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review
Lubrication
Juice Lubes Ceramic JuiceJuice Lubes Ceramic Juice

Juice Lubes Ceramic Juice

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

First Published Nov 20, 2010

0
£10.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Super slick lube for dry to moist condtions
Weight: 
0g
Contact: 
www.juicelubes.co.uk
How we test

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Juice Lubes Ceramic Juice is an interesting potion brewed for dry to moist conditions rather than the ravages of winter it doesn’t wash off with the first rainfall, tames the most demanding of derailleur transmissions and a little goes a surprisingly long way to boot. However, cleanliness is paramount- not only prior to the initial application but regularly wipe the sided-plates weekly to prevent the excess turning into an efficient grinding paste.

£8.99 buys a conveniently sized 150ml tub with a clever spout that allows just the right quantities to be applied to a squeaky clean chain while doubling as a cap for added convenience. First impressions and subsequent research suggests similar in composition to other ceramic brands-a blend of “high quality base oils” and hexagonal baron nitride. This synthetic compound has lubricant properties in par with graphite while highly resistant to salt and other contaminant. Give the mixture a quick shake and take the chain on a trip through the solvent bath, removing any traces of existing lube before drying thoroughly and drizzling Ceramic Juice over every link.

Leave the milky solution two minutes to cure, turn the cranks and purge any excess from the outer plates and jockey wheels using a lint free cloth. Some brands require a repeat application to complete the chemical cohesion but this seemed unnecessary here. It cures to a cloudy hue claimed not to taint pretty chains-broadly true but don’t expect your lovely pink track model to remain display cabinet fresh for too long.

From the outset, the transmission felt smoother, most notably when shifting aggressively under load peaking after the first mile or so. Intended primarily as a road product, it works surprisingly well used in fair-weather trail contexts without brushing off in the undergrowth or attracting dirt like a magnet. A middling summer has seen top-ups every 180 mies but the demands of winter, cyclo cross and cross country mountain biking call for more robust, wet lubrication.

Verdict

Super slick lube for dry to moist condtions

road.cc test report

Make and model: Juice Lubes Ceramic Juice

Size tested: 100ml

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?

"Ceramic Juice is a hi tech dry to moist conditions chain lube – dont use it in the wet, because it wasnt designed for that and it wont work as well". Generally a very fair and accurate reflection.

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

“Incorporates thermally stable, hexagonal boron nitride sub-micron particles; This laminar plate structure reduces friction, prevents metal to metal contact and surface scuffing”

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

Ceramic juice delivers what it promises and behaves very similarly to other ceramic blends-very tenacious, keeping drivetrains blissfully smooth without overly attracting dirt. However, for best results,indulge the chain in some weekly TLC, removing any excess to prevent accumilated dirt wreaking havoc.

It's marketed as a three season's lube and might fall just short of winter weight (so not for cross or mtb duties per se)but doesn't wither at the first hint of rain and should give competitor brands a good run for your money.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Tenacious with excellent lubrication and anti-fling properties.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Chains require more regular cleaning to prevent the blend attracting dirt, thus becoming a very effective grinding paste.

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: 37  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,

Lubrication
Juice Lubes
ceramic lube
bike lubrication
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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