from ecxperience 3/32" tends to be a little quieter......yes do lube your chain it will keep it quit if it is dry it will make lotsa noise....use a good thick grease lithium works well because it is water and heat resistent....... and chain line will make a huge difference if you have proper chainline the chain will sit right n the cog and chainring = less noise ....... proper chain tension and a good quality chainring can also reduce noise ..... good quality chaingrings end up being stiffer and more cround than cheap ones ........ that means even chain tension and no flexing of chain ring wabble wabble