Originally Posted by
FBinNY
I hope nobody objects to me adding my two cents here, but I honestly believe Chain-L is the clear winner in terms of weather resistance. Of course, I'm highly biased.
I began using Chain-L precisely for its longevity in the face of weather and bikes being left outside and uncared for. I often go weeks or even a couple months without having to relube my chains, and I'm able to relube at "points of convenience" such as when I have the chain off the bike for some unrelated reason, or have the bike on the stand for something else. Of the half-dozen or so lubes that I've tried, Chain-L is far and away the longest-lasting.
If "best" for you means "long-lasting", then Chain-L is worthy of consideration. OTOH, I do have a neighbor with differing priorities who chooses a solvent-based lube instead. Longevity is high up on my list, but not so much on his. So what the OP says about engineering is true, and one chooses lube based upon one's own priorities.