STUFF: Green Oil
Review: Eddie Allen
News Posted: 8 April 2008
Now, we're not heavily into product reviews here on Everyday Cycling, but every now and again we'll take a look at new, fresh and innovative products that we think will make a genuine difference to your cycling experience.
Riding a bike is one of the most ecologically sound moves you can make in the 21st century. So you don't want to stuff it up by dousing your sustainable machine with noxious, planet-wrecking, fish-killing lubes and degreasers. Enter stage left Green Oil, an ecological, naturally sourced chain lube that claims to 'destroy limits, not nature.' We're all for destroying limits here at Everyday, so I decided to put it to the test on the drivetrains of my bikes over the winter period.
I'd been a previous devotee of Finish Line's products and Green Oil's thick consistency came as a shock after using Finish Line's dry lube all summer. However, dry lubes just don't cut it in the winter, needing frequent re-applications and washing off very quickly in wet weather or after stream crossings.
However, I'm pleased to report that after around three months use on road and trail, I'm mightily impressed with it's performance. Sure it's a fairly heavy 'wet' lube and so will pick up more dirt that a dry lube or chain wax, so be prepared for that. However, the trade-off is a silky smooth drivetrain that stays that way for weeks-on-end, even during harsh winter usage. Just a drop on the inside of each of the chain's rollers and a quick wipe down is all it takes.
The oil itself is 100% plant based and half the ingredients are certified organic (they're working on the rest). Also, it contains no 'palm oil'. As you may be aware, there is an issue with biofuels and deforestation, to make way for 'palm oil' plantations, but Green Oil contains no palm oil at all, and ingredients are sustainably sourced.
To further bolster Green Oil's, erm, green credentials, it comes in a re-useable plastic bottle (which Green Oil will refill for you and pay you 20p deposit on the bottle, just like with milk and pop bottles in the old days) and there's no aerosol variant to be found, no sir. To cap it all, the bottle's label has got a lovely lo-fi feel to it and is printed on recycled paper.
I've been using the oil for 3 months now on my road, commuter and MTB bikes at the generously sized 100ml contain is still half full, so it's kind to nature and your back pocket too.
Due to it's wet-lube, oily consistency it won't suit obsessives who like their chain to look like jewellery all the time. If you fit into that category, you have my sympathies, and you're better off with a lighter lube or a chain wax. If not, give it a go. It's as guilt-free as an organic fruit smoothie (but probably not as tasty).
�5.20 per 100ml
To find out more about Green Oil and to buy go to: www.green-oil.net
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