Chain lubricants vary significantly in quality, and some are not as impressive as the manufacturers’ test data suggests, according to Adam Kerin from Zero Friction Cycling, a company that specializes in testing such products. Many lubricants are accompanied by marketing claims suggesting superior efficiency or power savings, which Kerin warns can often lack substantiation.
Lubricants play a crucial role not only in a bike’s drivetrain performance but also in its longevity. Misuse of products can lead to both decreased efficiency and increased wear on components. One of Zero Friction Cycling’s goals is to help consumers navigate these nuances.
Adam Kerin was inspired to start Zero Friction Cycling due to the lack of industry-standardized testing for lubricant performance. According to Kerin, a chain is a hard-working mechanical component that operates completely exposed to contamination, making lubricant performance formative for both friction losses and wear rates.
Kerin admired the pioneering work of Jason Smith with Friction Facts but sought to conduct a broader assessment of lubricants’ performance, including penetrating issues, dry dust contamination, wet conditions performance, and single application longevity. The absence of this testing and Kerin’s personal love of tinkering led to the establishment of Zero Friction Cycling in 2016.
Over the years, the company has progressively developed its role in researching lubricant efficiency and wear prevention. Transcending the focus on racers, Zero Friction Cycling offers value to any cyclist who seeks to enhance their bike’s performance and lifespan through the right product choice.
Kerin warns that some lubricant manufacturers’ marketing can be misleading or even dishonest at times, with products often making claims that lack substantiation. He suggests that this has become a problematic default, with companies routinely making ‘wonderful claims’ without accountability.
Unlike TVs or washing machines that claim specific wattage or water use, there are no standard tests for lubricants, and regulatory bodies would struggle to disprove a certain claim. Therefore, it’s critical to be careful and discerning when choosing a lubricant for your bike.
Source: Chain lube marketing myths: Interview with Zero Friction Cycling’s Adam Kerin.
