Effetto Mariposa Flowerpower Chain Lubricant
Wax-based lubricants are an efficient and clean way to lubricate bicycle chains. With its sunflower seed wax content, Flowerpower Wax uses natural ingredients for record-breaking performance and reliability, all this avoiding fluorinated compounds, graphene and sulphides.
- Creates a solid layer of wax between the moving parts of the chain, reducing friction, noise and increasing the life of the chain
- Unlike lubricating oils, it does not dirty clothes and resists contamination by dirt and dust very well
- Thanks to the sunflower seed wax, it is very resistant to water and is ideal in any season, on and off-road
- High wax to water ratio (over 50%!)
- Rapidly biodegradable: it does not contain PTFE, sulphides, graphene or other chemicals harmful to the environment
- Evaluated by Zero Friction Cycling as the best drip lubricant ever tested
Characteristics:
The advantages of wax chain lubrication
We are all familiar with the classic lubricating oils, traditionally used in cycling. However, these products are subject to rapid contamination during use, collecting dust and dirt (hence the classic trace of black they leave) and over time becoming real abrasive pastes that reduce the life of the chain and – progressively - its efficiency (we are talking about several Watts of precious leg power wasted).
The use of lubricating waxes has become more and more widespread: the chain treated with these products does not dirty, runs silently for a long time and absorbs less power, all this while increasing the number of kilometers traveled before a chain has to be replaced. Water-based wax emulsions, such as Flowerpower Wax, bring great benefits, following some simple usage tips.
How Flowerpower Wax works
Flowerpower Wax creates a solid layer of wax that is interposed between the moving elements of the chain, reducing friction. It’s a water emulsion of natural waxy compounds, with the right viscosity to penetrate inside the chain links, where lubrication is most important. Once the water has evaporated, a thick layer of wax remains firmly anchored to the metal, creating a real anti-friction pad.
The chain will not be dry to the touch - given the layer of wax that also protects the outside - but it will not be greasy or sticky and will not retain dirt.
First application: Wax emulsions require a deep cleaning of the chain before they can be applied the first time. It is essential to remove any oily traces so that the emulsion comes in contact with the metal and can deposit a well-adhering layer of wax.
The thing is very simple using our Allpine Extra - an excellent degreaser designed for this purpose - and the Mangiacatena chain cleaner, equipped with rotating brushes. Thanks to these products it is not necessary to disassemble the chain to clean it thoroughly. Rinse the chain with water and dry it perfectly to complete cleaning.
Once this is done, after shaking the Flowerpower Wax bottle vigorously, apply a drop of product on each link of the chain. When each link has received its drop of wax, slowly turn the pedals (at least 10 complete revolutions) in order to allow the emulsion to penetrate inside. Leave to dry for at least 2-3 hours.
For the first application, repeat the lubrication process described above a second time (one drop of Flowerpower Wax per link,.). After waiting again for 2-3 hours to allow the water to evaporate, possibly clean the excess product on the outside of the chain with a cloth and you are ready to pedal.
Successive applications: As the kilometers accumulate, when the chain starts to become noisy, simply clean it with a dry cloth and reapply a drop of Flowerpower Wax on each link. Since the wax retains no or very little dirt, it is possible to continue to lubricate in this way without the need to degrease the chain, which is instead recommended in case of rides in muddy conditions or in the presence of sand. In that case it’s better restoring the initial conditions with Allpine Extra, rinse, dry and then proceed with a deep lubrication with Flowerpower Wax.
In normal use, we recommend lubricating the chain if needed after the usual cleaning of the bicycle, in order to find it ready for the next ride.
High percentage of wax: There can be major differences between water-based wax emulsions. While many competing products are around 30%, Flowerpower Wax exceeds 50% of wax-to-water ratio. The result is the formation of a thicker anti-abrasion layer for the same quantity of emulsion applied, with great benefits in terms of durability and efficiency.
percentage by weight (dry residue after evaporation of water)
The strength of sunflower seeds
The wax obtained from sunflower seeds has really interesting characteristics for cy