Any bike enthusiast will tell you that lubrication is very important if you want your bike to be in good condition for a long time. In this article, we will show you the comparison between Boeshield T 9 vs WD 40, two popular lubricants that are often used for bikes. Which one is better?
What we will discuss below include:
– The reasons why you need to lubricate your bike regularly
– The formula ingredients and features of each product here
– The performance and durability of Boeshield T 9 vs WD 40
– Which parts of your bike that require lubrication
– Which bike lube that is generally better and more recommended
Why Lubrication is Very Important
If you want to maintain your bike’s peak performance, keeping the parts clean and well-lubricated is extremely important. The moving parts are subject to heavy friction, and proper lubrication is crucial for protecting them against excessive wear. Proper lubrication will also keep corrosion and rust at bay.
That said, you also have to avoid over-lubricating your bike. An excessive amount of lubricant will easily catch abrasive particles such as dirt and sand, and this will, somewhat counterintuitively, lead to poor performance and even component damage. So, if you happen to apply too much lubricant, you should carefully wipe the excess away so that it won’t cause issues.
Bike lubes are specially formulated for this specific purpose. A classic beginner mistake is using a household oil, such as the regular WD 40, which is too thin. The other side of the extremes is using a motor oil, which is way too thick and sticky for a bike chain. Make sure to use something that is actually meant for bikes, such as Boeshield T 9. WD 40 has a special line of bike lubes, and we will use the all-condition bike lube for our comparison.
The parts that you need to keep an eye on are the moving ones. You need a specially formulated bike lubricant that is light yet durable. Do not use a random lubricant that is found in your garage. If the oil is too thin, it will get worn off quickly and dissipate. If the oil is too thick, it may fail to reach the deeper parts of the bike, not to mention that it may gum up and catch plenty of dirt.
Boeshield T 9: Ingredients and Features
Boeshield T 9 is an all-in-one lubricant that claims to be able to provide waterproof lubrication, resistance against corrosion and rust, protection against debris, as well as deep cleaning in all conditions, dry and wet. Boeshield T 9 uses a special solvent and wax formula, which will form a thin continuous film on the metal surfaces of your bike’s parts. It is said that the film can protect against debris and moisture for up to 200 miles.
Boeshield T 9 vs WD 40 are not only for bike chains. They can also be used for other parts, such as the drivetrains and derailleurs, pedal pivots, brake and shift cables, seat posts, and the frames’ insides.
Boeshield T 9’s formula is also able to flush out old lubricants. This makes cleaning a lot easier. It can penetrate deep into tight crevices and small pores. You can take advantage of this capability to loosen old, rusty parts and to lubricate pretty much any metal pivot. The company claims that Boeshield T 9 performs better than Teflon-based lubricants, and it is safe for most common materials, including plastic, vinyl, fiberglass, rubber, and paint. See also: Shimano M530 vs M540.
Boeshield T 9: In Use
Although it has a unique formula, Boeshield T 9 is used just like any other bike chain lube. First of all, you need to clean the chain. Then, apply the lube to the chain and play with the speeds and gears in order to distribute the lubricant evenly. Finally, you can wipe off the excess lube from the chain, and wait for at least two hours before riding your bike (leaving it to dry overnight is recommended).
Boeshield T 9 is really easy to apply. The nozzle doesn’t clog. You should avoid applying too much lubricant for reasons explained above. And you don’t need much for each application. A 4-oz bottle of Boeshield T 9 is sufficient for maintaining two bikes for a year or so.
If the climate in your place is mostly dry, Boeshield T 9 can easily last for more than 1,000 miles. During the course, the formula is effective for keeping the chain work smoothly and repelling water. In more severe conditions, though, you will need to re-apply the lubricant more frequently.
Boeshield T 9 vs WD 40 is also really nice because it doesn’t have a strong odor. That said, the company still recommends performing the lubrication in a well-ventilated area. Boeshield T 9 doesn’t freeze, so you can leave it in your garage during the winter. However, it is flammable, so make sure that it won’t be exposed to extreme heat.
WD 40: Ingredients and Features
The WD 40 Bike All Conditions Lube is described by the company as “perfect for bike riders who love being outdoors in any condition” and “suitable for bike chains, pivot points, derailleurs, cables, and shifters”. In other words, it can be used for most of a bike’s moving parts in any weather condition.
However, that sounds too good to be true. It is very difficult for an aerosol-type lubricant to be truly capable of providing proper lubrication and protection in all weather conditions. The aerosol is a mix of PTFE and solvent carriers.
The Butane/Ethanol component of the lubricant will direct the PTFE molecules to the part’s surface before evaporating. This is to prime the surface. Then, the PTFE molecules create a slippery film to lubricate and protect the part. It is said to be effective for chains, lock and cleat mechanisms, and arthritic cables.
The formula of this WD 40 lube is wax-free. The company claims that the formula won’t build-up inside the drivetrain and chain links, so there won’t be trapped excess. The lube also contains corrosion inhibitors that will help to keep the chain in good condition for a long time.
WD 40: In Use
The first notable difference between Boeshield T 9 vs WD 40 is how they are applied. While Boeshield T 9 is easy to apply, WD 40 tends to be messy. You don’t want to apply WD 40 with the rear wheel on, otherwise the brake blocks, tire walls, and rim will get plastered in lubricant – not good for the tire’s life.
There is no real control mechanism. You may accidentally overspray the lube, and the excess may dribble down into the hub bearings. This is bad, as the additives of the lubricant may displace the grease in the bearings which is supposed to last for thousands of miles.
Even with the gentlest pressure while keeping the nozzle right on the chain, you will still get some overspray on the chainstays. Well, you can easily wipe it off, but this is still annoying especially if the surface has just been cleaned and degreased.
The WD 40 lube doesn’t hold up for a long time. After a slow run of 50 miles in light rain, the lubricant still looked pretty clean. The chain sounded fine, too. However, a few days later, the drivetrain became very harsh and noisy – the lubricant was totally gone. When checked, some gray dusty residue across the chain links was all that was left.
The Parts to Focus On
So, you have chosen a bike lubricant. Now, where should you apply the lubricant? Essentially, all the moving parts. Here are the parts that you need to focus on when lubricating your bike.
The Chain
This is your bike’s primary moving part. It is the one that requires the most frequent lubrication. If you often ride your bike on a dusty or muddy terrain, the chain should be cleaned regularly.
Derailleurs
The front and rear derailleurs are the ones that move the chain between the gears. They consist of smaller moving parts and small pulley wheels. Make sure that all of these parts are properly cleaned and lubed, so that they work smoothly.
Derailleur and Brake Cables
The cables that enable you to shift gears and operate the brakes should not get rusty or corroded. As the effect, you also need to lubricate the cables, ideally with a lube that has protection against rust and corrosion. After riding through a wet or dusty condition, check the cables and re-lubricate with just a few drops of lube if needed.
Shifter and Brake Levers
The levers that are located on your handlebars also require some lubrication. A drop or two on each moving point should be sufficient to keep them working properly. Don’t forget to wipe off any excess so that they won’t collect dust.
Brake Assemblies
You only need a few drops of oil to lubricate the moving parts of your brake assemblies. If you can’t determine the pivot points, try squeezing the brake levers while watching the brake assemblies. See where they move; lubricate those pivot points. That said, avoid putting any oil on the brake pads!
Pedals
Last but not least, you also need to lubricate the spot where the crank arm meets the pedal. Focus on the moving part that enables the pedal to rotate around the spindle.
Boeshield T 9 vs WD 40
Conclusion
Between these two bike lubricants, Boeshield T 9 is better and more recommended. It is more durable, and it can last through difficult conditions just fine. It is also easier to apply.