The difference in drivetrain efficiency between a well-lubed chain and a dry or dirty one can be as much as 5 percent. That difference remains roughly constant as riders push more power into the pedals. All else being equal, if rider one can push 400 watts into a clean, optimally lubricated drivetrain running at 98.5 percent efficiency, rider two will have to push roughly 420 watts to go the same speed if their drivetrain is dry or gunked up and only running at 93.5 percent efficiency. Let’s say rider two still makes it to the sprint. If rider one launches at 1,200 watts, rider two would have to push more than 1,260 watts to match the acceleration.

EF Pro Cycling performance coach and technical innovation strategist Jacob Tipper sets the protocols that our squads use to determine which lubes to use at each race. Muc-Off provides our mechanics with a full range of wax-based and oil-based lubricants optimized for different race courses and weather. EF Pro Cycling is also heavily involved in Muc-Off’s research and development process, testing and helping to improve new products like the recently released Dark Energy wax.

“When you're talking high-performance lubes, it’s all about reducing friction, so the parts of your chain move freely and the lube doesn’t stick to debris,” Jacob said. “Lighter lubes are less tacky and faster, but then there is a greater risk that they will wash off, whereas a heavier, thicker, tackier lube will be a bit slower and will pick up more stuff off the ground, but will stay put when you need it in harsh conditions. That’s the main difference.”

Effective chain lubrication is about reducing friction under load and limiting contamination before it becomes abrasive. For out-and-out speed in dry conditions, Muc-Off’s brand new Dark Energy wax is the best solution. It’s extremely slippery and even less prone to contamination than lightweight race oils. There is still a use for oil-based lubes, though. In the harshest, rainiest conditions, when lower-friction lubes could get washed away after four, five, or six hours of racing, Muc-Off’s tackier, heavy-duty C3 Ceramic Wet Lube will stay in place and keep drivetrains running smoothly.

Wax lubes work by creating a dry, low-tack boundary between the moving metal parts of your drivetrain. A dropper wax, like Muc-Off’s new Dark Energy formula, is applied as a liquid that carries wax and lubricating solids into the chain. As the carrying liquid evaporates, a dry, low-tack boundary layer remains. Because the surface isn’t oily, dirt and dust are less likely to adhere.

“The benefit of wax is that it just doesn't pick up as much grit from the road,” Jacob said. “Basically, it stays cleaner and maintains performance longer in dry conditions.”

Wax-based lubes do require meticulous application. Our squads’ mechanics clean our riders’ drivetrains thoroughly after each day of racing, before reapplying Dark Energy wax and leaving the lubricated chains to cure overnight. For wax-based lubes to perform correctly, the chain must be fully degreased before application. Any residual oil would interfere with bonding and reduce effectiveness. Wax systems also require time to set before use.

For WorldTour racing, a wax-based lube like Muc-Off’s Dark Energy formula is the faster solution for dry conditions. For riders at home, wax-based lubes will also stay in place longer and remain cleaner than a light oil, which means you have to wash and lube your drivetrain less often. However, if you’re pressed for time and need a fast lube right before setting out for a ride, you should use an oil-based solution like Muc-Off Ludicrous Lube.

Oil-based lubes, such as Muc-Off’s C3 Ceramic Wet Lube, really come into their own in harsh, rainy conditions. Oil-based lubricants remain wet inside the chain, penetrating into the rollers and pins to form a protective film that remains in place under heavy load and resists wash-off and protects against corrosion. When roads are wet, a light wax-based lube might get blasted off by road spray and sand, but a tackier oil-based solution like C3 Ceramic Wet Lube is sure to stay in place. An oiled drivetrain is always going to be faster than a dry, gunked-up one.

“For racing, it is all about using the fastest lube that is going to stay on the bike,” Jacob said. “Starting with a high-performance chain is one thing, but obviously you want to finish with a high-performance chain as well. A heavier, thicker, tackier lube will be a little bit slower and pick up more stuff off the ground, but alternately stay put when you need it.”

If conditions are dry and you have time to clean your drivetrain thoroughly and allow wax to cure, Muc-Off’s new Dark Energy wax is the fastest solution. Formulated to maximize efficiency, durability, and low wear, it forms a durable dry-film barrier designed for consistent high performance.

If conditions are dry and you don’t have time to clean your drivetrain and allow wax to cure, go for Ludicrous Lube, Muc-Off’s fastest oil-based racing lubricant. The ultra-low-friction formula will make its way into every contact point of your chain, guaranteeing smoothness, speed, and silence.

If conditions are wet, use Muc-Off C3 Ceramic Wet Lube. Its unique, waterproof ceramic coating will provide incredible durability and long-distance performance in the harshest conditions.

A clean bike is always a faster bike. You want to wash your bike often to reduce friction, keep your components lasting longer, and overall have a faster ride. Check out Alex Volstad’s pro tips for how to wash your bike fast with Muc-Off’s compact, powerful home cleaning kit.