked dust, dirt and old lube.
Scrub the dirtiest spots between the links with a brush, then wipe away the loosened grime with a clean rag. Repeat until the chain is truly clean.
Step 3
Let the chain dry
The chain must be completely dry before lubing, otherwise moisture will stop the lube from bonding. Leave it for at least 5 minutes. Meanwhile, shake WD-40 Specialist Bike Dry Chain Lube well and check the rest of the bike.
Step 4
Apply dry lube
Holding the nozzle about 5 cm from the chain, apply a thin stream to its inner side while slowly backpedalling. Run the chain round at least twice so every link is covered. The PTFE formula penetrates the gaps between rollers and bushings and dries to a protective film that does not attract dust.
Less is more here: a thin coat works better than a chain swimming in lube.
Step 5
Spread the lube and remove the excess
Keep pedalling while shifting through all the gears and chainrings so the lube spreads evenly across the drivetrain. Give it 2-3 minutes to work into the pivots, then gently wipe the outside of the chain with a dry rag until it leaves no more marks. Let the lube dry to form its film.
Step 6
Care for other parts
While the bike is on the stand, apply a little WD-40 Specialist Bike Chain Lube to the rear and front derailleur pivots and the pedals. For cables and levers, WD-40 Smart Straw with its precision straw is ideal. Check your tyre pressures before dusty rides too.
Step 7
Test everything
Turn the rear wheel and shift through every gear. The chain should run noticeably quieter and shifting should feel crisper. Listen for unusual noises and check the chain tension: it should neither sag nor be too tight.
Tip: After every dusty ride, simply wipe the chain with a dry rag. This removes most of the dust and makes the lube last until the next service.
What next
Repeat the routine every 150-200 km or whenever the chain looks dry or starts to make noise. A well-maintained chain lasts much longer and makes pedalling easier. If the weather turns wet, switch to Bike Wet Chain Lube.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
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