Chain Lube Application

There are a few questions about Squirt Chain Lube that are repeatedly asked. Some answers are straightforward, and some require a little technical explanation. Read on to answer all the questions you may or may not have had (or heard) about our original product.

We’ll start off with the most basic questions and then work our way through the more technical aspects.

What is Squirt Chain Lube?

Squirt Chain Lube is the first successful wax-in-water emulsion containing enough wax to last for the duration of a MTB marathon ride. It’s a long-lasting lube that does not collect dirt. It prolongs the life of your drivetrain by reducing friction and improving shifting while also minimizing irritating dry chain noise.

Does Squirt Chain Lube make only 1 chain lube?

No, our range of lubes consist of 3 types – Long Lasting Chain Lube, E-bike Chain Wax and Low Temp Chain Lube. They all contain the same basic formula but have some minor differences.

What are the differences?

Squirt Long Lasting lube

Is our original wax-in-water emulsion specifically formulated as an effective bicycle chain lubricant requiring minimal maintenance.

E-bike Wax

Demands on the drivetrain of an E-bike are higher than on regular bikes. With the higher average mass of E-bikes, nearly constant assistance from the electrical motor and rider input, more power is transferred to the drivetrain, specifically the chain.  This results in more demanding operating conditions for the lubricants to ensure components last as long as possible. As such our E-bike Wax formula contains high-pressure additives and friction modifiers to restrict disproportionate chain wear.

Low Temp Lube

Lubricants tend to thicken at temperatures below freezing, increasing viscous drag and reducing efficiency. This happens to both oils and wax-emulsion lubes like Squirt. Although Squirt is a dry-to-touch lubricant once the water has evaporated, it performs best in a certain temperature range. Waxes tend to get brittle at extremely low temperatures so to maintain optimum functionality at these temperatures, we specifically developed Low-Temp lube.

The modified congealing point formula in Low-Temp lube maintains performance at very low temperatures by stabilizing wax consistency. Suggested operating temperature range: minus 20℃ (-4℉) to 5℃ (40℉)

It is however important to note that the lube in the bottle should not be allowed to freeze as it is a wax-in-water emulsion. It should be stored and applied at temperatures above freezing and left to dry before riding, preferably indoors.

Once it has dried and the water has evaporated, only the wax is left on the chain. The Low Temp wax is designed not to harden in the extreme cold

Now that you are familiar with our 3 different Chain Lubes, let’s delve into the application.

Initial application

This is arguably the most important step in ensuring all Squirt chain lubes function optimally. It is very important that the chain is properly degreased before initial application. All other oils, greases, and lubes must be removed from the chain in order for the wax to adhere to the bare metal of the chain. It also ensures full penetration to the pins, rollers, and shoulders/bushings of the chain. A dedicated water-based degreaser of Squirt Cycling’s Biodegradable Bike Cleaner Concentrate and a medium brush can be used to do this. Make sure to follow the user instructions very closely.  Once the chain is dry, shake your bottle of Squirt Chain Lube well and apply lube to the inside or outside (just above the cassette) of your chain. Apply one layer of lube while slowly rotating the cranks backward and continue rotating the cranks another 10 times after application to ensure the wax penetrates the chain properly and evenly. Let the first application dry and apply a second layer in the same fashion. This will ensure the chain is coated in wax.  After the initial Squirt Chain Lube application, use only Squirt Lube and drybrush the chain and derailleur pulley wheels occasionally to clean.

How often should I re-lube?

It depends on riding conditions. In general, when you start hearing a dry chain noise, re-application is due. In wet, muddy conditions it will not last as long as in dry, dust-free conditions. In general, the chain will stay clean and quiet for 30 to 100 miles on one application depending on conditions. Lubing your chain the evening before you ride is advised. This will give the water ample time to evaporate, leaving only the lubricating dry wax inside the chain. Reapplication is done by firstly running your chain through a dry rag while back-pedaling to remove the surface dust and then apply a single layer of lube followed by 10 more crank rotations post application to ensure penetration. 

How often should I de-grease the chain when using Squirt Long Lasting Chain Lube?

Degreasing is not necessary when you’ve been using Squirt Long Lasting Chain Lube. It does not form a black build-up like oils that trap dirt and accelerate chain wear. It does not smudge (no more black calf tattoos) and stays dry. Brush off with a dry brush if needed and remove occasional build-up from rear derailleur wheels with a toothpick or flat head screwdriver.

We generally do not advise too frequent deep-cleaning as it removes all embedded wax from inside the chain and a two-coat reapplication of the lube will be required as per the initial application instructions. However, cleaning should be handled on a case-by-case basis such as when you hear the chain grinding after a muddy ride, because this implies that excessive dirt entered the chain that needs to be washed out.

After washing my bike, how should I apply lube?

Wait until the chain is completely dry, and then apply a layer of lube to the inside of the chain while slowly rotating the cranks backward. After applying a layer of lube, continue spinning the cranks slowly for a few revolutions to ensure the lube penetrates the chain rollers and links. If it is the first time applying Squirt Chain Lube, you can wait until the lube has dried (it will go from milky white to colorless) and apply a second layer to ensure complete coverage and penetration.

After initial application, dry brushing of the chain and derailleur pulley wheels to remove occasional wax buildup is all that is required for cleaning before adding fresh Squirt Chain Lube.

What is the shelf life of Squirt Long Lasting Chain Lube?

If stored under recommended conditions, the lube will last for many years. Stability samples of older than 15 years still retain functionality.

My lube is much thicker than when I bought it. What’s wrong with it?

Squirt should be stored between 40℉ and 95℉ with the cap on. If it freezes (below 32℉, 0℃) or dries out, it becomes thick. It can be restored to a creamy liquid by adding a little hot water and shaking it up (normally about 10% of water).

Will Squirt Chain Lube separate when left standing for long periods?

All our chain lubes are biodegradable wax-water emulsions with additives to prevent component wear. We continually monitor the quality of the waxes we use to ensure we meet the highest standards and legislative compliance. Using newer generation fully refined waxes can result in natural separation of the emulsion if left standing for long periods of time. If you find that your bottle of Squirt Chain Lube has a visible separation layer in the bottom, this is normal.  When shaken well before application, this does not affect the performance of the lube.

I degreased my chain as per the instructions before initial application, but there is a slight black buildup soon after starting to use Squirt E-bike Wax – why?

If you start seeing a build-up very soon after initial application, it is possible that too much lube had been applied or too often.

A good way to prevent this is to run the chain through a dry rag for one or two revolutions after you have applied and then ride until you start hearing a dry chain noise. Only then reapply or ideally just before then. After some time you'll get an idea how long it lasts but this is also affected by riding conditions.

Most of the wax that gets expelled either accumulate around the jockey/derailleur wheels or on the chainring where it does not cause any damage to your drive train, unlike oily lubes that forms a grinding paste that stays on the chain.

If the chain was degreased properly the first time, there is no need to do it again - just apply a little less.

Why is a small amount of small black particles coming off the drivetrain on my stationary trainer?

The small black particles are normal on stationary trainers. This also happens when on the road or trails, one just does not see it.  It is the hard-wax components of Squirt shedding from the chain. Excess wax and trapped dirt sheds via this method.  You may find that more wax accumulates on the chain of your trainer – this is due the chain not vibrating/shaking enough to promote shedding. Our biodegradability rating is therefore important as the shed wax end up in the natural environment.