Absoluteblack adds 50ml bottle to GraphenLube range

Absoluteblack has launched a new size bottle of its GraphenLube.

While this isn’t a “new” product, through ongoing research the brand has achieved further friction reduction, especially in wet and mixed weather conditions, while maintaining low friction in dry conditions, which the lube is known for.

Most importantly, however, it’s now available in a 50ml size, ideal for drip applications.

Based on customer feedback, Absoluteblack understood that the key to wider adoption of this product is making it more affordable.

The new bottle size achieves that while providing plenty of lube for thousands of kilometres.

While the 50ml bottle is big enough for full immersion application on race day, it is optimised for daily use and dripping onto the chain.

Since the introduction of GraphenLube a few years ago, a host of offerings have emerged in the low-friction arena.

In response to this, Absoluteblack has updated all its tests to compare our GraphenLube to the new, most popular competitors.

All chains were prepared with a single lube application according to manufacturer instructions and a friction test performed at 250W resistance, 100rpm cadence, 40km/h speed, 25deg C and 25% humidity.

The test continued until the chain reached 8W losses.

Each chain and testing machine had a 5km warmup/break-in period, and then the first 50km on the graph were recorded in dry conditions.

Without stopping the machine after the 50km mark, chains were continuously sprayed with liquid to simulate wet road conditions.

The liquid contains water, trace amounts of diesel oil and small amounts of micronised alumina powder to simulate the contaminants which get onto the chain when riding in the rain.

This test reveals how lubricants behave in dry as well as in wet conditions, and how their friction changes in relation to the distance cycled.

The higher the number, the more watts lost.

A spokesperson for Absoluteblack added: “While some lubes can achieve relatively low friction in dry laboratory conditions (the first 50km) everything changes when water spray is introduced.

“Most lubes are washed away relatively fast, causing an increase in friction and wear.

“The ideal lubricant should not only perform well in dry laboratory conditions but also be able to withstand less favourable weather situations, without a significant increase in friction.”

The new 50ml GraphenLube bottle retails at £34.90 and is available from the brand’s UK distributor, VeloBrands.