Viking Juice is Juice Lubes' all-conditions, long-lasting chain oil, and with careful application it lives up to its promise. It's thinner than most wet lubes so penetrates really well, but it needs several coats to work – and it's easy to spill. It’s UK made and totally biodegradable though, and won't gum up with filth on the trails.
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The lubricating element of Viking Juice is suspended in a super-thin solvent, which drags it deep into the tiny gaps of the rollers and bushings for good penetration. The solvent evaporates after a few minutes, leaving behind a nice and slippery chain.
Juice Lubes recommend up to four applications to a clean, dry chain before riding for maximum staying power, but I found two to be plenty in the winter filth. One's not enough, though – it washes away easily, leaving you with a squeaky, lumpy-feeling drive.
As the lubricant is thin, it’s easy to lose a few drops while applying, so there’s a little waste involved.
With two applications (one after a wash, one before a ride), you’re left with a super-smooth and quiet chain. The lube attracts very little muck and it sticks about for a few rides thereafter. It’s also really easy to clean away when the time comes.
Although its nature means you use a bit more than you usually would with a traditional wet lube, there are clear performance benefits with Juice Lubes Viking Juice. If you like a smooth, quiet and clean chain, and you don’t mind a bit of waste, Viking Juice is definitely worth a try.