B'Twin All-In-One maintenance spray

B'Twin's 500ml All-in-one maintenance spray promises to degrease, protect and lubricate in a single blast. Despite some 'don't they all?' scepticism on my part, this one will give some popular brands a seriously good run for your hard earned. If you're looking for a post-wash protectant, though, stick with one of the many watered-down mixtures.

Strength aside, these all work to the same basic science. Propane propellant and solvents serve to make the mixture sprayable and deliver the solvents to their intended hosts. Having arrived, the solvent displaces moisture and dissolves grease, grime and mud on contact. This then evaporates, leaving behind a slippery, corrosion-busting layer of PTFE.

These ingredients are comparatively potent, so use in well-ventilated areas away from sources of ignition, and minimise contact with hub/suspension seals and similar rubberised/plastic components. A stubby integral nozzle means there's no straw to lose, while still directing contents precisely where they're needed.

Buy this online here

Since we're on the subject, said chemicals will also soften polymer waxes and unsealed stickers over time, so slip an old strip of card underneath when giving exposed cables some TLC. Cables, cleat mechanisms, jockey wheels, trailer hitches, recessed fasteners are all obvious candidates and so long as they're not caked in embedded cack, it's literally spray 'n' go.

Moving parts have remained slick and squeak-free for several weeks of all-weather commuting and training. The same goes for locks, which are largely forgotten until their cylinders start turning arthritic. I've successfully revived chrome plated frame ends and skewers and mothballed tools convincingly too. Yes, these do cultivate grimy patinas over time but it's easily dismissed with a clean rag. Sticky switchgear and corroded battery terminals on computer sensors/blinkies have been successfully brought back from the brink, too, but the Teflon part is still quite rich, so use very sparingly here.

Most blends boast that they'll free seized and rusted parts. Some are better than others and all require physical assistance of some kind. While not level-pegging with release sprays, wrapping an old cut-down envelope funnel fashion around the seat tube, then spraying a thick layer (so the lion's share cascades slowly inside the seat tube) liberated two seatposts and a friend's bottom bracket (we reckon the cups weren't greased at the factory).

Did I mention it also flushes moisture from metal frames and traffics waxy preserves around their inner sanctum?

Suggesting it's a passable chain lube is stretching plausibility somewhat; a decent post-wash primer or protectant for bikes entering seasonal storage, definitely, but even with two generous helpings, 90 miles (over the course of five days) was pretty much my lot. Nonetheless, it's done exactly what it says on the tin and seems better value than some widely revered favourites.

Verdict

Versatile and long-lived workshop staple with scope beyond cycling