The first rule of thumb is that you should clean and oil your bike and chain yearly. Use a wet lube and wipe the chain down after every ride to help prolong the chain lubes life. Clean the chain and reapply lube every 100-200 miles.
How often should you lube your MTB chain?
The recommendation to lube your mountain bike chain “at least every 100 miles” is a generic suggestion found in many bicycle owner's manuals. If you use your bike for leisurely rides in dry, clean conditions, such as a paved bike path, you could rely on this arbitrary marker.
When should I lube my bike chain?
Lube your chain when the cracks and crevices are vacant of lube. Ride 5 miles a week in good weather and you're good for months. Average 30 miles a week in good weather and you should be lubing about every 2 weeks. Average 50 miles a ride in good weather, and it's every ride.