Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to help you choose the right bike care products and get the most out of every ride.

Lubrication

There are a few factors to consider—but it starts with your riding conditions.

  • Dry → dry or wax-based lubricants
  • Wet → wet lubricants
  • Mixed → versatile options

From there, things like riding style, mileage, and maintenance habits also play a role.

For a more precise recommendation tailored to your ride, use the Lubricant Finder

Each type of lubricant is designed for different riding conditions and priorities.

  • Dry lubricants
    Go on wet and dry to a clean film. Best for dry, dusty conditions where keeping dirt off the chain matters most.
  • Wet lubricants
    Stay wet and provide a thicker protective layer. Ideal for wet, muddy conditions where durability and water resistance are key.
  • Wax-based lubricants
    Create a dry, contamination-resistant coating. Known for running clean and delivering efficient performance when properly applied.

Yes.

Different lubricants use different formulations, and mixing them can reduce performance. Cleaning the drivetrain before switching ensures the new lubricant works as intended.

Cleaning & Degreasing

It depends on how and where you ride, but regular cleaning makes a big difference.

Clean your bike after wet, muddy, or dusty rides, when dirt and moisture are more likely to work into the drivetrain and accelerate wear. In normal conditions, a quick clean every few rides helps prevent buildup and keeps components operating efficiently.

Between full cleans, a simple wipe-down after rides can go a long way. Removing surface dirt and moisture helps limit contamination, extending the time between deeper cleans and reducing drivetrain wear.

Yes. Finish Line cleaners are safe for use on carbon frames and components.

They’re formulated to clean effectively without affecting paint, clear coats, or composite materials when used as directed.

Yes.

After using a degreaser, rinse the drivetrain with water to remove any remaining residue before moving on to washing and lubrication.

Some fast-evaporating formulas, like Speed Degreaser, are designed to flash off cleanly and don’t require rinsing. Always follow the product instructions for best results.

Yes.

Finish Line degreasers, including Citrus Degreaser and Boosted BioClean, perform very well in ultrasonic systems.

For best results, dilute according to the product instructions and ensure parts are thoroughly dried before re-lubricating. 

Advanced Maintenance

It’s best to use different products.

Degreasers are designed to break down heavy grease and grime on drivetrain components, but they may leave behind residue that can affect braking performance. For chains and drivetrains, a dedicated degreaser works best.

For brake rotors and pads, use a Disc Brake Cleaner. It’s formulated to evaporate completely and leave no residue, helping maintain consistent braking performance.

Yes. It’s compatible with all common pad types, including sintered (metallic), resin (organic), and semi-metallic.

The formula is designed to clean braking surfaces effectively without leaving residue or affecting braking performance. When used as directed, it helps maintain consistent braking while removing contaminants that can contribute to noise.

It depends on the application.

For moving parts or areas that require lubrication—such as bearings, threads, or metal-to-metal contact—use grease. Finish Line greases are fully compatible with carbon fiber and safe for use on modern materials.

For carbon-to-carbon or carbon-to-metal assembly points—like seatposts, handlebars, and stems—use Fiber Grip. It increases friction between surfaces, helping prevent slipping while allowing you to tighten components to the correct torque.

Yes.

Finish Line Premium Grease is safe for use on carbon fiber frames and components.

It’s engineered to be fully compatible with modern materials, including carbon, aluminum, and steel—providing long-lasting lubrication without compromising finishes or structural integrity.

Yes.

It’s compatible with the seals and internals of most modern suspension systems, including leading brands like Fox and RockShox.

Always match the oil weight (2.5wt, 5wt, 10wt, 15wt) specified by your manufacturer to ensure optimal damping performance.

For best results, we recommend using FiberLink on its own.

Different sealants use different formulations, and mixing them can reduce effectiveness or prevent the sealant from performing as intended. Starting with a clean system ensures optimal sealing performance and consistency.

For best results, clean sealant as soon as possible.

Fresh sealant can usually be removed with a bike wash like Super Bike Wash and a soft cloth before it has time to bond to the surface.

For dried-on stains, use a mild degreaser, such as a diluted BioClean, and allow it to sit briefly to help break down the residue. Then wipe clean with a soft cloth or sponge. Stubborn areas may require a few passes, but avoid aggressive scrubbing to protect the paint or clear coat.

e-Bike Care

The best approach is to follow a simple routine: degrease, wash, then lubricate.

Start by degreasing the drivetrain to remove built-up grease and grime. Next, wash the bike using a bike wash and a soft brush or cloth to safely clean the frame and components.

When cleaning an e-bike, avoid high-pressure water or power washers—especially around the motor, battery, and display. A gentle rinse or damp cloth is the safest way to clean those areas.

Once everything is clean, dry the bike thoroughly and re-lubricate the drivetrain to keep it running smoothly and protected.

Not necessarily, but e-bikes place higher demands on the drivetrain.

The added torque and power can accelerate wear, so choosing a lubricant with strong durability and contamination resistance is key. For riders looking for a solution purpose-built for these conditions, E-Volv e-Bike Chain Lubricant is formulated to handle the increased loads and deliver consistent performance over time.

Sustainability

No.

All Finish Line formulations are free from PFAS and other fluorinated “forever chemicals.”

We take a responsible approach to formulation, developing high-performance products without relying on persistent chemical technologies.

Yes.

All Finish Line products are either inherently or readily biodegradable.

They’re designed to deliver high-performance results while breaking down more effectively in the environment over time.

While PTFE was once widely used in lubricants, Finish Line has moved to more advanced technologies.

Today, we use ceramic materials like boron nitride to deliver lower friction, improved durability, and more consistent performance across real-world riding conditions—without relying on legacy PTFE-based additives.

Orders, Shipping & Support

Use our Store Finder to locate retailers and shops that carry Finish Line products in your area.

We do not ship consumer orders internationally.

Finish Line products are available worldwide through our network of distributors. We recommend contacting a local distributor or retailer in your region.

Finish Line products are distributed globally through a network of trusted partners.

You can find a full list of our distributors on the Global Distributors page.

You can reach our team through the Contact Us page or by emailing customerservice@finishlineusa.com