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Lubrication
Fenwicks Complex synthetic greaseFenwicks complex synthetic grease

Fenwicks Complex synthetic grease

7
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jun 24, 2010

0
£4.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Conveniently sized, competent grease for all seasons and most reasons
Weight: 
100g
Contact: 
www.zyro.co.uk
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Formulated for wet-weather performance, Fenwick’s complex synthetic grease is a heavyweight general-purpose assembly paste perfect for free/hubs, bottom bracket and other bearing surfaces through to contact points-even on bikes such as crossers, mountain bikes, winter trainers and stripped- to- basics single speed/commuter fixers thanks to the blend’s tenacity and complex properties. That said I have some reservations concerning its long-term compatibility with elastomer suspension bushes and stick with dedicated pastes when installing carbon and Ti components.

Prising open the tub presents a lube with the texture and consistency reminiscent of mayonnaise. Derived from Polytetrafluoroethylene (That’s PTFE to you and me), the stuff of non-stick kitchenwares and higher end cable outers, it boasts seemingly ideal properties for cycling applications. Unlike the cheaper lithium types notorious for degrading over time, it doesn’t attract dirt, remains largely unaffected by variations in temperature and UV light while providing an excellent barrier against the more common water based elements.

Feel free to pack hubs, headsets/bottom brackets and other bearings/threaded areas vulnerable to dirt and ingress to bursting. Thinner layers can be used for tackling seat posts and other contact points. This eliminates wastage and the likelihood of posts slipping inside the frame as you ride; further protection-especially on bikes with rear facing collars and/or fluted posts is better achieved by running a slither of grease around the collar and capping it with a boot fashioned from redundant road inner tube.

Regular exposure to waterlogged lanes, bridle path and even my faithful garden hose has failed to make any obvious impression-nor has it collected sand, grit and other contaminant. Endurance minded mile munchers will be pleased to know the 100g tub fits unobtrusively inside saddlebags and panniers… just in case.

Verdict

Conveniently sized, competent grease for all seasons and most reasons.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Fenwicks Complex synthetic grease

Size tested: 100g

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

"A synthetic, water resistant, multipurpose assembly grease specifically formulated for wet-duty performance. Ideal for hub bearings, headsets, pedals and bottom brackets, Complex Synthetic Grease is non-staining and has a peerless cohesiveness and adhesiveness, protecting components during exposure to standing or pressurized water, mud, snow and ice".

A fair and above all, accurate description.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

PTFE based grease (100g) that will not dry out or degenerate in the fashion commonly associated with cheaper lithium types.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Should keep bearings and other components very happy through the winter months.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
6/10

Not the most pleasant to touch and best applied wearing latex gloves.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Fenwick's complex grease is superb for bikes in hard service and ideally suited to bearings, seatposts and anything else that neeeds to remain slick, protected from the elements and corrosion free.Use sparingly on seatposts and other contact points though, lathering it on here doesn't improve protection and can encourage slippage.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Conveniently sized, keenly priced and durable.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Some concerns over long term exposure to skin, so wear Latex gloves.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Quite possibly

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Generally, yes

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 36  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb

Fenwicks
Fenwicks Complex Synthetic Grease
Grease
Shaun Audane

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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