Carbon Pro Medium Density Lube

Carbon Pro Medium Density Lube is a super clean middleweight formula designed for dry to moderate conditions and it's rather good too. However, you'll get best results if you ensure your chain is spotless before you apply it.

As usual, the ingredients are Coca Cola secret but I can tell you they are derived from "high oleic natural compounds" - in other words, vegetable extracts that apparently prevent and actively attack corrosion while remaining in a dry, dirt repelling, low friction state. Furthermore, it tempers heat generation and therefore displacement, while still remaining kind to animals and aquatic life.

I found I needed to start by giving the chain a really deep cleanse; the faintest traces of any mineral based lube reacted, creating a localised 'fatty' lump reminiscent of the sort found in instant gravies.

Dry thoroughly, give the bottle a quick shake and dribble sparingly into every link. It's not as runny as some super thin petrochemical lubes, but it's still pretty lively, so use it outdoors and don't forget a rag.

Performance characteristics seem markedly similar to Teflon lubes. Shifts are light and transmissions responsive with a discernible cushioning barrier. Several consecutive hours spent chasing along rural roads characterised by spilt grain, dust, dung and similar detritus left minimal impression. Trace elements just sat on the top of the layer of lube before floating harmlessly away.

Escaping the maddening crowd on my crosser, I was equally impressed by the lube's staying prowess through long grass and similar overgrown foliage but concluded it was best suited to chains. Two drops to SPD bindings didn't gum them up, just made entry/release more remote.

Deep puddles had relatively little effect and soft mud largely clumps away, suggesting this is a viable option for less boggy cross or MTB meets. We've reached a very respectable 190 miles before the lubricant barrier became film like, nearer 400 on autumn roads.

Ultimately it's proven unique and very competent. That said; while the non-toxic formula is of real worth away from the asphalt, riders wanting maximum miles per application on their winter or training bikes may find PTFE-fortified potions better.

Verdict

Surprisingly tenacious, clean running lube with a competitive price tag