Muc-Off MO-94 Multi-use Spray

Muc-Off MO-94 Maintenance Spray does exactly what it says on the tin and with reasonable aplomb, though some claims should be taken with a gentle pinch of salt.

The cynical among you might think that the maintenance tag is just another clever way of rebranding water displacers '' these lubricate, loosen rusted parts, prevent corrosion, stop squeaks, remove tar, grease, mud and so on.

Yes, but many household names were conceived long before polymer waxes, elastomers, composites and similar space age stuff that's been commonplace on bikes these past 15 years or so. With the emphasis upon prevention, maintenance formulas are finely blended mixes of Teflon and less intense solvent components, theoretically avoiding softening of greases, polishes, chain lubes and similarly good stuff when giving pivot points, cables precautionary post wash blasts.

Science wise, the aerosol relies on a butane propellant to traffic a fine mist of solvent, petroleum distillate and PTFE. The solvent ensures sprayable consistency, gobbling gunge and grime upon arrival whereupon it evaporates, leaving only the ubiquitous non-stick elixir behind.

Post wash blow-overs bring out a really jewelled effect in flamboyant and metallic enamels and unlike heavier preps, is more easily built up in stages to mask tooling and other electroplating whether preparing ornate framesets, old school rollers for, or just topping up during hibernation. Speaking of indoor trainers, rider coolant can quickly induce seizure of front brake callipers, so give your slave bike's regular, generous helpings.

To date, there's been no hint of unsealed decal/chainstay protector lift, though daily drivers will accumulate that familiar grimy patina around their cantilever pivots, fork crowns, brake bridges, bottom bracket shells and mech hangers given a couple of weeks, sooner in dusty conditions. Mind you, I've been perfectly happy to let it accumulate at frame ends.

Did I mention it also stops those infuriating phantom squeaks and resuscitates budget blinkies with suspect seals/corroded contacts? However; it isn't quite the Holy Grail. Less prestigious brands boasting similar credentials (costing half as much) have proved more effective in locks, trailer hitches and for spreading homemade frame preservers inside thin wall tubing. Similarly, MO-94 will loosen seized parts but penetrants are vastly superior, saving time, waste and energy.

Verdict

Excellent workshop staple but there are plenty of similarly competent formulas around