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review
Lubrication
Carbon Pro Lite Density Lube Carbon Pro Lite Density Lube
Carbon Pro Lite Density Lube

Carbon Pro Lite Density Lube

8
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jan 29, 2015

0
£5.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Surprisingly durable for a lightweight lube, yet loses nothing in performance terms to its rivals
Weight: 
60g
Contact: 
www.carbonpro-sports.com
How we test

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Carbon Pro's Lite Density Lube is a low viscosity, high performance blend designed for responsive shifts and minimal friction in dry, dusty conditions. So far, it delivers and with superior staying power.

Its ingredients appear identical to its medium density sibling, with high oleic vegetable compounds that mimic sophisticated petrochemicals but without the environmental impact.

This also explains why there wasn't any adverse reaction when I deliberately left traces of the medium density on a cluster of inner links. Otherwise, get chains surgically clean using your preferred degreasing agent and dry thoroughly before applying.

Low viscosity means really mobile. While the spout is certainly precise, it still races out, so get that rag hovering beneath ready to catch the overspill and let gravity do the rest. To my surprise, one coat seems sufficient, though I found myself doubling up on the fixers, just to see if this had any effect.

There's no recommended curing period but in the time it takes to lock the house, you're ready to go. Adding a drop to cleat mechanisms also improved speed of entry/release. Despite a deep lustre, reminiscent of semi synthetic motor oils, cleanliness is superb, with virtually no contaminant after ninety minutes and thirty miles of sporadic, heavy rain and silty coastal roads.

Alternating between bikes fed the lite and medium density lubes, suggests this one requires ten miles bedding-in before its friction busting magic becomes truly apparent. Subsequent rides revealed consistently perky shifting and transmissions more responsive to rider effort.

A hundred and fifty miles into testing, I treated crosser and fixer to a thorough bucket wash but even the sudsy, grime gobbling agents made little impression-certainly no need for topping up. We crossed 280 miles before the first helping began thinning and only required the briefest of cat-licks before replenishment.

These qualities suggest it's a superior option for fair-weather (mid spring to late autumn) Audax, touring and club riding.

Verdict

Surprisingly durable for a lightweight lube, yet loses nothing in performance terms to its rivals

road.cc test report

Make and model: Carbon Pro Lite Density Lube

Size tested: 2 oz

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?

"Created and preferred for Dry riding conditions, where the terrain is dusty and grimy, due to its stronger and drier friction fighting film, attracts less grime, offers better rust protection, runs cleaner, and withstands higher extreme pressures

 

Lite Density application will coat larger areas with a thin film, leaving it protected and coated. Available also in 2oz drip bottle."

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

'proprietary formulation of high oleic natural compounds derived from renewable resources that will prevent and attack corrosion, prevent the adherence of debris and apply and stay dry, repelling dirt, while at the time are extremely effective against friction and have excellent thermal and oxidative stability. These are ready to be used in environmentally sensitive areas to present a minimal environmental impact'.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Well blended.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Superior to most lightweight formulas I've used to date.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

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

Overall, Carbon Pro Lite combines the best features of of friction busting barely-there blends with greater resistance to changeable autumn conditions.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Clean, Efficient, Versatile and relatively long-lasting.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Runny formula requires careful application to avoid mess/wastage.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Definitely.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 41  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,

 

Carbon Pro Lite Density Lube
Shaun Audane

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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