GT85 Bike Dry Lube

GT85 might be best known for its ubiquitous Teflon spray, but this polytetrafluoroethylene (aka PTFE aka Teflon) based Dry Lube is a worthy addition to any bike shed or tool box when to it comes to keeping the chain moving smoothly and quietly.

Dry lubes are ideal in dry weather as they leave the chain looking clean and don't attract dirt and grime like a wet lube does. The GT85 Bike Dry Lube is easy to apply, with a screw top that lets you adjust the flow rate. It penetrates well into the links of the chain, but it's best to apply it slowly to each chain link - it can flow too quickly and you'll need a rag to hand to mop up the excess that will drip onto the rear wheel and floor.

It's best to not apply dry lube immediately before a ride. You want to do it a few hours before so it has time to dry as dry lube works by forming a protective barrier over the chain. Over several weeks continuous use, on my road bike and also my cyclocross and mountain bikes, it has kept the chains working quietly and smoothly. For best results, the company recommends starting with a clean and dry chain, as you want to when applying any lube really. Do that, and you'll have an efficient and quiet drivetrain.

Dry lube doesn't tend to last as long as a heavier wet lube, and that was true of this GT85 Dry Lube. Determining the exact longevity of a dry lube is a tricky business, but based on the sound of my chain at the end of the Paris-Roubaix 175km sportive last month, following two days of riding in the week before, I say this one is good for about 200 miles. That's a reasonable duration, and for most people will mean reapplication just once a week.

A dry lube is best kept for dry weather; rain and splashing through puddles will shorten its lifespan considerably. That was the case with this lube. A spin in the rain recently proved its undoing and the chain was emitting that oh-so-annoying squeak.

Based on a once a week lubing schedule, the 80ml bottle size should last a good while and at £5.99, it's reasonably priced. But then you look at the excellent Lifeline Dry Lube with Teflon which is just £2.50 for a 50ml bottle, and suddenly the GT85 Dry Lube looks a little overpriced.

Verdict

Decent dry chain lube, but it's a bit messy to apply