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review
Lubrication
Green Oil White Super Dry Chain WaxGreen Oil White Super Dry Chain Wax

Green Oil White Super Dry Chain Wax

2
by rob_simmonds
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Sep 25, 2008

0
£6.99

VERDICT:

2
10
More wax, still crap
Weight: 
107g
Contact: 
www.green-oil.net
How we test

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When I tested this Super Dry Chain Wax back in June last year I gave it such a kicking that my toes hurt. It was rubbish and I said so. Well, it seems that the good chaps at Green Oil took things to heart and set out to improve things. I can't claim credit because it must have been obvious that the stuff wasn't up to scratch. They've beefed up the wax content (the actual lube bit) and sent it back out to us to try again. I'd like to report that they've fixed it but I can't, it's still rubbish.

The problem with the Mk1 version was that there was too much (plant derived) ethanol carrier and not enough of the bees wax based lube. The new version has quite a bit more wax, which is all very nice, but it still drifts through the lube in great white clumps and clogs the nozzle. Applying the stuff is a messy affair, you have to squirt it over the chain with a thick pad of kitchen roll set behind to catch the residue. The carrier soaks into the kitchen roll leaving the wax behind, so I wiped that over the outside of the chain. Once dry it looks pretty 'orrible, like your chain has been wiped in that terrible lumpy white glue that primary schools used when I were a lad. Last time round I initially made the mistake of applying it to a new chain that still had factory lube lurking in the depths. This time round I made sure that I put it on an old and *very* clean chain...

After a brace of dry weather commutes (32 whole miles...) there were definite signs that the lube was starting to give up, a horrible dry rustling noise just audible above more pleasant road noises. On my next ride the noise got worse but I persevered, more in hope than expectation. That got me to around 65 miles. Next ride out, a group ride, I couldn't bear it any more and slapped on some of my regular lube. I'll be honest, that's less robust than my usual lube testing regime, but after my previous experience I think it's safe to say that it wasn't going to get any better.

I can't help but wonder if there is a better way of blending the lube component in with the carrier because the thick clots of wax simply don't get into the rollers. If the Green Oil chaps can crack that, then they might have something worth using. Until then, avoid.

Verdict

More wax, still crap.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Green Oil White Super Dry Chain Wax

Size tested: n/a

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?

"White is a performance chain wax for the new breed of high end road bikes, for that pristine looking chain, or slick triathlon performance. White is also great for the city commute, and for down hill and other mountain bikers who prefer wax based lubricants for their cleanliness in dirty conditions.

Also recommended for BMX racing among other quality bicycle uses."

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

"White has been in development for more than a year. Part of the challenge was keeping the formula biodegradable, in accordance with Green Oil UK's company ethos. To do this, we use within the formula bees wax, replacing conventional paraffin or petrochemical wax. This ensures production is more sustainable. During development, we used a solvent which was biodegradable, though produced using petrochemicals. The launch was delayed in order to find a natural alternative.

A plant based ethanol is now used, which is not only biodegradable, but made using EU grown sugar. Other ingredients are plant based and the whole formula is biodegradable."

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
2/10

Base and wax need to be a smoother blend.

Rate the product for performance:
 
2/10

More wax doesn't help.

Rate the product for durability:
 
2/10

Laughably poor.

Rate the product for value:
 
2/10

With wasteful application and appalling mileage you'll run through a bottle of this in no time.

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

Very, very badly.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Nothing.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Apart from being crap it undermines the idea that green, eco-friendly versions of regular products can be just as good.

Did you enjoy using the product? No

Would you consider buying the product? No

Would you recommend the product to a friend? No

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

There might just be a decent product here trying to get out, but it needs a lot more work.

Overall rating: 2/10

About the tester

Age: 42  Height: 5' 8  Weight: er....85kg

I usually ride: Kona Dew Drop, Dawes Century SE, Carlton Corsa  My best bike is: Guess SC1 scandium

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: time trialling, commuting, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, Audax and long distance solo rides

 

Green Oil White Super Dry Chain Wax
Green Oil
Dry lube
chain lube

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