Motul has launched Racing Chain Lube, a new bicycle chain lubricant developed to reduce drivetrain friction and improve durability for riders seeking marginal gains in training and competition.
The product uses Motul’s ESTER technology, already established in the company’s motorcycle lubricants, and has been positioned as the flagship product in the Motul Bike Care range.
According to Motul, the new lubricant has been engineered to deliver very low friction, high wear resistance and protection against contamination in a range of riding conditions.
The company said lubrication is one of the key factors in professional cycling performance, alongside aerodynamics and rolling resistance, with cyclists increasingly looking for products that minimise power loss while protecting the drivetrain.
Motul developed a laboratory validation protocol based on the conditions of a Tour de France stage, using 280 watts, 220km, 45km/h and 90 RPM as reference points.
The testing was designed to evaluate friction, wear and viscosity in repeatable conditions, with Motul saying the approach allows its lubricant to be compared directly with rival products.
Real-world validation was also carried out with partner teams Tudor Pro Cycling Team and BMC Factory Racing, which have used the product during training camps and races.
- Friction: Motul claims Racing Chain Lube delivered 17% less chain friction than the five best competitor lubricants tested, equating to a 1.45W gain and a theoretical 22-second advantage over 220km.
- Wear resistance: The company reports an 8% reduction in wear compared with the best competitor products tested, and a 51% reduction compared with an unlubricated chain.
- Protection: Motul says the formulation offers drivetrain protection in wet, dusty and high-stress riding environments.
Robin Danneels, head of the Bike Segment at Motul, said the company created its own bicycle-specific tribological testing protocol after finding there was no recognised standard for comparing lubricant performance across the market.
Danneels added: “Our development is based on a tribological testing protocol specifically designed for bicycles, supplemented by field validation conducted with our partners, the Tudor Pro Cycling Team and BMC Factory Racing. This approach allows us to offer products that deliver a level of performance, reliability, transparency and trust worthy of the expectations of the most demanding cyclists.”
Motul Racing Chain Lube will be available in Europe from autumn 2026 in a 100ml pack, with a recommended retail price of €35, depending on country and retailer.
The wider Motul Bike Care line includes lubricants, tubeless tyre sealant, degreasers and cleaners, with further additions planned in the lubrication category.
The launch expands Motul’s presence in the cycling care market, building on its existing lubricant expertise across automotive, motorcycle and bicycle applications.
