The numbers vary depending on who exactly you ask – but the general consensus is that a clean chain, with a thin layer of lube, will save you around 5-10 watts. Of course the saving depends on the state of the chain previously.

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So, say you’re riding at 200 watts for an hour, that’s 5% extra power on top of your ability without any extra effort. Over a steady, endurance ride at 150 watts, that’s around 7%, and in that crucial 500 watt effort to charge to the next lamp post on your group ride? You gain that extra 2% that just might be for the win!

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No, the increases aren’t HUGE – but they only cost you an extra 15 minutes with a hose and a bottle of lube (let’s not discuss what else you could do with that equipment in the same period of time).