The frictional properties of gear oils are improved by including at least one overbased alkali or alkaline earth metal carboxylate, sulphonate or sulphurized phenate having a TBN of at least 200 in a gear oil which comprises: oil of lubricating viscosity at least 80% by volume of which is mineral oil, synthetic ester oil or a mixture thereof; Mannich base ashless dispersant; metal-free, sulphur-containing antiwear and/or extreme pressure agent; and metal-free, phosphorus-containing and nitrogen-containing antiwear and/or extreme pressure agent. The resultant gear oils exhibit excellent performance when used in synchromesh-based transmissions.