iamLefty

1. Has anyone tried the Zefal Extra Dry chain wax? I know dry lubes are for dry conditions but it says in the description and in the bottle itself that it is for all conditions. Is this true?

2. I use oil-based lube for my chains and use a rag to wipe the chain clean when reapplying. When using a new and different lube, from oil to water-and-wax based (Zefal Extra Dry) or teflon (Zefal Extra Wet), do i need to thoroughly clean and degrease the chain first? My chain is usually clean as i always wipe it after each ride.

John_V 

I prefer Squirt over Zefal. You do have to soak the chain to get all the old oil/wax out before applying. About an hour in mineral spirits while occasionally swishing the chain around does the trick.

iamLefty

I’ll go check that out. Is this for dry conditions only? It’s the beginning of the rainy season here, and i was on the lookout for a wet lube. What drew me to the Zefal Extra Dry is it’s good for all conditions, that’s what they say. If true, then great coz i want a clean drivetrain.

John_V 

Wet and dry conditions. I live in Florida and it's the start of our rainy season. Got soaked on a ride on Tuesday and it didn't have any affect on the chain on Wednesday's ride. I did reapply some on Thursday's ride.

iamLefty

Great. Saw some Squirt available locally online. Do i really need to remove the chain and soak it in mineral spirit, or is it ok to just clean the chain with a chain cleaner or brush and degreaser?

DrIsotope

Before using any wax lube, it's best to degrease the chain completely.

iamLefty

Thanks. Squirt is sold out so it’s back to either Zefal Extra Dry or Extra Wet for me. What about this teflon-based Zefal Extra Wet? Does it also require a complete chain degreasing?

John_V 

You can get Squirt on Amazon. I just ordered a 4oz bottle since I'm running low on my current one. I don't know what they charge for shipping because I'm a Prime Member and we have a local distribution center. I get it delivered the next day.

Squirt recommends that the chain be completely free of other lubricants, even on a new chain. I soak my new chains in mineral spirits, for about an hour, when I buy them and put them back in the box until I put them on the bike.

iamLefty

And i thought of just getting a new chain when i buy Squirt. Thanks for the heads up. Where i’m from, buying on amazon or ebay means i spend double or more with the shipping, etc. That’s why i only order locally. For now i guess i’ll just stick with what i currently use. But i’ll wait until Squirt becomes available again coz i really wanted to switch to dry lubes. Thanks again for recommending it. I’ve read good reviews about it and will try it for sure.

Eric S.

I've been using DuPont Teflon Chain Saver for quite a few years, about $7 at Walmart in the aisle with motorcycle stuff. I've been caught in the rain many times in the desert and it's not a "darn, now I have to re-do my lube" thing. Still lasts.

iamLefty

Is teflon oil-based? Can you put it on top of an oil-based lube with just a simple degreasing, or do you also need to remove and soak chains and get it totally clean like with Squirt?

Eric S.

When I started using it in 2012 I think I gave my chains a thorough cleaning. For new chains, I ride the factory lube and then clean & apply.