Rock n Roll Absolute Dry Chain Lubricant

Rock n Roll Absolute Dry Chain Lube is a super-clean-running formula designed primarily for the drier months, but several very soggy weeks suggest it's one of the most tenacious. By my reckoning it's well worth trying if you didn't mind reapplying it a little more frequently than your typical everyday middleweight.

Unlike most dry/wax types, this doesn't scab off and evict contaminant as you ride, but is designed not to collect grot in the first instance. Chains should always be purged of any existing lubricant, although the rich solvent mixture will strip the Extreme and Gold siblings without needing to go the chain bath route.

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After remembering to drizzle into the chain from the cassette (rather than drip into every link, these aren't oils in the traditionally accepted sense), whizz the cranks a few revolutions and then wipe the chain and jockey wheels sparkling with some kitchen towel or clean rag.

Using a sensible flow rate means that, unless you're really cack-handed, rear wheels and flooring won't be the main beneficiaries. Leave it curing for at least four hours and you're ready to ride.

Friction is extremely low, and transmissions feel crisp and silent. Staying prowess is surprisingly good by the standards of the genre – I've managed 170 miles per application during January and February, which is a good deal better than most super-dry competition during the height of summer. As long as you've been fastidious in removing any trace of existing lubricant before applying, grot is virtually non-existent.

> How to clean and lube your bike chain

Unlike its siblings, Absolute Dry wasn't my first choice for the fixer and I wouldn't dream of using it for cyclo-cross or trail duties – Extreme is a better bet, on account of its staying prowess. That said, its cleanliness keeps weekly drivetrain maintenance to a minimum and makes it extremely convenient when tackling roadside mechanicals, since grime doesn't easily transfer to hands or clothing.

The light, minimal-friction formula makes excellent transition to control cables and pivot points too, keeping them lubricated but with no risk of gumming up. Bargain basement store-branded cable sets without PTFE coated liners or similar friction-busting potions showed particular improvement after being fed a few drops.

> Find more road.cc reviews of chain lubes here

Although roadside replenishment hasn't been necessary, the 16fl oz container is small enough to slip inside bigger wedge packs, or jersey pockets, making it all the more convenient for touring. In a pinch, it can be applied without observing curing times, which puts a dent in miles per reapplication but could prove handy in audax and similar endurance events.

Compared with some super-clean, durable favourites costing considerably more, Absolute Dry is also an absolute bargain. However, those looking for a four-seasons, stay-put though still clean-running formula are probably best served by Rock n Roll's Gold counterpart.

Verdict

Surprisingly versatile and stout dry lube and a bit of a bargain