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review
Lubrication
Morgan Blue Race Oil RoadMorgan Blue Race Oil Road

Morgan Blue Race Oil Road

8
by Liam Cahill
UPDATED Mon, Sep 10, 2018 00:02

First Published Sep 9, 2018

9
£7.95

VERDICT:

8
10
Runs clean, protects well and applies easily
Weight: 
133g
Contact: 
www.windwave.co.uk
How we test

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This Morgan Blue Race Oil is a really good option for general riding and racing. It applies easily, runs clean and performs well in mixed conditions. You'll need to keep on top of maintenance, though, it's not one to just slap on and leave.

  • Pros: Runs clean yet protects well in the rain
  • Cons: The aerosol can version is better value

Once applied this lube leaves a highly waterproof lubricating film, and is designed for use in both dry and wet conditions.

> Find your nearest dealer here

> Buy this online here

Morgan Blue states that prior to application you should strip the chain of dirt and old lubricant. That benefits the lubricant's ability to coat the chain and leave the protective film.

The drip applicator is good, allowing you to drip onto individual rollers. I prefer to apply in a smooth flow to the inner side of the chain by quickly rotating the pedals backwards. I do this with the chain on a keeper tool and the rear wheel removed. This tends to prevent oil buildup in the cassette. The lube is sticky and doesn't splatter onto the chainstay.

You're meant to leave the lubricant to dry for at least an hour before riding to allow the solvent time to vaporise. As I usually wash my bike post-ride, I was able to leave it overnight. It leaves a very thin film on the chain.

Out on the road, I found that this offers a little more noise damping compared with Squirt's Dry Wax. Shifting was also quiet and smooth.

The lube stays very clean in dry conditions but it will turn a bit black in the rain. Crucially, though, it still works well in the rain, and it's then easy to clean when you get home.

In terms of value, it's pretty good, and you can get hold of it at both local bike shops and online retailers. Its rrp of £7.95 for 125ml compares well with some – Pedro's Syn Lube is £8.99 for 100ml, and Muc-Off's Hydrodynamic Lube is £15.99 for 50ml – but it's harder to find Morgan Blue at the kind of discounts others are sold for online: you can get Finish Line Dry for £2.99 for 120ml and Muc-Off Dry for £3.99 for 120ml.

A better deal is the 400ml aerosol can version of the Race Oil for £10; it can be easily applied to the derailleur internals easily as well. The 400ml can I've been using has lasted me a whole race season of regular washing.

Verdict

Runs clean, protects well and applies easily

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Morgan Blue Race Oil Road

Size tested: 125ml

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?

From Morgan Blue: "Professional, high-quality lubricant for all bike applications."

There is a good reason why a huge number of professional teams use Morgan Blue's products. They just work.

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

From Morgan Blue:

"Contains synthetic additives to help reduce friction, obtain a smoother gear shift and extend the life of lubricated parts. For use in summer, in dry and wet weather conditions."

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
10/10

The bottle is easy to open. You get a slow drip of oil or a smooth flow if you give the bottle a squeeze. The oil won't flick everywhere either.

Rate the product for performance:
 
10/10

Quiet, smooth and clean. Lovely performance.

Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10

Lasts well in dry conditions. Protects well in the wet but it'll need cleaning off and reapplying after a good soaking.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

There are cheaper options out there for this size, but do they work as well? There are also more expensive. The larger spray can version is much better value.

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

Provided smooth, quiet shifting and stayed clean for a good while. I got just under two weeks of dry riding before it rained and I had to clean and reapply.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

It runs very clean in the dry and protects the chain in the wet.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The spray can version is much better value.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

The rrp is similar, but other dry lubes can be found discounted more heavily online – some about half of this.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

Works really well in both wet and dry conditions while being easy to apply and also clean off, but it's better value if you buy the aerosol version.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 24  Height: 177cm  Weight: 62kg

I usually ride: Cannondale Supersix Di2  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo-cross, commuting, club rides, general fitness riding, I specialise in the Cafe Ride!

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