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Velvet Digest

How do you lubricate a bike cable?

Author

Ethan Hayes

Updated on June 17, 2026

Apply a drop of liquid lubrication at the point where the inner-bike cable emerges from the outer-cable and work the brake cable or gear cable to drag the lube into the outer-cable. For derailer gears you need to lift the back wheel off the ground so you can pedal to shift the gears.

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Simply so, should you grease bike cables?

If you have older, or cheaper cables, without such a liner, lubrication is required. Teflon lined cables with inner cables that have corroded and are stuck should be replaced, due to damage to the inner cable and/or liner. In an emergency however, lubrication can help to unstick these cables.

One may also ask, why is oil used on bicycle chains? Bicycle chain lubricant, chain lube or chain oil is an essential item for your bike maintenance. It ensures the hardworking moving parts of your bike chain are able to move smoothly past each other, it helps stop the chain wearing down or rusting, and makes your ride less clunky and more comfortable.

Regarding this, where do you lubricate a derailleur?

Even if you wash out the grease, the lube will work in its place as long as you keep applying it. But be sure to get the lube inside the center of the pulley (its hub), not just on its outside surfaces. Laying the bike on its side to lube the pulleys is a good way to do that.

Are road and MTB gear cables the same?

One major difference in MTB vs road BRAKE cable is the different sizes and styles of head: road cables have mushroom like ends where as MTB brake cables have barrel like ends. Shifter cable ends are the same. A Shimano cable head is slightly larger than a Campy head so it may not fit into a Campy shifter.

Related Question Answers

Can I use olive oil on my bike chain?

Yes, oiling your bike chain with olive oil would pose problems— here's why: Cooking oils are meant to pass heat to the food, and not to lubricate. Yes, they are slippery, but they lack the viscosity to lubricate moving metal parts. So choose a lubricant that is designed for your bike chain.

Can I use cooking oil on my bike chain?

Edible oils such as Olive oil, Sunflower oil, or other cooking oils can be used as a short-term fix to lubricate your bike chain and are certainly better than not using any oil at all. If you're on a budget you can always alternate applying a high quality lubricant with a cheaper oil/grease.

Can I use wd40 on bike chain?

WD-40 doesn't really lubricate much of anything. It's actually a de-greaser, so it will remove any lubricant from bicycle chains, cables and other pivot joints. If you're cleaning your chain for re-lubrication purposes with a product other than WD-40, then WD-40 will be fine to use.

Can I use car grease on a bike?

Basically ALL Automotive GP (General Purpose) Lithium greases are acceptable for use in bike lubrication, IMHO. However, you should avoid using "performance" type EP (Extreme Pressure) Lithium greases and certainly Industrial grade EP Lithium greases and Lithiums that are extremely tacky.

What is the best lubricant for a bicycle chain?

The Best Bike Chain Lube
  • Tri-Flow TF21010 Superior Bike Chain Lubricant.
  • Rock N Roll 135816 Gold Bike Chain Lubricant.
  • Finish Line DRY Teflon Bicycle Chain Lube.
  • ProGold Prolink 16-Ounce Spray Chain Lube.
  • Finish Line Ceramic Wax Bicycle Chain Lube.
  • Wend Bike Chain Wax Kit.
  • RocRide Eco-X Bicycle Chain Lubricant.

What is the best bike grease?

Best Sellers in Bike Grease
  • #1.
  • Finish Line Premium Grease made with Teflon Fluoropolymer, 3.5 Ounce.
  • DuPont Teflon White Lithium Grease.
  • Finish Line Extreme Fluoro 100% DuPont Teflon Grease, 20g Syringe.
  • Park Tool HPG-1 High Performance Grease.
  • White Lightning Crystal Grease Biodegradable.
  • Phil Wood 3-Ounce Grease Tube.

What grease should I use for bicycle bearings?

Mobil XHP 222 lithium complex soap grease. High quality grease for long term bicycle bearings protection and lubrication. Mobil SHC 220 lithium complex soap based grease with a synthetic base oil. It has a wide temperature range – suitable for extreme cold (from -30 C) and extreme heat.

How do I know if my bike chain needs Lube?

Check for adequate lubrication by listening for squeaks while riding. If you find either condition, your chain needs at least a spot-cleaning. To spot-clean the chain while it's still on your bike: Brush out the links with a firm brush (an old toothbrush also works).

What does a bike tune up consist of?

A Bike tune-up consists of: Cleaning any dirt, oil and old grease off the bicycle. The gears and derailleurs are checked for damage and alignment. The drivechain is checked for stretching or kinking. Brakes are inspected for wear and grip.

How do you apply lubricant?

How to use lubricant effectively
  1. Lay down a towel to prevent staining.
  2. Warm up the lubricant in your hands before applying.
  3. Include lubricant as a part of foreplay to boost arousal.
  4. Apply lubricant right before penetration during partner or solo play.

Why must you never put oil on the brake blocks of a bicycle?

The oil reduces the friction between the brake blocks and the wheel so the brakes would not work. The rain acts like a lubricant and reduces the friction between the brake blocks and the wheel.

How often should I lube my bike chain?

In terms of adding lube in between cleanings, every week or two should be fine, more often if the drivetrain is getting noisy. Just a few drops of lube should be enough, unless you ride on very dirty roads. I would say that it is best to clean and lube your chain after every ride.

How can I service my bike myself?

  1. How often should you service your bike? You should regularly service your bike to ensure it is running efficiently and that there are no worn or damaged components.
  2. Frame.
  3. Check your wheels.
  4. Tighten Everything Up.
  5. Check The Brakes/Cables.
  6. Check Your Gears.
  7. Inspect, Clean And Lubricate The Drivetrain.