Green Oil

Green Oil's Eco Sponge is good for dealing with stubborn, congealed gunge and grime, but the fibrous pad demands regular rinsing to prevent ingrained grit and similar contaminants scratching delicate surfaces, so proceed with particular caution around carbon fibre and similar finishes.

Imported from the Philippines as a fair trade product, the 'Sponge' is a by-product of the Luffa plant whose identity lies somewhere between a shredded wheat cereal and bath-side exfoliant.

Reverend Audane here; dropping by to report that Green Oil Bicycle Brush makes short work of post-ride clean ups, effortlessly purging the demon filth from tyres, rims, cassettes and other drivetrain components. However, contrary to the blurb, prolonged testing suggests the biodegradable bristles aren't the kindest to thinner frame finishes, or indeed the latest generation of sophisticated polymer handlebar coverings.

I feel slightly guilty for criticising Green Oil. I rated their basic lube, and they have so far managed to combine impeccable eco-credentials with products that actually work - and work well. However, their latest offering, White Super Dry Chain Wax, is far from impressive.

To be honest, I'm not a big fan of this type of lube. It gives you a chain that runs very clean and is easy to wash, but unless you ride track or have a fair weather TT bike it generally wears off too easily to be useful.

Green oil eco rider maintenance kit contains the brand's ensemble (bar two) of cleaning/lubricating goodies in a single, ice cream sized tub. Performance easily matches its environmental credentials, competing handsomely on price and prowess with the more traditional petrochemical types. Pedants will point out the bucket is made from polypropylene-plastic which most councils cannot recycle but ours will be reincarnated as a handy storage bucket.