The days are getting shorter, the roads wetter, and the wind seems to blow against you more often than with you. This is the season where you find out how badly you really want it. Because when the alarm goes off and the rain is tapping on the window, nobody is going to push you out the door. It's just you, your plan, and the miles that will make the difference come spring.
Autumn and winter demand discipline. In your training, but just as much in how you look after your bike. After every wet ride there's mud on your frame, grit in your chain, and a voice in your head telling you it can wait until tomorrow. That's exactly when your drivetrain wears faster than at any other time of the year.
The good news: proper maintenance doesn't have to be another chore. With the right lubrication and a few simple habits, it becomes a routine of just a few minutes that keeps your drivetrain quiet, smooth and efficient all season long. That way your energy goes where it belongs, into the pedals. In this blog, you'll learn how to do it.
What wet weather does to your chain
A dry, well lubricated chain runs almost silently. Once things get wet, that changes. Rainwater washes lubricant away, while road spray carries sand, grit and dirt in between the links. Mixed with oil, this creates a kind of grinding paste that slowly wears down rollers, pins, cogs and chainrings.
You'll notice it as a chain that starts to squeak or creak, shifting that feels less crisp, and a black layer building up on your cassette. That's not just annoying, it also costs you watts. A dirty chain creates noticeably more friction than a clean, well lubricated one.
Wet lube, dry lube or wax: which should you choose?
There's no single perfect lubricant for every ride, but the differences are clear.
Wet lube sticks well and doesn't wash off easily. The downside: it stays tacky and attracts dirt. In autumn, that means a black layer builds up faster, which actually accelerates wear on your drivetrain.
Dry lube stays cleaner, but often can't handle prolonged rain. After a wet ride, most of it is gone.
Wax forms a dry, protective layer on and inside the links. Dirt sticks to it far less, so your drivetrain stays cleaner and wears less. That's why more and more riders are switching to wax, even outside the summer season.
Do you ride a lot in changing conditions during autumn? Then a wax made for all weather conditions is the most logical choice. Airolube All Season Wax was developed for exactly that: resistant to rain, cold and dirt, without constantly having to switch lubricants. Mostly riding in dry conditions, or keeping a separate summer bike? Then Chain Wax is a strong choice.
How often should you lube in autumn and winter?
In the wet season, you'll need to lube more often than in summer. A few rules of thumb:
- After every truly wet or muddy ride: clean, dry and lube again.
- After a series of dry rides: lube according to the advice on the packaging.
- Can you hear your chain? Then you're already too late.
A handy habit is to run your finger along the chain after every training session. If it feels dry and rough, or comes away with black grime, it's time for some maintenance.
How to lube your chain properly
A good lube job always starts with a clean chain. Wax works best on a fully degreased chain, especially the first time.
- Clean the chain with a degreaser and a brush. Don't forget the cassette, derailleur pulleys and chainrings.
- Rinse with water. Avoid using a pressure washer, as it forces water into your bearings.
- Let everything dry thoroughly. Wax won't bond to a wet chain. A cloth and a little patience work wonders.
- Apply the wax to the inside of the chain while slowly turning the pedals backwards. One drop per link is enough.
- Let the wax cure according to the instructions, so it can properly settle into the links.
- Wipe off the excess from the outside. Whatever sits on the outside of the chain does nothing except collect dirt.
All Airolube formulas are made from natural raw materials and contain no PTFE or PFAS. They're tested year round under demanding conditions, from world championships to international MTB races. Performance comes first, the plant based foundation comes on top of that.
When does your chain need replacing?
Even with good maintenance, a chain wears out. It doesn't actually stretch, but the pins and rollers wear, which lengthens the pitch. Keep riding it too long and your chain will take the cassette and chainrings down with it, which is a far more expensive repair.
Watch for these signs:
- Your chain checker reads 0.5%. For 11 and 12 speed drivetrains, this is the time to replace it. On older systems up to 10 speed, you can go up to 0.75%.
- The chain skips under load, especially when accelerating or climbing.
- Shifting stays imprecise, even after adjustment.
A chain checker costs very little and saves you a lot. Check your chain every few weeks in autumn, because this is when it wears faster than you think.
Ready for the season
The wet season doesn't have to wreck your drivetrain. A clean chain, the right lubricant and a fixed routine after every wet ride make the difference between a season full of creaking and a drivetrain that runs just as smoothly in March as it does today.
Check out All Season Wax, Chain Wax and Chain Oil and ride through autumn without worries.