Squirt Lube £7.99
Effective and simple chain lube
Jim Clarkson
|
Oct 25 2017 |
Lubrication
Overall
Quality
Performance
Value
What's good?
- Easy to apply
- Self cleaning
What's not?
- Must be applied to spotless or very clean chain
Buy if...
You want a lube for wet and dry conditions that's environmentally friendly
Squirt Lube is a 100% biodegradable wax and water emulsion that dries to the chain and forms a 'long-lasting lubricant'. It can be used for wet or dry riding and, assuming you follow the instructions, it works and lasts well.
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Squirt claim it has cleaning properties by repelling dirt and debris, and that it doesn't need removing like traditional lubes do as they build up with gunk and mud. They mention that it must be applied to a totally clean chain to work most effectively. And to be sure, I just whacked it on to see how it faired. it doesn’t play well with other old remnants of other lubes, and didn’t seem to bond with the chain or provide much notable resistance reduction on the drive chain.
So, after cleaning the chain with an open bath and then removing and full degreasing, I put it back on and used the lube - with a big difference, once on, it really does an admirable job of resisting muck over time, and if you wash it off and reapply, it keeps on working well. Of course, with a mud like a really clay heavy mud it does eventually work off, but nothing will stick when submerged or covered in mud for extended periods.
A bonus is the 100% biodegradability of it, which for me, is a positive feature to have, and it has the function to compare against other good quality traditional lubes. The lube can’t be applied onto a chain and used immediately as its needs sort of ‘curing’ time to bond correctly. I found that it’d handle four-hour rides and then need re-applying for dry rides.
With muddy or wetter rides, it would handle three hours or so, and then you’d notice the graunchy sound of a drive chain crying. It is also available in a micro-sized bottle to take on longer rides if you felt the need. Overall, it's an effective lube with a positive environmental addition.
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Test report Squirt Lube £7.99
Lubrication
Product purpose:
The Squirt Lube lives up to its claim of 'what every cyclist wants' - a long lasting lube that doesn't gather dirt. It does need applying correctly to ensure it works.
Product performance
Product performance extra:
Works brilliantly and across wet or dry conditions.
Product durability
Product durability extra:
Long lasting dry lube as claimed. Seemed to work for longer than other wet and dry lubes I've used.
product value
Product value extra:
120ml bottle lasts a pretty long time thanks to the durability of the lube - obviously depends on your mileage.
Overall performance:
A sound choice for a lube - with little drawbacks in use.
Product likes:
Longevity and effectiveness - and the low environmental impact.
Product dislikes:
Being picky, it does require a very clean chain to get the most out of it.
Buy:
yes
Recommend:
totally
Conclusion:
Squirt have created a really great lube, that works and works, and requires less re-applying than others. Its also versatile in the conditions it works in.
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