Despite the seemingly endless differences, chain lube can be broken down into just two simple categories: wet and dry. Additionally some of the lubes featured here were also tested in conditions designed to simulate riding in the rain. Developed to be used in the Absa Cape Epic MTB stage race that runs in South Africa, a race that is notoriously hard on drivetrain and suspension components, Smoove proved to be so long-lasting that it was dripped onto the chains of the majority of the top ten teams the year it was launched. As well as its well-known multipurpose spray, WD40 does make a specialist bicycle chain lube, which is formulated for the job. This way the drivetrain is far more efficient and you gain extra life out of the whole system, along with no loss of power from the rider.

It's also biodegradable and comes in a bottle made from recycled plastic, so its environmental credentials are first rate too. After applying the lubes the reviewer soaked the chain with water from a garden hose, leaving it for 30 minutes before riding. A - This is because of the ingredients, if your chain is black it doesn't mean it needs cleaning, it only needs cleaning if there are a lot of dirt particles stuck to the chain (this can happen if you've used too much lube) The Professional lube will last longer than you think in all weather conditions. Additionally some of the lubes featured were also tested in conditions designed to simulate riding in the rain.Jake Best dry lube I've used - far more durable than muc-off dry lube and still better than the finish line teflon I used mostly before. Pour a little of the Fenwicks All Condition Chain Lube from the bottle, and you'll notice that it's not as thick and claggy as some wet lubes. Finish Line's dry lube is very effective at repelling dirt, making it a good choice for dry and dusty riding. Regular, correct application of lube is an important process to ensure the smooth and efficient running of your bike.

We got 100s of miles between applications, even turning the hose on the bike to try to breach the lube before a ride. Our chain stayed very clean, with the Teflon seeming to work just as well as it does in frying pans. Some brands recommend leaving the lube in place for a specific period of time before wiping off the excess, so read the manufacturer's instructions to make sure that you're doing it right. Choosing a bike lube is tricky as there are so many out there that all appear to offer the same qualities. Well, Fenwicks All Conditions Lube comes very close indeed to being the ideal fit-and-forget chain lubricant.All Conditions is a thinnish wet lube that should be applied to a clean chain to get the most out of it. If you are fastidious about cleaning your bike regularly, and often ride in inclement conditions, then wet lube is the right choice for you. Well over 100 miles on each application wasn't a problem in the depths of winter, and I'd bet on going considerably further in summer. How often you need to lube your chain depends on how frequently you ride your bike and the conditions in which you ride it.

David's cycling reviews, features and news stories have been published in Cycling Plus, Pro Cycling, Bikeradar. To increase durability and the length of time between applications, this wet lube contains N-Toc, a special refined plant extract that has similar properties to teflon.

for 100ml, Fenwicks is good value for a lubricant that works so well across such a variety of riding conditions. Wouldn't it be good if one chain lube covered all eventualities, and you didn't have to worry about choosing the right lubricant for the season or weather?