Dry, wet, all-weather or wax
Chain lube is not one product, and using the wrong one is actively worse than using less of the right one.
Dry lube — Cape summer
A thin lube that carries in a solvent, flashes off and leaves a dry film behind. Because it is dry, dust does not stick to it. That is exactly what you want from November to March here, where the enemy is fine grit rather than water.
It washes off in rain and needs reapplying more often. That is the trade.
Wet lube — winter and the coast
Thicker, oilier, and it stays put when water hits it. This is the winter choice, and the choice for anyone riding regularly in coastal spray.
The catch is that it is sticky, so it collects dust. Wipe the outside of the chain down thoroughly after applying, and clean more often.
All-weather
The compromise, and an honest one if you would rather own one bottle than two. Not quite as clean as dry lube in summer, not quite as durable as wet lube in winter, fine all year.
Chain wax
Dark Energy and lubes like it work differently — the wax dries hard and sheds contamination rather than holding it. A waxed chain stays remarkably clean and runs efficiently. It asks for a properly degreased chain to start with and more discipline about reapplying.
How to apply it, since most people get this wrong
On a clean, dry chain. One drop per roller, not a stripe down the outside. Turn the cranks backwards a few times to let it work in. Leave it a few minutes, then wipe the outside of the chain down firmly with a rag.
The lubricant does its work inside the rollers. Anything left on the outside is just glue for dust. A chain that looks black and wet is not well-lubricated, it is dirty.
Pair with the bike wash and degreasers, and see chains when the old one is finally due.
