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review

Green Oil CF-3 reusable lube spray

8
£6.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Super convenient re-useable pump spray that works just like an aerosol without the environmental impact
Weight: 
0g
Contact: 
www.upgradebikes.co.uk

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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Green Oil CF3 is easily on par with traditional aerosols which (despite the banning of ozone destructive CFC) still contain hazardous substances within their product and/or propellant. All the CF3 requires is a few simple pumps to pressurise the contents, which can be refilled continuously from the Green-Oil range. You probably could use this with thin petrochemical lubes too, but if you are fond of sunnier climes take note that this would prevent you taking it on a flight-say to a training camp.

The CF3 is intended for use with green oil chain or dry lube white for efficient, fuss free application without negative environmental impact. The bottle body is made from hope recyclable plastic whereas the spray unit and cover cap are from 'mixed sources' and polypropylene respectively so cannot be slipped in with the household stuff when the finally expire. Filling couldn't be simpler. Remove the cover cap and threaded collar (rinse if previously used or changing from wash to lube) before pouring in the chosen potion and reassembling. The contents are pressurised by inserting the 'male' cover cap inside the threaded 'female' section and pumping (as if inflating a tyre) ten times. From here, simply point and shoot at the affected area.

Filled with the bike wash, pressing the nozzle in short bursts rewards with a fine mist whereas holding consistently produces a thick; foam that lifts even congealed sludge from the drivetrain when simultaneously tickled with a stiff brush. However, cross and mountain bikes are more likely to require the marinate, scrub and reapply routine. To my surprise, the pressure doesn't wane and converted a solvent based lube into a really nifty one-does all for cables, cleat mechanisms and pivot points. Arguably the quickest way of lubing the chain, both the heavier viscosity Green oil and supper runny synthetics require care and clan rag to prevent the rear wheel becoming the main benefactor.

Verdict

Super convenient re-useable pump spray that works just like an aerosol without the environmental impact.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Green Oil CF-3 reusable lube spray

Size tested: 250ml

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

"You no longer have to choose between the convenience of a spray lube and Green Oil!

The CF3 comes empty. It can then be filled with Green Oil chain lube, White (our super dry chain wax) or Clean Chain degreaser (30ml water and 70ml Clean Chain).

Spray degreasers and lubricants are popular mainly due to the convenience - simply aim and spray. There are however environmental and health problems with this. Whilst the CF3 is CFC free, the montreal protocol virtually banned the production of CFCs years ago - a victory for Greenpeace, and the ozone layer."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Bottle body made from hope recycleable plastic, polypropelene cover cap, spray unit fashioned from mixed plastics.Pressurising the product is simply a question of pushing the bottle cap up and down ten times. While designed primarily for the brands' range of lubes/cleansers it also works with semi synthetic petrochemical types.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

The CF3 performs just like a traditional aerosol. Pressing the nozzle rewards with a very fine, pressurised mist that's perfect for lubing (Or cleansing) chains, cleat mechanisms, cables and pivot points. Unlike conventional pump sprays it doesn't peter out and hasn't clogged in the way single use isobutane types can so long as you rinse thoroughly between refills.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

High performance with minimal fuss and environmental impact.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Unreservedly

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 37  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,

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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