SQUIRT LUBE
"I've tried quite a few different chain lubes over the years, and after a lot of experimentation, I've developed a preference for different lubes on different types of bikes (road, mountain, 'cross). But every couple of years, I seem to get curious enough to try out a new lube, and it was serendipitous timing that this bottle os SQUIRT LUBE showed up at the CXM offices towards the end of cross season.
"I've tried quite a few different chain lubes over the years, and after a lot of experimentation, I've developed a preference for different lubes on different types of bikes (road, mountain, 'cross). But every couple of years, I seem to get curious enough to try out a new lube, and it was serendipitous timing that this bottle os SQUIRT LUBE showed up at the CXM offices towards the end of cross season.
SQUIRT LDLL (Long Lasting Dry Lube) is made up of four types of waxes and other dry lubricants and does not include any solvents (100% Biodegradeable). The instructions highly recommend degreasing your chain first, which felt like a bit of a hassle, but I did it anyway on one bike, and applied it to another without this step.
Having used wax-based lubricants in the past, I've appreciated how they keep the chain clean but have found myself having to reapply more often than I'd like. And when things got muddy or wet, these lubricants didn't seem to hold up. Like other wax-based lubricants, the SQUIRT LLDL offers the benefit of a chain that avoids collecting dirt and stays clean, especially in dry dusty conditions. Nice. A clean, grit-free chain will last longer. but the selling point of this lube was how long it lasted. Over a one month period on this bike that involved several 'cross rides a week and some regular road commuting, my chain remained amazingly quiet and clean without a single re-lube, while my normal spray lube would have demanded several reapplications under the same conditions. And after one very muddy 'cross race, my chain seemed to be running smoother with less grit and grime than I normally have with the previous spray lubricant I had been using. After a thorough wash-I didn't dare risk rust and still reapplied the SQUIRT lube-I was happy to not need to go through the usual routine of thoroughly cleaning my chain. SQUIRT Lube reports that riders have used its lube in the tough proving grounds of the Cape Epic and La Ruta de los Conquistadors stage races with great success. While I don't anticipate needing my lube to last quite that long on my 'cross bike, knowing it can handle such long rides is comforting in case the race officials never ring the bell.
The initial one-time cleaning of your chain prior to using the lube seems to be worth it. On the other bike, the lube just didn't seem to last as long, perhaps because it never quite penetrated the old lube and chain enough to fully coat the rollers and plates. With repeated applications, it should eventually replace the old lube. I did not test the lube in freezing conditions, but SQUIRT contends several of its lubricants that comprise the SQUIRT LLDL do very well in the cold. Now if I can just find the time to clean all my chains, SQUIRT will find its way onto my other bikes. $10, www,squirtlube.com or (970)376-1244.
By Andrew Yee, CX magazine.
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