PressCamp '16: White Lightning
Established way back in 1991, White Lightning is one of the most well known names amongst the cycling world.
Established way back in 1991, White Lightning is one of the most well known names amongst the cycling world. Purveyors of clean-running chain lubricants and bicycle specific degreasers and cleaners, White Lightning is a favourite amongst countless mountain bikers all around the world. Funnily enough, their first product was actually called ‘White Lightning’. It appeared on the market as the world’s first self-cleaning wax-based lube, and it’s been winning riders over ever since with it’s ability to quieten chain noise while minimising gunk build up. As the product range expanded however, the company made the decision to rename their classic lube product as ‘Clean Ride’, whilst adding in additional lube and degreaser products. For 2017, the range has evolved into its most comprehensive yet, and brings along with it new packaging and new branding.
The current White Lighting range includes three chain lubricants, an aerosol lubricant, degreasers, and a unique matt finisher.
The new packaging brings with it an evolved logo, along with succinct product information on the labels to highlight the key differences between each product. Depending on the conditions you typically ride in, there’s an ideal chain lube for your bike.
To highlight just how good their Clean Ride lubricant is, White Lightning had this neat sand pit setup, with one chain coated in a competitors wet lube, and the other chain coated with their classic Clean Ride wax-based lube.
The chain on the right side is coated in Clean Ride, and after having been dunked in water and dragged through the sand, it’s easy to see just how little contaminants have stuck to the chain. On the left is the standard chain with wet lube, which highlights how much muck it can collect whilst riding in wet, dusty or sandy conditions. One thing to note is that White Lightning offer an even lighter chain lube called Epic Ride. So if you’re worried about your drivetrain being covered in dust and greasy muck, Epic Lube will run thinner and lighter again.
Other products in the White Lightning range include the Clean Streak aerosol degreaser, and the totally unique Matte Finisher product. Designed specifically for the matte finish on some alloy and carbon frames, Matte Finisher helps to clean and polish the surface and leave a gloss and streak-free protective layer. No other company offers a comparable product, and having used it myself, I can vouch for just how well it works.
A product I must admit I knew little about is the White Lightning Crystal grease. Available in a 454 gram tub or a 100 gram tube, Crystal Grease is a completely biodegradable grease. As it’s name suggests, it’s clear in appearance, and features no dyes, so it won’t stain components or your workspace. And a fun fact for you, it’s also 100% food grade, just in case you get hungry whilst installing your bottom bracket or servicing your hub bearings!
Mmmm, moonshine-soaked cherriesFor more information on the White Lightning range and to find your nearest stockist, get in touch with Velo Vita for further info.
