How this calculator works
The cost of chain lubricant per kilometre has two parts: how much each application costs and how often you apply it. Divide the bottle price by the number of applications in the bottle to get the cost of one dose. Divide that by the distance you ride between applications to get a cost per kilometre. Multiplying by your annual distance gives a yearly total. The bottle price is whatever currency you enter; the page displays Canadian dollars but does not convert between currencies.
Formula
Applications per bottle = bottle size / application size. Cost per application = bottle price / applications. Cost per kilometre = cost per application / distance between applications. Cost per 1,000 km = cost per kilometre x 1,000. Annual cost = cost per kilometre x yearly distance.
Worked example
A 120 mL bottle costing $20 with an 8 mL application gives 15 applications, or $1.33 each. If you reapply every 200 km, the cost is $0.0067 per kilometre, $6.67 per 1,000 km and $33.33 for a 5,000 km year.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does the reapplication distance matter more than the price?
Cost per kilometre divides by the interval, so halving the distance between applications doubles the cost even if the bottle price stays the same. A wax that lasts twice as long can cost more per bottle and still be cheaper to run.
How often should I reapply?
It depends on the lubricant, the weather and the surface. Dry, dusty rides usually need more frequent application than clean road riding, and wet rides can wash lubricant off quickly. Use the interval recommended by the manufacturer as a starting point and shorten it for wet or gritty conditions.
Does this include chain wear?
No. A lubricant that lets the chain wear faster can cost more in replacement chains and cassettes than the bottle price suggests. The result covers lubricant alone.
What about hot wax?
Hot melt wax is applied less often but uses a larger dose and needs a pot or a shop service. Enter the dose you actually use per treatment and the distance you get between treatments to compare it fairly with a drip lubricant.