Review of Absolute Black Graphen Lub Lubricant

In cycling, every detail counts, especially in 2024, when dialling in your kit has become essential for performance. Among these details, choosing the right chain lube is crucial and deserves your full attention. We put Absolute Black’s Graphen Lub through its paces over nearly 4,000 km.

By David Polveroni – Photos: DR A quick reminder of the different lubrication methods Today, three main methods of lubricating a bike chain stand out:

1. Oily lubricant, the most commonly used. Easy to apply, it’s the choice of many cyclists. 2. Solid wax, the most effective method (durability/watts saved). However, it requires some effort for those who are hesitant to remove their chain and treat it as one would when waxing skis. 3. Liquid wax, which, after its water-based base evaporates, solidifies to form a protective wax layer on the chain.

For these last two methods, thoroughly degreasing the chain is essential to ensure optimal lubricant adhesion (this is true for the first method as well, but the expectations aren’t the same).

https://www.3bikes.fr/2023/12/21/essai-de-la-gamme-de-produits-dentretien-ceramicspeed-ufo-ultimate-care/ Focus on Absolute Black Graphen Lub

This article focuses on Absolute Black Graphen Lub, a product developed by Absolute Black, a brand founded by Marcin Golek, a Polish entrepreneur backed by a skilled team of passionate and dedicated individuals. The company is based in Slovenia. It’s likely no coincidence that UAE Team Emirates and champion Tadej Pogačar have chosen this brand, already renowned for its innovative oval chainrings and now for its brake pads—used (without sponsorship) by the winner of the 2024 Tour de France.

Absolute Black Graphen Lub is marketed as a lubricant capable of saving you watts, reducing maintenance, and extending the life of your chains. But does it live up to its promises? Our in-depth review will help you decide whether this investment is worth it.

Application: A Crucial Step At €100 per bottle (the price used to be €150), this lubricant isn’t a purchase to be taken lightly. However, its quality justifies careful consideration. To apply it correctly, it’s crucial to follow the steps described on the Absolute Black website, where instructional videos are available.

The first application requires absolute precision, particularly when degreasing the chain—ideally a brand-new one. This step is essential, as improper degreasing prevents the lubricant from adhering properly to the chain, thereby compromising its performance.

Once the chain has been degreased, submerge it in the lubricant using the provided bag, and let it soak overnight for optimal results. Then, dry the chain thoroughly. Once again, everything is shown in the video.

Field Performance

Unlike other lubricants of this type, which leave a translucent film on the chain, Absolute Black Graphen Lub gives the chain a black finish—thanks to the graphene—that lives up to its name. Once the chain is dry—even though the lubricant is more liquid than a solid wax—it may leave some streaks. After reinstalling it on your bike, you’re ready to ride.

The first thing I noticed was how smooth and quiet the drivetrain felt, whether in dry or wet conditions. I was able to test this lubricant in the rain, both during a training ride and a cyclosportive. All you need to do is dry the chain with a cloth after a wet ride, then reapply the lubricant drop by drop—just like a conventional oil—and let it dry. That said, I find that this method doesn’t remove contaminants thoroughly enough, which can affect the chain’s wear over the long term.

Durability and Conclusion

In wet conditions, don’t expect to go more than 500 km without having to re-dip the chain in the lubricant. On the other hand, in dry weather, I was able to ride up to 900 km without having to reapply lubricant. The only notable drawback is that the chain turns black, which is less aesthetically pleasing than with other lubricants like Silca, but Absolute Black Graphen Lub stands out for its performance and the durability it provides for your cassettes and chains.

For more information on lubrication methods and detailed tests, I recommend visiting the website (http://zerofrictioncycling.com.au), an essential resource for cycling enthusiasts looking to optimize their performance.

In conclusion, Absolute Black Graphen Lub offers several notable advantages. Its durability—with a single application lasting a long time in both dry and wet conditions—makes it a high-performance choice, especially for gravel/mountain biking or road cycling during the winter or spring of 2024. The minimal chain contamination, even in the rain, helps reduce wear and extend the lifespan of your components. Although the initial investment is substantial, it proves cost-effective in the long run, with at least 6 to 7 immersions possible from a single 140 mL bottle.

However, a few drawbacks are worth mentioning. The black residue left by the lubricant on the chain may give the impression that you’re neglecting your drivetrain maintenance, which can be a nuisance for those who like their bikes to look spotless. Additionally, the high initial cost may be a deterrent, although the product’s effectiveness makes up for this investment in the long run.

One important note: don’t confuse this with Absolute Black Graphen Wax—those attractive wax squares that look like chocolate squares… their performance is significantly worse than that of the lube.

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