Despite my initial cynicism, Finish Line’s 1 step cleaner and lubricant quickly won me over with its convenience, low friction and surprising tenacity. Marketed at commuters, the mixture is also perfect for post race clean-ups of cross and mountain bike transmissions, slotted cables and even spd cleat mechanisms. However, it demands an abundance of clean rag, weekly reapplication in wetter weather and those with sensitive skins should apply wearing latex examination gloves.
The solution works to the same principle as the old-fashioned petrol/diesel mix with a thin solvent invading every link, purging congealed lube, mud, grease and grime. This evaporates leaving behind an extremely sophisticated low-friction lubricant. Finish line stresses the lack of carcinogenic and other harmful ingredients but said mixture has quite a kick, so use in a well ventilated area and store away from children, pets and sources of ignition.
To use shake the contents vigorously for a minute, plug in the applicator straw and spray in short bursts over the chain/cassette. Leave the solution a further minute or so to work its magic and hunt down some clean, lint free rag.
Run the chain through the rag a few complete turns before wiping overspill from the rear wheel. Apply another coat, forgoing the wiping ritual for optimum protection or preparing a bike for winter storage. Slipping a section of card beneath control cables and giving them a quick shot reaps surprising reward, enhancing a slick inner environment that doesn't gum up over time.
The first few pedal strokes left the Univega’s drivetrain feeling brand new and super efficient. While none of the components are remotely worn, coming from a diet of ceramic type wet-lubes it felt notably friskier across the block.
Mild to moist conditions have made little impression upon the blend, although a couple of prolonged rides in bad weather demanded a quick top up. As a yardstick, we’re on our third application in three weeks and 240 miles but I can see this becoming a weekly job come winter.
Verdict
Versatile and surprisingly tenacious cleaner/lube for riders short on time
road.cc test report
Make and model: Finish Line 1-Step cleaner and lubricant
Rate the product for quality of construction:
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
7/10
Rate the product for value:
7/10
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Age: 36 Height: 1m 81 Weight: 70 kilos
I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
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