WD-40 Isn't Actually The Best Option To Extend The Life Of Your Bike
When it comes to versatile household solutions, WD-40 stands out as a jack-of-all-trades. Its versatility spans across a multitude of tasks, from the mundane to the critical. From silencing squeaky hinges to loosening stubborn bolts, cleaning tools, and providing temporary protection against rust and corrosion on metal surfaces, it's a staple in many toolboxes.
However, its widespread use and availability might lead some to extend its applications beyond its reach. When it comes to caring for their beloved bikes, some cyclists might instinctively grab that familiar blue and yellow canister. While some do resort to this multipurpose product for tasks such as chain lubrication, rust prevention, and cleaning bike components, its long-term effectiveness in these roles for bike maintenance is debatable.
Let's explore why WD-40, despite its undeniable versatility and widespread usefulness across an array of tasks, might not be the optimal choice for maintaining the longevity of your cherished two-wheeler.
It's not a heavy duty lubricant
WD-40's capability to displace water is indeed great for eliminating and preventing rust and corrosion on bicycles, according to Redditors. However, its benefits seem to stop there. While WD-40 excels as a quick-fix solution for removing dust, dirt, and rust, its lightweight formula proves inadequate as a long-lasting lubricant, as noted by Hoffy Cycles. Bikes are exposed to a variety of environmental conditions, from rain and humidity to road salt. While WD-40's solvent-based composition is ideal for swiftly cleaning bike parts and resolving short-term issues, it is prone to rapid evaporation when met with these elements, resulting in minimal to no lasting lubrication.
For components like chains and derailleurs that require hardy lubrication against the elements, a purpose-made bicycle lubricant is a better choice, according to cyclists on Bicycle Stack Exchange. While WD-40 can provide some level of protection against corrosion, it's not as effective as dedicated rust inhibitors and lubricants designed specifically for bicycles.
In response to such critiques and to better meet the unique requirements of cyclists, WD-40 rolled out a tailored range of bike-specific lubricants. Reviews from Bike Guru and other Redditors suggest that these specialized products outshine the standard all-purpose WD-40, particularly when it comes to longstanding lubrication. However, while many acknowledge the improved performance of WD-40's bike-specific lubricants in enduring the harsh conditions bike chains experience, there remains some contention regarding whether they match up to the standards set by other brands in the market.