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Cleaning products
Muc-Off Nano Gel Refill Bike Cleaner ConcentrateMuc-Off Nano Gel Refill Bike Cleaner Concentrate

Muc-Off Nano Gel Refill Bike Cleaner Concentrate

7
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jun 5, 2014

1
£12.00

VERDICT:

7
10
Versatile new incarnation of iconic grime busting formula
Weight: 
542g
Contact: 
muc-off.com
How we test

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Muc-Off Nano Gel Refill Bike Cleaner Concentrate ups the ante in the cleaning stakes and represents much better value for fettlers who want to top up their existing supply of bike wash, or indeed brew their own strengths to suit.

There are various sizes, of which the 5l version probably represents best value for workshop and semi-pro contexts. Our 500ml squidgy sachet should keep a typical three- or four-bike household going for several months. Staying with the packaging a mo, it's surprisingly robust so won't leak oozing rich pink goo everywhere and features a screw cap closure for steady, predictable pouring.

This latest incarnation sports some interesting additives. There's a protective 'nano layer', a microscopic film of corrosion-inhibiting particles that protect mid and post cleaning.

Some bike washes are friendlier to finishes and rubberised components than others. Over time, very harsh cleaners can cause light tarnish or oxidisation, most obviously on cheaper grades of stainless steel spoke, or old school brass eyelets. Theoretically this newly revised formula consigns such fears to the vaults of history and forum banter.

250ml of concentrate mixed with water produces factory strength cleaner. Adding another 50ml gives a slightly richer, more effective version with improved bite on particularly stubborn ceramic wet lube spatter.

Streaking and similar side-effects haven't been a problem, though I've restricted marinating times to four minutes, maximum. Experimenting with non-standard pump sprays also had a miraculous effect, unleashing a super sudsy, foaming blanket without prior agitation and achieving similar results within two minutes.

Applied neat, 10ml made short work of grimy triple cranksets, derailleur cages, jockey wheels and cassettes. However, citrus degreasers are still faster and sweeter smelling.

Verdict

Easily the most versatile incarnation of the iconic grime busting formula but doesn't trump citrus based fare

road.cc test report

Make and model: Muc-Off Nano Gel Refill Bike Cleaner Concentrate

Size tested: 500ml

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?

"Using our state-of-the-art Nano Tech formula, Muc-Off cuts through grime quicker than you can say 'OMG!' regardless of the weather or riding conditions. This classic pink Bike Cleaner has incredible cleaning power because it contains revolutionary Nano Technology that breaks down dirt and grime on microscopic levels, while also caring for your bike's delicate finish. Because we use the finest ingredients and surfactants, our Muc-Off formula is a closely guarded trade secret.

* It's the most effective cleaner out there, and it doesn't even need any of those nasty, dangerous acids or chemicals. In fact, our perfectly pink cleaner is fully biodegradable, free from acids, CFC's and solvents, and it's alkaline based so you can clean away with a guilt-free conscience. It's safe on all surfaces, and it's even disc brake rotor and pad friendly. Muc-Off Nano Tech Bike Cleaner is ideal for road bikes, mountain bikes, fixed gear bikes and commuting bikes". Certainly something of an institution and a very competent one at that but newer brews from other brands are starting to challenge its supremacy.

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

* Safe on all parts and surfaces including carbon fibre

* Will not harm seals, cables, brake pads or rotors

* Effective road bike & mountain bike cleaner

* Safe on anodised metal

* Alkaline based and free from CFCs, solvents or acids

* Nano Tech Formula cleans on a molecular level

* 100% Biodegradable

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10
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, this latest version enables enthusiast fettlers to brew their own variants or simply replenish exhausted supplies of the iconic cleaner, which is a real boon. However, while still highly effective formula, newer contenders will give it a good run for your money.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Neat, therefore highly tuneable nature.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing per se - really like this version but competition is extremely fierce these days.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 40  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,

 

Muc-Off Nano Gel Refill Bike Cleaner Concentrate
Muc-Off
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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1 comments

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ragtag | 10 years ago
0 likes

Try not to confuse it in the dark for a beetroot gel

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