NOTICE: The Guitar Ted 'Lube-Off' is a comparison of different lubrication products for bicycle chains that is undertaken in 'real world' conditions in a set way. Then I compare and contrast the results with past 'Lube-Off' products to see "which one is best for me". This is done for entertainment purposes and the reader should apply their own reasoning and discernment while reading my 'Lube-Off' entries. What works for me may not work for you at all.
The lube lived on the chain running the Black Mountain Cycles MCD drive train and was doing okay. Obviously gravel riding was paused for the Winter of '25-'26, but when things got warmer again, the MCD came out and was put back into use.
Then BRAN came calling and I decided to take the MCD on the week-long multi-surface ride. BRAN, in case you are unaware, is a ride through Nebraska which hits an overnight town every day for seven days, ala RAGBRAI. You start in Western Nebraska and travel East. Each day has a gravel route option, but you also get a fair amount of paved riding as well.
I did apply a new coating of the Stan's BioBased Dry Lubricant just before leaving for Nebraska. The image above shows you what the chain and cassette looked like when I returned back to Iowa afterward. You can see a bit of accumulation of dust/dirt on the chain links and a fine coating of dust on the cassette.
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| Results of the "Touch Test" after BRAN |
The Touch Test is where I run my finger across the chain rollers on the inside run of the chain and observe whatever residue I see on my finger. Depending on the residue, more stuff on my finger usually means a lower rating from me.
As you can see, there was a fine coating of dust which came off on my finger. In my estimation, we rode nearly 400 miles that week, so this would be what you'd see after that amount of miles with approximately 60% of that total being off-pavement.
In my opinion, the chain was in definite need of a reapplication of lubricant after BRAN. It felt dry, not very slick, and there may have been a tiny bit of metal on my finger there, which I found a little concerning.
Final Verdict On Stan's BioBased Dry Lube:
At the end of the day, Stan's Dry Lubricant is merely "okay". It certainly isn't 'bad', but there are better lubes out there. The BioBased Dry Lubricant is not a dirt magnet, it does the job, for a little while, and it is easy enough to use.
I wish Stan's Dry Lube had a longer span between applications. 300- 400 miles isn't a lot. Again, not terrible, but I have had other lubricants go longer between necessary reapplications. The amount of dust/dirt which was sticking on the chain and cassette is about the most I would tolerate. The fine coating on everything was a bit thicker than I'd like to see. However; I will say this was Nebraska dirt, not the Iowa dust I normally test in. So, this may have played a part in my end results.
Good - not great. That is my final word on the Stan's Dry Lubricant. SILCA's Super-Secret and Effetto Mariposa's Flowerpower Wax still are at the top of the heap as of this writing.
I'll have an update on the SILCA Super-Secret v2 lubricant in a little bit. Testing has been going on and I have some thoughts to share on it so far.
Additionally, the 'super-secret', secret lube under embargo until September 1st is also being tested and I have some thoughts on it as well. I think this should prove to be an interesting product.
Finally, I will have an update when the 'super-secret, secret lube is revealed which has to do with another product I was recommended to use for the test. Stay tuned for that - again, after September 1st.
