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review
Purple Harrys Super Sponge£5.99
VERDICT:
Not just a sponge this is a super sponge that adds resilience to an everyday product
Weight:
15g
Contact:
At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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As we head deeper into autumn and winter approaches, you can spend a considerable amount of time cleaning your bike. Almost as much time in fact cleaning as riding. When you get down to it you want something that will make the process easier if not perhaps enjoyable. I thought it would be difficult to write too much about a sponge. However, the Super Sponge from Purple Harry, they of the bike cleaning products fame, changed my perception.
Can a sponge make such a difference? Purple Harry's small Super Sponge certainly did. Unwrapping it is not too dissimilar to ripping the packaging off a giant, purple cookie. Submerge it in warm water and you are presented with a soft, pliable sponge.
In terms of performance it does the job very well. The Super Sponge is soft and easy to squeeze which means it can be squashed to reach most of those difficult nooks and crannies that harbour grit. The composition of the sponge is such that it retains its shape very well. The other factor that stands it in good shape is it appears to be pretty robust.
There are many times where you catch your cloth or sponge on one of the chain ring teeth. When using the Super Sponge it was no different but what was a nice surprise was the strength of it. Despite catching it, the sponge failed to rip or tear. Also once you've removed the grime, a good rinse of the Super Sponge has it returned to shape and colour. The oil etc washes out easily.
The Super Sponge is durable and effective. I wouldn't go as far to say I look forward to cleaning my bike but it does make a difference. It is a little more expensive but then if it lasts longer it makes sense.
Verdict
This isn't just a sponge this is a super sponge that adds resilience to an everyday product
road.cc test report
Make and model: Purple Harrys Super Sponge
Size tested: Purple
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?
If you're fed up with sponges that disintegrate after a couple of uses then the Purple Harry Super Sponge may be the end of your search. It provides a good quality surface to wash, scrub and remove dirt but also it does so without suffering from crumbling edges or falling apart.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
The Super Sponge when you first open it or once you've let it dry, has the feel of a solid purple disc. Submerge it in water and it softens up, allowing you to squeeze and squash it into the nooks and crannies where dirt can hide.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
It may only be a sponge but after several uses it still feels as solid as the first time it was unwrapped. It feels well made and has proven to be hard wearing despite catching it on some sharper elements.
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Any cleaning product requires an element of elbow grease to ensure its effectiveness. With the Purple Harry Super Sponge the solidity of it gives you plenty of assistance in removing grit and grime. As a result the solid feel it allows you to really work the grime, grease or whatever you are having to remove from your bike.
Rate the product for durability:
9/10
Above all else the durability of the Super Sponge is a tribute to Purple Harry's ability to produce a product fit for purpose. Time and time again it has been used, washed, allowed to dry and on each occasion it proves up to the task.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
8/10
At 15g there is no issue with the weight of the sponge.
Rate the product for value:
8/10
The Super Sponge is probably more expensive than other alternatives but at £5.99 you are getting a product that is great value.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
When your bike is covered in all sorts of grit, grime and other road debris you want to ensure you can return it to its former glory. With the help of Purple Harry's Super Sponge you can ensure this will happen.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The durability of the Super Sponge added to its quality feel. It makes you appreciate you're using an above average sponge.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The odd feel when it dries make you think it is past its best but don't be fooled.
Did you enjoy using the product? It does the job.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
The purple cookie does the job and keeps on performing.
About the tester
Age: 45 Height: 178cm Weight: 80kg
I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three My best bike is: As above
I've been riding for: Under 5 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT
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Electromagnets. Means you need a power source. Not the same. 🤦🏻♂️
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It's worse than that - it is 50% heavier than they claim
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Add new comment
16 comments
I have used the purple Harry degreaser and it rocks. Plus it's British. Think this is just a small company trying to expand its product range.
Is there a MTB version?
I use Yorkshire air, apperantly thick as pig sh*t and twice as smelly. Haven't tested that puncture alert smell as the tyres haven't been punctured yet.
Quite fancy a new sponge though.
Don't like the colour. Perhaps a total re-branding exercise is necessary.
Is this sponge UCI legal?
Can we get some photographs of the sponge from the other side please?
15g? Bit heavy for me, do they do a carbon version?
U guys are laughing about selling air, but that actually happens or don't u guys know the co² cartridges, they really sell air!
Nah, that's CO². Air contains oxygen, nitrogen, CO², pollution, bird flu, farts...
Get outta here with your pure CO² nonsense.
"It makes you appreciate you're using an above average sponge."
This looks a bit like the sponges they sell for washing babies in tesco. 2 for 60p.
Ok. Good job. Now review tyre air
I was using Rapha tyre air but I've found out that the stuff from Wiggle is every bit as good. It doesn't have a nice pink tinge but hey ho.
Rubbish. You get what you pay for. My Paul Smith tyre air is far better and makes my bike feel as if I am riding a magic carpet.
Ha! You are nothing more than a fashion victim. Take your stripy air and stick it...
Back on-topic (ok, sort of) I think there is an issue of scale with the main pic. As it is, I think you could probably buy 'purple harrys' for £3 each outside the local nightclub. Don't half give you a rush, but best not to get caught with them by the bouncers though...