Your bike requires regular maintenance. It includes frequent cleaning and following a proper lubrication protocol. I don’t need to tell you this but people become lax and take maintenance for granted. Delaying lubrication and servicing is not only detrimental to your bike’s health, but also to your safety!
The best bike grease is the Park Tool PPL-1 PolyLube 1000 Lubricant that excels with water resistance and rust protection. Finish Line Premium Grease offers top value on a budget. You can also choose the eco-friendly White Lightning Crystal Grease which is great for sustainability.
This guide is designed to help you find the best bike grease, ensuring your bike remains in top condition for all your adventures.
Best Bike Greases for Chains, Pedals, and Bearings
- SHIMANO Dura-Ace Grease
- Phil Wood 3-Ounce Grease Tube
- Bel-Ray Waterproof Grease
- White Lightning Crystal Grease Biodegradable (High End)
- DuPont Teflon White Lithium Grease for Bikes
- Finish Line Premium Grease (Budget Buy)
- Park Tool PPL-1 PolyLube 1000 Lubricant (Top Pick)
Compare Top Bike Grease Options
Product | Overall Score | Bottom Line | Price |
---|---|---|---|
SHIMANO Dura-Ace | 68 | Best for protection from harsh weather conditions | Check Out On Amazon |
Phil Wood 3-Ounce | 87 | Best for long lasting protection and an easy application | Check Out On Amazon |
Bel-Ray Waterproof | 84 | Best waterproof option on a budget | Check Out On Amazon |
White Lightning Crystal Grease | 70 | Best biodegradable and eco friendly option | Check Out On Amazon |
DuPont Teflon White Lithium | 70 | Best odorless option and Teflon optimized. | Check Out On Amazon |
Finish Line Premium Grease | 81 | Best affordable option | Check Out On Amazon |
Park Tool PPL-1 PolyLube 1000 | 91 | Best versatile product and brand value | Check Out On Amazon |
Detailed Analysis of the Best Bike Lubricants for Chains, Pedals, and Bearings
You should definitely be well-informed if you want to find quality bike grease because this makes it easier to find what you’re looking for.
We did much of the legwork for you, including hours of research and testing to bring you the top options on the market.
1. SHIMANO Dura-Ace Grease
Overall Score: 68
This excellent grease is a great option for packing bearings and has been shown to lead to a much smoother ride overall.
You can use it on any lubrication points on your bike as well as any components that can use a bit of grease, including the threads, cables, and pivots.
You’ll be glad to know that in addition to lubricating, it will also protect the moving parts from rust and corrosion which can significantly increase the lifespan of your bike and prevent different components from wearing out.
It comes with a secure lid to prevent possible leaks while preserving the quality of the product.
It has a bright color that’s hard to miss and it can feel slippery to the touch but you can rest assured that it’ll stay put after application.
This is the perfect lubricant for any components that require precision, especially because you can always maximize results by utilizing a syringe.
It’s also resistant to water and can handle intense heat without blinking an eye.
Advantages
- You don’t have to constantly re-apply it.
- Offers maximum precision.
- Waterproof.
- Helps to lubricate threads and bearings.
- Great for cables and pivots.
Disadvantages
- We’ll be honest; it’s pricey.
2. Phil Wood 3-Ounce Grease Tube
Overall Score: 87
This 3-ounce tube from Phil Wood is one of the best bike greases. It is made from high-quality ingredients and comes in an interesting-looking green tube.
It comes as no surprise that Phil Wood has created a quality and long-lasting grease like this because the brand has a cult following in the biking community and they’re a trusted company.
This grease, like many of their other products, it is easy to trust the efficacy of this grease.
For one thing, the company sacrifices much of its advertising budget by keeping their packaging and branding toned-down in order to invest more in producing the grease with quality ingredients.
In addition to this being a down-to-earth small business, the Phil Wood company has packaged this bike grease in a smaller container which is great for use on the go.
But, we wish they had a bigger sized container or tub as well for variety and versatility of use.
Keep in mind that the Phil Wood grease is pricier than other options on this list but this is understandable considering the fact that it’s waterproof.
Advantages
- Charming tiny tube.
- Can be utilized on carbon fiber bikes.
- Trusted company.
- High-quality.
- 3-ounce package.
Disadvantages
- It is more expensive than other options here.
- If only the container was larger.
3. Bel-Ray Waterproof Grease
Overall Score: 84
This is a budget-friendly bike grease option from Bel-Ray. Not only that but it’s waterproof and works like the dream, the first time you use it!
Keep in mind that the Bel-Ray company is known for making quality biking products so there’s no reason to believe that they’ve done anything different with this grease.
This grease is primarily created for motorsports but this doesn’t mean that you can’t use it for your bicycle. So, don’t be afraid to try it out and don’t let the packaging or branding put you off.
You’ll be glad to know that this grease is light on the pocket as well so you won’t spend too much on it.
It comes packaged in an 11 pounds tub so you get great value for money, although the packaging has shown a bit of frailty here and there.
In fact, there have been reports of people saying that the top has a knack for coming off unexpectedly and in some cases, this happens during shipping which causes leaks and loss of product.
Still, the actual grease itself works great and this shouldn’t be an issue if you’re able to keep it out of reach of children and/or pets.
Advantages
- Budget-friendly.
- It won’t melt or run.
- Resistant to water.
- Made from quality ingredients.
Disadvantages
- It is not necessarily designed for bike use but it’s still suitable for it.
- It could use a screw-top lid to keep it sealed during shipping.
4. White Lightning Crystal Grease Biodegradable
Overall Score: 70
This biodegradable grease from White Lightning comes highly recommended as the best grease for bottom bracket bearings. It’s also suitable for a number of other bike components.
It’s made from non-toxic and biodegradable ingredients which makes it an eco-friendly option.
This includes anyone with young children who’s worried about the effects of toxic ingredients on their kids. It is mostly odorless as well so it won’t leave you with a stinky garage or tool room.
We’re also glad to say that this lubricant doesn’t cause any staining despite how messy it might make your garage.
It can completely come off with a good wipe and it won’t leave any unsightly stains on your clothing or carpets.
This is mostly because it’s clear grease for mountain bike which is a good thing but this also means that you’ll be able to notice if any corroded or rusted parts slip through.
With that said, clear grease also makes it difficult for you to see which components of your bike need more greasing sometimes.
The only caveat with this best bicycle grease is that it’s difficult to verify the claims that it’s biodegradable. We’ve seen numerous reports of people saying that this isn’t the case, while others say that it is.
It is a polarizing subject to be sure but it also raises some suspicion so keep that in mind if this is an important feature to you.
Advantages
- Suitable for use on carbon fiber bicycles.
- Odorless and non-staining.
- Non-toxic.
- Biodegradable.
- Made from quality ingredients.
Disadvantages
- It tends to wash off quickly.
5. DuPont Teflon White Lithium Grease for Bikes
Overall Score: 70
Next, we have DuPont’s white lithium grease which is clean, lean, and based on an efficient lithium formula.
You’ll be glad to know that it is water-resistant as well and can handle high temperatures. Among its ingredients is Teflon which is useful at helping to maximize performance.
This is a great option for anyone who’s looking for budget-friendly grease, especially since it contains Teflon. It has definitely earned its spot in this list of the best lubricant for bicycles.
Advantages
- Resistant to extreme temperature conditions.
- Teflon optimized.
- Has a light odor.
- Weighs only 10 to 14 ounces.
Disadvantages
- Defective product.
6. Finish Line Premium Grease
Overall Score: 81
This premium best MTB grease for bikes from Finish Line is Teflon-based and is specifically designed to lubricate bicycle parts.
Thanks to its Teflon-based design, it comes with polymer particles to help keep the grease in place and avoid getting it washed off after use.
This makes it an ideal option when you’re riding in wet weather conditions.
This grease also comes with cutting-edge rust inhibitors designed to keep your bike corrosion-resistant.
However, this doesn’t make up for washing your bike regularly and making sure that it’s dry after every wash.
The grease will then be an extra measure that you can use to protect your bearings as well as other components.
This bicycle grease has a very thick texture which makes for difficult applications. But, you’ll be glad to know that using it is super quick and easy.
Another disadvantage to using this bike grease is the fact that you can’t use it with fiber bikes. It’s simply not safe for this type of material.
We also feel like the tub that it comes with could’ve been bigger. It certainly doesn’t come in large quantities.
While the small container does come in handy while traveling, it does nothing for someone who wants to degrease their bike on a regular basis at home.
Most people would appreciate a larger tub and maybe this is something that Finish Line would consider.
Advantages
- Highly ranked as one of the best on the market.
- Made from great ingredients.
- Affordable price tag.
- Can handle high pressures.
- Made with Teflon fluoropolymer.
Disadvantages
- It’s not suitable for carbon fiber bikes.
- We recommend a larger container.
7. Park Tool PPL-1 PolyLube 1000 Lubricant
Overall Score: 91
This Park Tool lubricant is very popular among bikers and for good reason. It should be in every tool shed and/or garage on account of how useful it is.
One of the reasons for its popularity is the fact that it’s manufactured by Park Tool, a brand that’s known for constantly making high-quality bike products and accessories.
This lubricant is incredibly versatile in that it’s safe for use on carbon bikes and it won’t damage your high-end machine.
It also comes in a variety of different sizes including travel-friendly and larger tubs for at-home use.
It’s worth noting that this is pricier than other options on this list but it’s totally understandable considering that it’s the best bike grease for bikes.
The good news is that if you’re willing to spend some time shopping around and compare prices, then you can find a well-priced version somewhere online.
Advantages
- Offers a long-lasting application.
- Comes in small and large containers.
- Very popular in the biking community.
- Trusted brand and make.
Disadvantages
- It is expensive compared to other greases in this category.
How to Find the Best Bike Grease
So what type of lubricant for bicycle chain, pedals, and wheel bearings?
In the following section, we’re going to share some of the most important considerations to make while looking for some bike grease so that you can make an informed decision.
Temperature Handling
Some of the grease you apply onto your bike parts will experience extreme temperatures so you should make sure that it won’t start running under this type of pressure.
The grease you pick should be able to handle high temperatures without causing damage to your road bike. High Temperatures can cause lubricants to thin out, evaporate, or break down more quickly.
Cooler temperatures can cause lubricants to thicken and become less effective at penetrating the chain’s movement.
Overall, temperature variations require adjustments in the type of chain greasing to maintain proper lubrication.
There are some great degreasing products that can help you maintain a clean chain allowing the bike to operate efficiently across temperature gradients.
Waterproof
Let’s face it; you simply cannot avoid exposing your bike to water, especially the road bike pedals, whether that’s going over a watery pool of water on the side of the road or experiencing a bit of rain.
You want a product that is waterproof enough to withstand exposure to water.
Not only that, but a waterproof grease will also protect your hybrid bike from corrosion thus extending its lifespan.
Price
As with anything, you want to consider your budget when looking for bike grease. High-quality grease is always a good idea, especially if you’re constantly fixing stuff in your garage.
However, there are plenty of inexpensive grease products that don’t cost an arm and a leg and you can also use on bike seat posts so you don’t have to spend a lot to get good quality lubricants for your bike for wheelies.
Proper Lubrication Protocol is Essential for Optimal Bike Performance…
Well, there you have it! That’s all you need to know about picking the best bike grease. We hope this article has armed you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.
If we were to pick just one option from the grease products reviewed in this article, it would be the Park Tool PPL-1 PolyLube 1000 Lubricant.
Why? Because It is highly versatile as it is safe for use on carbon bikes and won’t harm your high-end machine.
In addition to being a versatile addition to your bike maintenance protocol, this grease will also help to increase your bike’s lifespan and it can stay on long after you’ve applied so you won’t have to apply it continuously.
Before I declare you an expert in the bike maintenance niche, here is my complete guide on the most essential bike maintenance tools that will help you keep your bike in the best condition and ensure a smooth, safe, and enjoyable ride.