Chain Care & Hand Signals: Choosing the Right Lube
Small things often make the difference on a bike: a clean, properly lubricated chain runs quieter, lasts longer and shifts better, and a clear hand signal lets others understand you in time. This guide explains when wet, dry or wax lube makes sense, how to care for your chain and which hand signals every cyclist should know.
Why chain care matters
The chain is the most heavily loaded wear part on the bike. Every link consists of plates, pins and rollers, and these parts rub against each other with every pedal stroke. Without a working lubricant film there is friction, and with dirt it acts like grinding paste. The result is a stretched chain that wears out the cassette and chainrings too. A new drivetrain costs many times more than a chain, so care pays off financially as well.
Comfort matters too. A well-lubed chain runs quietly, shifts precisely and costs less effort. In winter, with road salt and wet weather, care decides how long the drivetrain stays reliable.
Wet, dry or wax lube
All three types do the same job but differ in adhesion, cleanliness and effort. There is no single best lube, only the right one for your riding.
| Type | Strengths | Weaknesses | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet lube | Sticks for a long time in rain and mud, hard to wash off | Attracts dust and dirt, chain darkens faster | Commuting, autumn and winter, tours in changeable weather |
| Dry lube | Stays cleaner, attracts less dust | Washes off faster when wet, needs renewing more often | Dry routes, summer, road and gravel in good weather |
| Wax lube | Very clean and quiet, little dirt sticks | Chain must be thoroughly degreased, reapply more often, not always ideal in the wet | Riders who want a clean drivetrain and like regular care |
Important: do not mix lubricants without preparation. When you switch from one type to another, clean the chain thoroughly first, especially before wax. Oil residue can stop the wax from bonding properly.
Cleaning and lubing the chain
- Remove coarse dirt: wipe the chain with a rag or use a chain cleaner with degreaser. Brush the cassette and chainrings.
- Rinse and dry: rinse off cleaner residue with a little water and let the chain dry completely. Moisture under the lube promotes rust.
- Apply lube sparingly: put one small drop on each roller while slowly turning the cranks backwards. More is not better, as excess just attracts dirt.
- Let it soak in: leave the lube for a few minutes, ideally overnight, especially with wax.
- Wipe off the excess: rub the outside of the chain with a clean rag. The lubricant needs to be inside the rollers, not on the outer plates.
As a rule of thumb, lube the chain every 150 to 300 kilometres and after every ride in the rain. A squeak or dry sound shows the lubricant film is missing. Plan shorter intervals for wet routes or winter.
Spotting wear
A chain “stretches” over time; more precisely, the pins and rollers wear so the spacing between links grows. A chain wear gauge tells you whether the chain is at 0.5 or 0.75 percent elongation. Replace the chain in time and the cassette and chainrings often last much longer. If you wait too long, you usually have to replace the whole drivetrain. Manufacturers’ wear limits vary by groupset and chain width, so follow the gauge and the instructions for your components.
Log maintenance such as lubing and chain changes in My Bike so you can see at a glance when the next job is due. How to keep an eye on suspension is covered in the suspension service guide.
Important hand signals in traffic and in a group
Hand signals make riding safer because other road users see your intention before you act. In Germany, signalling a turn by clearly extending an arm is a legal requirement. The other signals are common in groups and help in everyday riding too. Rules can differ in other countries.
- Turning left: extend your left arm horizontally to the left and look back briefly before turning.
- Turning right: extend your right arm horizontally to the right. A bent left arm pointing upwards is used in some places but is less clear.
- Stopping or braking: hold your hand down with the palm facing backwards so riders behind you in a group can react early.
- Hazard: point down with a hand or finger at potholes, glass or drains and, where possible, call it out.
- Avoiding an obstacle: move a hand behind your back to the side to show the direction of the swerve.
Always combine hand signals with a glance over your shoulder. Signal early and long enough, but keep both hands on the bars when braking or turning requires it. Safety comes before signals.
FAQ on chain care and hand signals
Which chain lube is best?
It depends on use: wet lube lasts longer in rain and mud, dry lube keeps the chain cleaner in dry weather, and wax lube runs very clean and quiet but needs a thoroughly degreased chain and regular reapplication.
How often should I lube my chain?
As a rule of thumb every 150 to 300 kilometres and after every ride in the rain. If the chain sounds dry or squeaks, it is overdue.
Do I have to signal turns by hand in traffic?
In many countries cyclists must signal a turn by clearly extending an arm; in Germany this is a legal requirement. Other signals for hazards or braking are common among riders but not legally required. Rules differ by country, so check your local traffic code.