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Submitted by
Gary Callaway
a Racer
from Coarsegold, CA
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Squaws Leap/Sky Harbor | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$12.00 | | Purchased At: | Steven's/Tri-sport/P | | Strengths: | Makes chain maint a breeze. Long chain life. Not messy. | | Weaknesses: | Great for off-road. Other lubes last longer for roadies. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock and Roll (on road bike) | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Epic | | Bottom Line: | As other reviewers have said: Clean the original oil based lube from your chain COMPLETELY with solvent. Shake WELL, apply and let dry. That's all. It works great. I've used it for 6 yrs+.
Sheds dirt, grit, and grime. Aside from applying this lube between every ride, the only maint my chain requires is an occasion wipe down with a rag.
My chains don't stretch, kink, or break. Pedaling is silent and shifts are positive.
Did a XC race in sandy soil during a rainstorm for 2 hrs and 40 mins. Had NO problems. Almost everyone else complained of chain suck and a host of other maladies but I just went on my merry way.
I'm sticking with it.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gdlals
a Cross Country Rider
from
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$8.00 | | Strengths: | Little to no cleaning, keeps the rest of the drivetrain completely clean. Works better in mud/water than advertised. | | Weaknesses: | You do need to apply it the night before because it needs to dry completely | | Similar Products Used: | Finish Line, Park Tool, Pedros | | Bike Setup: | Woodstock 505, SRAM components | | Bottom Line: | In Guadalajara Mexico we have torrential rains during the summmer but it is basically volcanic soil. Winter is bone dry and dusty. White Lightning is perfect. The only drawback is you have to wipe down the chain after every ride and reapply the night before the next ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
natestar
a Cross Country Rider
from Omaha, NE
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Platte River SP | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$8.00 | | Purchased At: | Highline Trek Store | | Strengths: | Does not get turn your pant legs black | | Weaknesses: | Does not last | | Similar Products Used: | Prolink Chain Lube, Phil Wood T Oil | | Bike Setup: | 5 Spot, Talas rlc | | Bottom Line: | This lube is not a very economical purchase. It wears off within days in the summer, and within miles in the winter.
I was attracted to it because it did not mark up my pant legs on my commute, but constintly reapplying was a bigger hassle then rolling my pant leg up.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
daleksic
a Weekend Warrior
from Kissimmee, Florida
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Santos, Ocala | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$6.00 | | Purchased At: | BikeWorks | | Strengths: | Easy to use, works well. | | Weaknesses: | Need to apply - very often. | | Bike Setup: | 8-speed drivetrain | | Bottom Line: | It seems to work very well, doesn't make a mess and even if there's a little on there, can be washed of, usually even without degreaser.
Follow the directions to the T. I first applied it to a factory lubricated chain and it turned into a mess. Then after I degreased the factory lube from the chain i kept putting it on and then letting it dry, made a big mess as well. My old drivetrain lasted on this about 400 miles.
Now with a complete new drivetrain I got a new start:
First degrease the factory lube.
Second, Apply lube to chain, work it in and then immediatelly wipe it of.
Third, Let dry for at least 20 minutes.
I usually put it on after cleaning (coming back from a ride), and then again before loading the bike into the car. By the time I arrive at the trail its nice and dry. On long paved trail trips, I usually apply some at the half way point before the return (around 30 miles or so).
This product is no good in very wet and muddy conditions. On long trips, make sure you got a bottle with you. I'm looking for something better but every LBS recommends this stuff right here. 4/5 for the extremely low mileage on my original drivetrain. Let's see what i get with this new set.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frs1661
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$6.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great lubrication, no mess. | | Similar Products Used: | Finish Line Cross Country Wet lube (The green one) | | Bottom Line: | Used this forever without any complaints. If you let it dry before riding as they suggest it hardly attracts any dirt. Have had little reason to degrease my chain as long as I run this stuff. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred Norrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | many- singletrack mostly | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$7.00 | | Purchased At: | various LBS/web | | Strengths: | no stains, seems to work just fine | | Weaknesses: | frequent re-application- usually before and after ride
| | Similar Products Used: | none-I have used this since I bought the bike new, cleaned off the heavy grease with the park tools chain cleaner and simple green | | Bike Setup: | Klein Mantra-stock drive-train Sugino cranks/chainrings, 8spd shimano sti, stock chain...
Just upgraded to 9spd XTR/XT, Sram cassette/chain after 10 years basically because of a broken front derailleur!!!- no abusive riding... ONLY FLOW! | | Bottom Line: | I avoid extreme conditions(weather/dust/sand) but have ridden all over the country in various conditions- seaside, desert, rain forest, marshy, forest single-track, fire/utility/logging roads, sand, clay, loamy soils, grass..... I have used this product to help protect nearly every component. I think the longevity of the components is a testament
Keep it clean, tuned and lubed = NO PROBLEMS. NO MESS.
Occasional trail side cleaning with brush and re-application to drive-train in extreme conditions. I keep a Park tool cassette brush and small bottle of White Lightning in pack.
NO MESSY grease/oil.... cleans up well.
5 Flamin' Chilis on value for small amount needed, protection of parts.
4 Flamin' Chilis for overall rating because I'm sure there are better products for particular environments or components... I haven't tested them in comparison | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Bass
a
from Medicine Hat, Alberta Canada
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$7.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Good and clean, eliminates squeaks. | | Weaknesses: | Gets a little gunky if you don't clean it off every now and then. | | Similar Products Used: | Finish line wax, Finish line teflon | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Epic Pro | | Bottom Line: | Great lube. I have tried lots and have always come back to this one. I wish it came in a spray bottel though. I would like that. But other than that it is great. Here is a tip...when you get down to the bottem of the bottle, throw it out, don't try and use the last little bit because you will cover your chain with this thick heavy wax which is a pain to clean off. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grant
a Downhiller
from Castro Valley
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Keeps everything clean. Works really well. | | Weaknesses: | Is expensive, the bottle doesnt last as long as others | | Bike Setup: | 06 IH 7point RS Pearl 3.1, DOIII, CB mallets, the list goes on... | | Bottom Line: | I love this wax! I dont know what some of the guys on here are doing. You dont need to drench your chain in the stuff. I've been using the same bottle for 3 months now! You apply let it sit for 20 mins, get a rag run the chain through the rag and presto chean chain that will stay that way. My drivetrain has never been cleaner. The only drag is that you have to apply it either before or after every ride. But its ok in my book. All my buddies rag on me cause my chain and cassette are always so blingy... Great product on my 3rd bottle and am going to buy a 4th for sure! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Kinda works ok | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't last very long, things still get dirty though a hair less | | Similar Products Used: | Various top quality lubes | | Bottom Line: | I had read all the hype and took the opportunity to give it a try as chain filth getting on things has been an issue for me. I started with a fully clean chain and diligently followed the directions. (Come on, isn't it reasonable to think that part of all this is to allow an out so that when it does not perform as hyped, why, it just must be my own darn fault.)
A big problem was that after 50 to 60 miles it needed reapplication big time. For me, this is half way through a ride. Seemed to be an expensive bother given that it did keep things cleaner, but only by a small bit.
Bottom line: save your money, unless you want to believe the reviews claiming that it is the best thing since the derailleur. Then go ahead and knock yourself out. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Philip Reynolds
a
from Japan
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Spring Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$5.00 | | Purchased At: | Japan | | Strengths: | *** No greasy, messy "gunk" buildup.
*** It "does the job." Protects the chain, no squeek. | | Weaknesses: | I've found none. | | Similar Products Used: | Finish Line chain lube | | Bike Setup: | Trek 8500. Mostly XTR, Race Face Deus Bar & Stem, King hubs/headset. | | Bottom Line: | If your tired of a greasy, messy, filthy chain - try this stuff. But YOU MUST do the following: 1) First time apply it to a chain that has absolutely no grease or oil on it. If the chain is oily/greasy, forget it. It won't work from Day One. 2) Apply just one drop per link, maybe 2 drops the first application, but no more. 3) After you finish a ride, wipe the chain off with a cotton cloth and re-apply one drop per link. Let it dry overnight. I've been doing this for six months, and my chain looks really healthy and runs quiet during a ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ca29er
a Weekend Warrior
from Wiener City
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | The one I'm on | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$5.00 | | Purchased At: | Speedgoat | | Strengths: | Applies easily. Eliminates the need for a thorough cleaning. | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't last too long. Build up gunk. | | Similar Products Used: | No wax-based products used before. Several oil-based lubes used before. | | Bike Setup: | Rohloff SLT-99 chain, Ultegra cassette, Sram XO rear mech, Holzfeller cranks | | Bottom Line: | I started using this lube on a virgin drivetrain. The Rohloff chain didn't come with any lube pre-applied. I followed the instructions on the label, applied two coats over two nights.
It lasted all spring and summer. I didn't reapply it until my chain whined at me, which was every 100-200km or so. In autumn and winter, with the colder and wetter weather, I had to apply before (or after) every ride.
Being generous with the lube created a black gunk, particularly on the jockey wheels on the derailleur. It was simply waxy buildup. It toweled off easily enough. But, compared to *any* oil-based lube, this stuff is clean.
I have since changed to oil of Rohloff, and I miss the wax. I get grease stains every where. I handle my old chains and cassettes that I used the White Lightening wax, and the stains it leaves behind are minimal. I can wipe the stains off with a rag. I can still see a lot of silver on my old cassettes and chains. I've only used the oil of Rohloff a few months, and my entire drivetrain is black. Three pairs of trousers now have black bite marks on the from my oily chainrings. Never, ever had such problems with the wax.
This stuff is great for dry weather, and even the occasional rain shower. It's clean. It lubes well. If you're a commuter, I'd highly recommend it because you'll ruin less pants. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sempai
a Cross Country Rider
from mobile,al, usa
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$10.00 | | Strengths: | dry
aerosol
repels dust and water | | Weaknesses: | gross, very gross
can clogs
doesn't 'clean' | | Bike Setup: | specialized rockhopper | | Bottom Line: | erm, this is a great product, don't get me wrong. when i used it for the first time it virtually eliminated all noise on my rockhopper to the point that i wondered if the chain had been lubed in the past.
now for the bad. this stuff is messy. they don't call it white lightning for nothing. it turns whatever it touches white, until it sinks into your filthy chain and then turns black and splatters everywhere as you turn your chain backwards to get it into the links. it doesn't clean per se, as just bring out the crap you have clogging your chain to the surface where it coats your sprockets and whatnot, leaving you to grumble and take it off with a paper towel.
on the road it repels dust, repels water, and still seems to lubricate pretty well after a slog in nasty red clay.
my bike ain't pretty, and i appreciate this weather resistant product, although i've had to reapply it after a bad day on the trail and only wound up making a huge mess... it's stil okay in my eyes since it's not a wet lube that sucks up dirt and mud like a sponge...
if you have an immaculate mtb and worry about every chatter and squeak, don't bother. if you have a mud pig or a mountain goat try it. at the worst you'll just have to clean it off and use a wet lube instead... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary,Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Powderface | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$6.00 | | Purchased At: | MEC | | Strengths: | Does set up as advertised, cleans off really well too, does not get gunky like oils | | Weaknesses: | You have to use tonnes of the stuff if you are and avid cyclist, one application lasts about one good ride. Would prefer it to be in a spray bottle instead of a squeeze one. I also wish it came in bigger bottles since I use so much. | | Similar Products Used: | Finish Line Krytec, Finish Line Dry Lube with Teflon, Finish Line X-country | | Bike Setup: | 04'Epic | | Bottom Line: | There are a few trade offs with this product. First off you have use a lot of it, I found it neccessary to lube the chain after every ride and even more so if you have to clean the chain frequently.
Secondly, the reason I use it a lot is due to the fact it does not last very long, one application for one ride.
You can't just buy one bottle! I usually buy 2-4 bottles at a time.
I will probably continue to use it because the clean up is so easy with this stuff and it has not affected my chain in any serious way, chains after all are meant to be used and then eventually replaced.
I hope the future brings us a better dry lube that lasts longer and is way slicker yet is still easy to clean. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapolis,MN
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$6.00 | | Purchased At: | Out N About Gear | | Strengths: | Keeps chain clean and lubricated. No oily mess as it is wax based; preventing black streaks when rubbing/ handling chain. | | Weaknesses: | Can not withstand prolonged exposure to water but does fair OK in moderately wet conditions. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano Slippery Spitt & Tri-Flow Superior Lubricant with Teflon | | Bike Setup: | Surly 1x1 | | Bottom Line: | First, this product has directions as to how to use it. If these directions are not followed, it will not work properly. You have to completely degrease your chain, even brand new ones, before you ever apply White Lightning. If you do not, you will have a huge mess on your chain and throughout your drive train. Secondly, this is a wax based lubricant and can not sustain heavy use through water. If you ride in these conditions frequently, use and oil based lubricant. White Lightning can, however, work flawlessly in the occasional rain shower you may get caught in or the sporadic puddle here and there on the trail. After riding in such conditions you will most certainly have to wipe down your chain and reapply which you should be doing with an oil lubricant as well.
This lubricant is an excellent product once set up, as it’s’ instructions specify. It keeps chains well lubricated and resists dirt and dust buildup from trail and road riding. Every 4-6 rides I simply wipe the chain down and reapply. It keeps everything smooth and quiet, but when applying, use sparingly as too much will lead to a black buildup on your entire drive train. I highly recommend this product if you have the patience to set it up correctly and do not ride in swampy conditions.
*This product does NOT stain anything it comes into contact with but does leave a waxy film that can be cleaned off with Simple Green or any other degreaser for that matter.*
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Oklahoma City
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$7.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Quiet, clean, and dry. Lasts very well in my area. | | Weaknesses: | Drying time is a drag, but not prohibitive. Doesn't do well in moisture or water. For pete's sake, every bottle I've had over the years gets clogged -- even while applying it -- and I have to enlarge the opening in the bottle to use it. I wish they'd fix that. | | Similar Products Used: | Pedro's Ice Wax (crap), Finish Line Krytech, Boeing, TriFlow, Purple Extreme, various others | | Bike Setup: | It's a toothy linky thing. | | Bottom Line: | I like this lube. It has drawbacks, sure, but it has a lot of advantages also. I've been using it for 8 or 9 years on my road bike, and used an 8oz bottle on the trails last year -- it's been my primary lube that I keep returning to after trying others.
Apply it sparingly and let the lube film the chain just like a thinner non-wax lube would -- let it do its job without extra help from you. Lube the roller, not the side plates. If you use it properly, you won't have build-up or sludgy shifting.
I could get about 60 miles from it on the road, and about half that on the trail.....better than any other wax lube. It will last a short time in light rain, but it's not a wet-weather lube by any means. I have to disagree with the comments below about poor cold-temp performance. What he says seems to contradict hiimself anyway. I've used it in temps from 18° to 104° and it does fine in all of it -- no flaking in cold temps.
Don't buy it if you want to forget that your chain needs attention sometimes. Do buy it if you want a good lube that has limitations as well as strong advantages. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Very Good dry conditions lube. The least pick-up of dust and grit of any lube tried. Application of lube works well to "clean" old lube and contaminants. | | Weaknesses: | WAshes off quickly in stream crossings, not suitable for wet season or rain. | | Similar Products Used: | FinishLine dry, Pedros Ice Wax, Rock-n-Roll, Pro-Link, TriFlow, Boeshield, etc... | | Bottom Line: | White Lightning is the first of the true, dry teflon lubes, and it's still very good stuff. If you can't get ProLink Gold or Rock-n-Roll Gold in your area, and you ride in dry conditions, this is the one to get. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan Koslowski
a
from Seattle, WA USA
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$5.00 | | Strengths: | Excellent longevity
Adequet librication in hot weather | | Weaknesses: | Heavy build-up
Overall friction reduction is mediocre
Poor lubrication in cold weather | | Similar Products Used: | Dumonde Tech, Prolink, Finish Line, Finish Line Cross Country, Tri-Flow | | Bike Setup: | Trek XO 1 cyclocross bike | | Bottom Line: | When first got back into cycling about eight years ago, this was the first lube I tried (recommended by shop). I used it for a few months, then got something better.
White Lightning is a typical wax lube. It repels water and keeps the chain clean initially. In warm weather, the wax stay fairly soft, lubricating effectively. In cooler weather (below 60 F) the wax tends to harden, reducing the lubes effectiveness. In cooler conditions, build-up is also a major problem. If you use this product, you'll have to thoroughly clean your chain at least every other month.
White Lightning isn't an awful product, but it isn't the best choice for lube. For most casual riders, a dry lube like Prolink is much better choice. While it doesn't offer the longevity of White Lightning, it's much cleaner and lubes more effectively. For off-road mountain bikers, a heavier lube like Finish Line Cross Country is a better choice. It is very greasy, but offers the same longevity with far better lubrications (besides, when you're riding off-road, who cares about a dirty chain?). Aside from longevity, White Lighning offers few benefits. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George
a Racer
from Lincolnshire, IL
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Sunburst, Kewaskum, WI | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | Generally clean - keeps the chain quiet - Easy application | | Weaknesses: | Can get very messy if overapplied, a black gunk developes. | | Similar Products Used: | various | | Bike Setup: | Sugar 2 | | Bottom Line: | Keeps things clean and quiet in dry conditions. Allway use in moderation - - - In the case of White Lightning, less seems to be better than more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Cross Country Rider
from north west nj
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | -it does not attract dust and dirt like oil based products
-it does not leave black marks on you leg
-it allows me to do very little maintenance on my chain | | Weaknesses: | - does not last long in wet conditions (1 or 2 rides)
- does not do a good job of protecting from rust if chain is exposed to water
- leaves a white residue on tire / floor if you spill excess | | Similar Products Used: | bunch of oil based, wax based lubes | | Bike Setup: | shimano xt/xtr drivetrain | | Bottom Line: | there are 2 main types of lubricants, oil and wax based, each has it's uses and advantages. If you ride in dry dusty conditions than this lubricant will work great since it does not attract dirt. it is not the best wax based lubricant out there but it's cheap and easy to find. if you ride through puddles, rivers, in rain, and in mud than consider a oil based lube as it will last longer and offer more protection from moisture.
in the summer i lube my chain at least a day before the ride and leave the chain alone until i start hearing chain noise (usually 4 rides or so). i don't clean, scrub, or do anything to the chain at all because it stays clean. if you apply this lube to often it will begin to deposit itself on the chain as a black residue. if that happens i just don't put anymore on until the wax is gone and the chain starts making noise again. in the winter i usually switch to a oil based lube because i would have to apply gallons of this stuff to keep my chain from rusting.
this lubricant is great in the summer, it does not attract all that dirt, it does not leave black marks on you leg, and it allows me to do very little maintenance on my chain.
just don't put it on cables, don't use it by the gallon, don't apply it 3 times a day thinking it will keep your chain cleaner or make it last longer(you will just have to remove it later with wd40), and don't bash a good product because you don't know how to use it! it's dissolved wax, not a miracle worker! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
douglas
a Cross Country Rider
from san diego, ca
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Nobel Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$5.00 | | Purchased At: | LBSs | | Strengths: | Parrafin sounds clever. Thats about it. I did like how there was nice control from the drip spout so I could efficiently lube each link, and conserve as much as possible. But why? Especially with this stuff. | | Weaknesses: | I am a clean freak, and I love the look of a clean drivetrain. Problems didn't arise till I got lazy and instead of cleaning my drivetrain every other ride, I went a few rides and then I noticed just how gunky this stuff gets after a while. Just black. Where'd my shine go? Also, on my roadbike, I had to lube before Every ride inorder not to hear a particular squeak, which I believe to be on the chain. This stuff doesn't last. And after two rides your drivetrain looks dirty. Thumbs down to this stuff. I just got some Progold Prolink chain lube...we'll see how that works. Anyone want a 40oz bottle of White Lightning? I'll give it you. | | Similar Products Used: | Slick 50, Progold Prolink | | Bike Setup: | XTR drivetrain on mtb bike, and Dura Ace on the road bike. | | Bottom Line: | Wax = no good.
Squeaks whilst riding = no good.
White lightening = no good.
sorry guys. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hondo
a Cross Country Rider
from Morrison, Colorado, USA
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Colorado Trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Gives the illusion that it is working | | Weaknesses: | It dosen't work | | Similar Products Used: | Dumonde Tech | | Bike Setup: | FSR LTD XTR | | Bottom Line: | I guess I bought into the hype and used this stuff for years. I figured chains just normally wore out quickly. I also figured that lubing your chain needs to be done before every ride. This stuff actually attracts dirt and lets face it, wax is only a quick field fix for lubrication on anything. Thankfully after recently replacing my cassette and chain, the mechanic at the LBS recommended I try the Dumonde Tech. One application then do not re-apply until the chain starts making noise. That was over 100 miles ago (all single track) and the chain still seems to be well lubricated. What you really want to do is lubricate the chain where it needs it, on the links themselves. Spraying wax all over your drivetrain is kind of pointless (and messy). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bernd
a Cross Country Rider
from Yokohama, Japan
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | dry commute, weekend parks | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Loro, Kyoto (gift with new bike) | | Strengths: | keeps drive train clean, gives some lubrication | | Weaknesses: | lasts about 2 hours in dry weather | | Similar Products Used: | bicycle oil (aka sewing machine oil), motorbike chain spray, silicone oil, Profi Dry Lube (Teflon) | | Bike Setup: | HP velotechnik Spirit, SRAM dual drive (3x8) | | Bottom Line: | It was the bike dealer's recommendation. Applied well before riding, chain turned smooth and quiet. Chain surprised by speaking well before 50 miles, had to re-lube too often.
Before, on another bike, I was through with other products. Motorbike spray "Energy Release" was best but tacky like the rest of the oils. Silicone oil works fine, is cheap and does not last.
Got myself some Profi Dry Lube in Germany (the only lube the maker of my bike recommends). Finally satisfied. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy
a Cross Country Rider
from PA
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Merli Sarnoski | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$10.00 | | Purchased At: | Cedar Bike (LBS) | | Strengths: | None | | Weaknesses: | Everything!!!! No rust prevention like it states, its very messy, looks like my bike jacked off an elephant. Gums up drivetrain. | | Similar Products Used: | motor oil | | Bike Setup: | Gt I-Drive 3.0 with hayes hydraulic disk brakes, race face crank, mallet c pedals, ultra fr riser bar, chris king wheelset. | | Bottom Line: | Don't waste your money like I did. This was claimed by my lbs to be great. The bottle says that the intial cleaning of the drivetrain will be my last Yeah right!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tl1
a Weekend Warrior
from SE Michigan
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3.00 | | Purchased At: | Nashbar | | Strengths: | I've used this stuff for years. I love the cleanness of it and my bikes also shift better with WL than anything else I've tried. The key to using it is to apply it at warm enough temps., wipe the excess and let it sit and dry out, preferably at least 4 hours, before using it. Used this way your drivetrain will remain very clean and it will work great. | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't last long on the chain. Applies and adheres poorly (while clumping) in low temperatures. Poor rust protection in wet and snowy weather. | | Similar Products Used: | Various Finishline products, Boeshield, Rock and Roll lube, Mobil 1, Tri Flow. | | Bike Setup: | A chain with a bunch of sprockets. | | Bottom Line: | I like it but it has limitations. I'd try some other dry lubes but I keep finding WL for cheap and it's a known quantity. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Easy application. | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't clean, creates white streaks on frame and tires, gets mud stuck onto gears, just a terrible product. | | Similar Products Used: | Finish Line Citrus Spray Stuff | | Bike Setup: | NRS | | Bottom Line: | Terrible product, maked bike more dirty and the wax makes a mess. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
K Foit
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego CA USA
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Red Snaper | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$6.00 | | Purchased At: | High Tech | | Strengths: | Keeps things clean | | Weaknesses: | This product has very poor staying power | | Similar Products Used: | Pedros Ice Wax | | Bike Setup: | Giant NRS, Look Carbon Road | | Bottom Line: | Won't buy it again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from PA
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$10.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Clean | | Weaknesses: | Have to apply after chain is dry
| | Similar Products Used: | teflon based petroleum based products from bottle and spray. | | Bike Setup: | Fuel 98 | | Bottom Line: | OK I started with White Lightning, used it for a few years and then figured I'd try some other stuff. Well my chain was alway dirty with the other stuff. Iam back to White Lightning. It work great, even in the bitter cold weather I ride in every weekend in winter. Just old a rag under chain when you squirt it on to catch overspray. Wipe excess off and store your bike till Saturday comes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik
a Cross Country Rider
from Incredibly Muddy Washington, USA
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything wet | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | AWESOME stuff! You'll never need a chain cleaner again. Really does keep the dirt off, and no mess from the lube itself. Silent drivetrain. | | Weaknesses: | Must wash chain and reapply after every wet ride. Will not apply correctly if lube & chain are cold. (See below)
Expensive (compared to oily crap). | | Similar Products Used: | Oil-based crap that attracts and holds in dirt. | | Bike Setup: | 1 XC, 1 FR/DH | | Bottom Line: | Okay, I've heard the complaints, and I almost gave up on this stuff myself. But since then I've learned how to use it. If you use it correctly, you will be VERY happy. It sounds like a lot of work, but it isn't really, and the benefits of never having oily dirty crap on your drivetrain (and your hands) are worth it.
First rule: Do not wait until you're ready to ride to lube with this product. You must prepare your bike AFTER each ride.
AFTER WET RIDES:
After each wet ride you MUST wash the chain with water and then blow all the water out of the chain with compressed air. This is necessary because White Lightning doesn't seem to displace water very well (although once it's dry water doesn't get in).
White Lightning will turn into a gel and will not apply correctly below about 60F, so I heat mine up under a 75W lamp in the garage while I'm washing the bike. (Don't forget about it and start a fire!)
When the chain is prepared (see above) and the lube is warm you should apply it liberally to the chain while spinning the pedals backwards. Make sure you get all surfaces of the chain. I use about 1-2 oz per application. At about $0.75 / oz, this gets expensive, but I think it's worth it.
Let the lube air dry without disturbing it much. Your chain is ready for your next ride.
AFTER DRY RIDES:
You should be able to get a couple of dry rides in without re-lubing the chain. If it starts to make noise then you know you need more. If the trail was not dusty, you probably can just squirt it on. Otherwise, you may want to follow the wet ride instructions above.
That's it. With this product you will find that your chain is never dirty -- it just has a waxy build-up all over it, but it won't affect function, and it keeps water and dirt off. When you need to touch the chain with your hands for whatever reason, you will be happy because you don't get dirty or oily.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Danny
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin TX
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$7.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Easy to apply | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't work on a bicycle chain | | Similar Products Used: | Ice Wax, T-9 | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Sweet | | Bottom Line: | I've seen this stuff around for years and no one I know likes the stuff. I got a deal at the bike shop I go to, buy one get one free, so I took the bait. I found out a few things to make it last, like lube up the night before and then once more before you ride. This helps make the lube last to the half way point in a ride, yes carry the lube with you because you'll need it. If its cold out on the ride you're screwed the stuff gel's up once it hits the chain so you can't lube and are freaking out that you noise chain is going to break. For riders who can't ride more than an hour at a time, the stuff will work just fine. So long as they don't get it on anything applying it, becaue it stains everything it comes into contact with. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brown Teeth
a Cross Country Rider
from S. of Big Sur
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Easy to buy/apply but not clean off | | Weaknesses: | Made my 73 chain go almost 900 miles but it was toast last 150 | | Similar Products Used: | Going to prolink on next chain | | Bike Setup: | Marin Attack, xtr/xt/king/... | | Bottom Line: | At first I loved it but the wax while its designed to spall off is just a matrix to hold the dirt unless you clean the chain after every ride. In fact the wax hides the grinding sounds while its still grinding away. Going to an oil based lube and cleaning post ride with a solvent and compressed air before relube, not a bad product but better solutions are out there? Hopefully | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nicholas
a Cross Country Rider
from Reno, NV
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$6.00 | | Strengths: | Cleans the chain very well… | | Weaknesses: | Has none... | | Similar Products Used: | Pro-link, Icewax | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Giant XTC w/hayes disk and XT | | Bottom Line: | It just works the best. I live in a very dry and dusty place and anything with petroleum distillate does not work because it attracts the dust like a magnet. I never have heared noises from the chain or anything else that the white lightning touches. My clothes dryer at home squeaks so loud because the bearings are going out, I put a couple of drops on there and the problem is fixed for a week. I think that’s pretty good. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TienShan
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: December 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | El Corte De Madera | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$5.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | No strength - when compared with Prolink. | | Weaknesses: | It's wax. It's terrible in the winter. In order to use it
in winter, I have to heat it up. After it contacts the metal - chain or casette, it freezes to wax right away. It's extremely difficult to clean. | | Similar Products Used: | FinishLine Telflon, Triflex Teflon, Pedro IceWax, ProLink | | Bike Setup: | Dean TI frame, TI seat post and bar with XT groupo. | | Bottom Line: | Since I started to use ProLink, there is no way I will go back to use Pedro IceWax or Whitelining.
ProLink rules. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ratt
a Cross Country Rider
from Carlsbad
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Jacobs | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Clean, easy to find in the stores | | Weaknesses: | Gunks up, turns solid inside the bottle, last less than 20 mi | | Similar Products Used: | Pedros, Finishline, Tri flow | | Bike Setup: | Lite weight FS XC trail bike | | Bottom Line: | When this product came out years ago i was in love. A clean chain that didn't get grease on me everytime i carried the bike, got on the bike, or worked on the bike. But the gunky build up and the big bottle constant clogging and the eventual solid ball of wax inside a bottle trick finally made me put up my hands and i surrendered back to the dirty oil lubes. I was using Pedros Ice for a while, it is much cleaner, does not gunk up at all, and the big bottle is still liquid after 4 years. But it only lasts about 15 miles before i need to reapply, so i am currently using oil based lubes till i find that mythical best of both worlds lube. Boeshield and Dumonde are excellent lubes but time consuming to apply if you want a clean bike and chain when compared to "pour on till it drowns" method used to wax based lubes. Also none of the wax based lubes shift as well as the oil based ones. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big Al
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane, Australia
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$8.00 | | Strengths: | keeps chain incredibly clean, | | Weaknesses: | chain must be spotless befor application | | Similar Products Used: | Pro-link | | Bike Setup: | XTR cranks, Sachs chain, SRAM cassette & derailleur | | Bottom Line: | I recently chose white lightning instead of pro-link and have not regretted my decision. I ride everyday and it hasn't worn off yet- that's two weeks and the chain is still clean. Pro-link only lasts about 1 week & it doesn't shift as well. I'll be getting White Lightning from now on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Turner
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | My driveway | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$10.00 | | Purchased At: | who knows | | Bottom Line: | Ok, I've used this stuff for over... 5 years now, starting right when I bought my bike. I've tried other lubes on different bikes and they seem a bit oilier, but this lube is the best. Most important thing. Let it dry, let it dry, let it dry! It will not work nearly as well if you put it on and then start riding. You need to give it at least 30 minutes before pedaling. Also, wipe off any excess so it doesnt drip on your floor and everything else. You will have no dirt or dust building up on your drive system. My gear system is still smooth after over 3000 miles. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | kokopelli trail loops in fruita | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$10.00 | | Purchased At: | i forget.... | | Strengths: | takes a long time to finish a bottle, simple and non-messy to apply, doesn't attract dirt too badly | | Weaknesses: | doesn't last more than an hour | | Similar Products Used: | countless stuff: GT-85, schwinn polytech, WL Raceday, Rock n Roll, WD-40.... | | Bike Setup: | 99 trek 7000 with all kinds of stuff | | Bottom Line: | it works just fine for short rides. i've been using it for years, but lately this summer it doesn't seem to last more than an hour before it becomes a dry lube- meaning that my drivetrain is completely dry! i'm sick of hearing my grinding drivetrain after about 10 miles. for the time being, i've switched to Rock 'n Roll lube. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Williams
a Downhiller
from Huntington Beach, CA
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | All of 'em | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$6.00 | | Purchased At: | Local bike shops | | Strengths: | Does the job right!!! | | Weaknesses: | None, if you let it dry. | | Similar Products Used: | Eurotech, Pedro's | | Bike Setup: | Diamondback XTS2, Marzocchi Z5, Maxxix HighRollers. Yeah, I know, a weird setup, but it works for OC. | | Bottom Line: | This stuff works great. The only think you have to remember, is to let it dry before you go ride. If you don't let it dry, as soon as you start to pedal, any dust around will stock to your chain, and that defeats the whole purpose. If you let it dry, the only thing you will hear when you pedal are your wheels, cuz you won't hear the chain it's so lubed! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pat pisanello
a
from albany ny
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$6.00 | | Purchased At: | mail order | | Strengths: | clean as a whistle | | Weaknesses: | not as slick as oil,not for cold weather | | Similar Products Used: | everything out there | | Bike Setup: | stunpjumper | | Bottom Line: | For the rider who wants to preserve the drivetrain,it is the best | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a Cross Country Rider
from Durango, Colorado
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Iron Horse X-Country Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$5.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Bike Specialists | | Similar Products Used: | Teflon Dry Lube | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale SL 1000 Raven
XTR Derailleurs
SRAM Chain
Egg Beater Pedals
Ultra Fatty Front Shock
Fox Vanilla Rear Shock | | Bottom Line: | The last two years have been pretty dry in Durango. As such, I switched from a wet lube to a dry teflon lube. The "dry" teflon lube still attracted a goodly amount of dust to my drivetrain, so I switched to White Lightning. Using WL, I've noticed very little dust on my components and chain after a ride. This stuff works great in dust. The only problem is that if you hit a stream or other water, you have to reapply the WL on the spot, and also you must reapply after every ride. If you live in a dusty area, then this lube is what I would recommend. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin
a Cross Country Rider
from England
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$7.00 | | Purchased At: | Cooks Cycles | | Strengths: | Does exactly what it says on the bottle!
*TOP TIP*
Fill your noodles with this product for super smooth, brake cables! | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Halfords Teflon Lube | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Hardrock. | | Bottom Line: | I was very unsure when my LBS recommended this product but thought I'd give it a go. If you follow the instructions it is a fantastic product. Those who complain about it sticking to tyres etc should take more care when applying it, and LET IT DRY for 3 hours (like it says in the instructions). And although it is a self cleaning lube don't buy it thinking you'll never have to wash your bike again! A wipe with a rag after each ride removes any loose flakes that haven't fallen off on the trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Cross Country Rider
from nj, usa
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | ?? | | Strengths: | Keeps the chain dirt free, stops the black muck syndrome of oil based lubricants | | Weaknesses: | one can easily use to often and cause the sticky wax buildup | | Similar Products Used: | bunch of oil based lub. , dry teflon lub., etc... | | Bike Setup: | do you care??? | | Bottom Line: | Best chain lube I ever used. Though, don't use to much or you will get that sticky build up. You will need to apply more often in wet or very dusty conditions, but for the most part I apply some every two to three rides or when the chain starts making that clunky noise. I have not had to clean my chain all season and all is well. The best part: no gritty sound when you ride in dusty conditions. Every oil based lub. i ever used would mix with dirt and turn my chain black. You'd get all that dirt in the links, and it would just linger there until you cleaned the chain or stoped using lube for a month. NOT WITH THIS STUFF!!! If you insist on putting lub. on your chain 3 times a day stick with oil based lub., otherwise this is for you. Even if you do get some build up it's easily cleaned off with wd40; and it is easier to clean up than oil and dirt!!!
I still can't believe people rate this so badly; maybe the've improved the product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Roanoke, VA
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything with a big up and down | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$6.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Keeps the chain clean.
Keeps those who touch the chain clean. | | Weaknesses: | Have to reapply every ride.
| | Similar Products Used: | Wet lubes | | Bike Setup: | Which one? | | Bottom Line: | Works well on the following conditions: you apply it to a clean chain to begin with, you reapply after every few hours of riding and wipe off the excess (especially on the outside of the links). If you don't reapply, you will get chain squeaks. If you don't wipe the excess off, you will get wax buildup.
Overall, I like WL quite a bit because it works and does keep the chain relatively clean but it wouldn't be for everyone or for every condition. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stew
a Weekend Warrior
from New Hope, PA
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Delaware and Raritan Canal Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$6.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle store | | Strengths: | Keeps the chain from getting gritty.
No greasy marks on clothing or self.
| | Weaknesses: | You have to use a lot of it.
No good in wet weather.
Wax builds up on cogs, derailleur, chain, tire, frame.
Expensive to use.
Dirty pieces of wax drop off in the house. | | Similar Products Used: | Krytech
Cross Country Wet | | Bike Setup: | Mongoose MTB | | Bottom Line: | I was using Finish Line Cross Country Wet lube and getting tired of my chain turning black after only a few rides. I kept getting black marks on me and I could hear grit in the chain when I twisted the links. I had to clean the chain and re-lube it again frequently because I ride where it's very dusty. I tried a bottle of Krytech, which lasted about two weeks. Then I tried White Lightning Original because they say it sheds dirt, so I cleaned everything with Simple Green to the dry metal and applied WL. I've almost finished my second 4 oz. bottle of WL after only two months. At first, I loved the stuff because I didn't hear the gritty sound in my chain when I twisted it, even after hundreds of miles. If I got dirty wax from the chain on me, it rubbed right off. Since the WL "sheds off dirt," I figured I'd better put on more after each ride (15-20 miles) to be sure the chain was lubed. Well, after three months of using this stuff, my chain and cogs were filled with wax buildup. I tried to get it off the other day using Simple Green, boiling hot water and a lot of brushing and it would not come off. Today, I saw rust on my chain so I tried using WD-40 to dissolve the wax (It worked!) and did a lot of brushing to get all the wax off. WD-40 also removed the WL spots off my tire. I used Simple Green to get off the dirty WD-40, then I re-lubed the chain with WD-40. It took me over an hour to finish the job. Bottom line: White Lightning is cleaner, but you have to pour it on the chain, it's expensive and it builds up. My derailleur seemed to stick and I had more chain suck. I'm going to use oil from now on. I don't mind taking a few minutes a week to clean off the gritty oil or a few black oil marks on me, especially after seeing how hard it is to get off a wax buildup. No more wax lubricants for me. I think the Finish Line oil picked up a lot of dirt because it's so thick and the key is to use very little. I'm going to try different types of oil, but never again wax. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
attila
a Racer
from Vancouver, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | low maintenance, ease of use, no messy oily cleanup, longevity of drivetrain!! | | Weaknesses: | gums up after a few months around the cogs and the dereilleur but not a big deal -- easily cleanedT | | Bottom Line: | This product is easy to use and requires much less maintenance than oil based lubes. Application takes less than 30 seconds AND YOU NEVER HAVE TO CLEAN YOUR CHAIN. In the wet winter months, I used to wear out drivetrains every 3 months with oil lubes. All the road grit would get stuck to my chain and wear it out. With WL the drivetrain on my winter bike is still excellent after 3 years!!! Need I say more. This lube is the best on the market. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek
a Cross Country Rider
from Springfield,SC
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$6.00 | | Strengths: | Great lube. Repels dirt and grime. Stays on a long time. | | Weaknesses: | NON | | Bike Setup: | Trek 8000 | | Bottom Line: | I ride everyday and I subject the chain to all types of soils. Sand, dirt, clay and water and nothing has been able to really stick to the chain. A shot of the stuff once a week and thats it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Gibbs
a Weekend Warrior
from Marietta, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali (Thompson) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$6.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Cheap, effective | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | GF Joshua Z2 | | Bottom Line: | Cheap, works great. nuff said | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nic
a Cross Country Rider
from Guam
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Tarzan | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$6.00 | | Purchased At: | Hornet bicycles | | Strengths: | lasts dosent stick with mud | | Weaknesses: | turns tires or anything white it touches | | Similar Products Used: | Triflow,Phil wood,wd40,pro long, corrosion x | | Bike Setup: | warp fully set up | | Bottom Line: | It is very good but it is more like wax than a self cleaning lubricant | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pedro Wright
a Weekend Warrior
from Akron
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any paved road | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$8.00 | | Purchased At: | eddie's | | Strengths: | clean | | Weaknesses: | doesn't lubricate first of all, just gums up. there is a difference | | Similar Products Used: | none never never will | | Bike Setup: | Vitus aluminum frame, shimano ultegra, mavic rims | | Bottom Line: | Do you want your bike to run smoothly or just clean? well guess what it'll get all dirty anyway. Pedro's Extra Dry lube blows this candle wax away. Use a good lube like Pedro's and then give your bike a nice bath after a long hard ride. It won't chunk off and land in your hub cassette ruining it like this wax. A clean chain doesn't make for a happy bike, or good riding- makes your chain do a nice impression of your local caged bird store I'll give it that much, and I guess its better than 3 in 1, maybe... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob S.
a Cross Country Rider
from Tustin, CA
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Deschutes River Trail, Bend, OR | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$6.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS's and Supergo | | Strengths: | Works as advertised IF you use it as directed. Does keep the chain clean, but the chain still should be cleaned periodically (the stuff does not relieve you of basic maintenance duties!). Relatively easy to use if you take your time. | | Weaknesses: | Gets all over tires, clothes, rims, spokes, etc. hence the comment above to take your time. Spin the wheel slowly after application and it won't sling off while it works into the chain. | | Similar Products Used: | You name it, I've tried it. I keep coming back to the 'Original' (new version). | | Bike Setup: | 1. Trek Y-11 (1996)LX level for most componentry.
2. Specialized S-Works M-4 FSRXC (2001)Yes, the one that has the Specialized name or logo plastered in 19 different places. | | Bottom Line: | Clean the chain, dry it, shake the bottle thoroughly, spin the wheel slowly, apply the product, let it dry, ride a lot, repeat.
Use it as directed, expect results as claimed. Pretty simple. Starting with a clean chain is a must.
Works best in dry conditions. I can typically go 3 or 4 real long rides between applications and re-cleaning the chain for every third application.
Probably not the lube of choice for racing/riding in damp or wet conditions. I have not tried the 'Race Day' formulation so I can't comment on it's performance in the wet.
These comments apply only to the new 'Original' - Generation 4 was useless in any conditions, including sitting on your shelf. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
keoni wright
a Racer
from ferndale,ca
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | big daddy bush | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$6.00 | | Purchased At: | all bike stores | | Strengths: | cleans chains and cables as it works.will not pick up sand or dirt.easy to use.so what if you have to shake the bottle,it beats having to buy a new drive train every 3 months.I use it on every thing that moves on my bike for over 3yrs.and put a stop to killing my drive train a you age. | | Weaknesses: | needs to be added after wet rides/IE:rain,wet trails ect. | | Similar Products Used: | none so far. | | Bike Setup: | sram chain/cassett | | Bottom Line: | I love this stuff,never have been sorry for useing it.yes it can make a mess if you are not watching what you are doing applieing it.I have not replace my drive train for over 3yrs -vs- using a oil based lube,that ended the life of my drive train in 3 months....love the stuff. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jh
a Cross Country Rider
from mass
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | otis | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1.00 | | Purchased At: | online | | Strengths: | none | | Weaknesses: | this is basically like putting candle wax on your drivetrain | | Similar Products Used: | finish line cross country lube!! it works! | | Bike Setup: | RM element TO | | Bottom Line: | lube. how hard could it be. well, this product sucks. it separates in the bottle so you have to shake it up. it doesnt mix when cold. and then when it does come out, it lays a coat of candlewax on everything that you have to scrape off when it gets dirty. i ended up putting my chain in the toaster oven to get this junk off! you will regret putting this on your bike, especially if you ride in cold weather. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rod Angler
a
from NOLA
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | LBS, the hype-ridden bast@rds! | | Strengths: | None. | | Weaknesses: | Many, including waxy buildup.
Wax + dirt = sludgey grinding compound. | | Similar Products Used: | several | | Bike Setup: | yep | | Bottom Line: | see my review of Pedro's Ice Wax ... ditto for White Lightning only it's even worse than Pedro's. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan
a Weekend Warrior
from lakewood,ca.USA
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anyride | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$7.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Clean,wasy to use | | Weaknesses: | Drips a little when put on but oh well. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | cannondaleSP700 | | Bottom Line: | Its nice not to have stuff to clean up everywhere after u lube up and keeps chain looking new. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guy Smiley
a Cross Country Rider
from Canadia
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | twisty and narrow | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$6.00 | | Purchased At: | Velotique | | Strengths: | Keeps chain clean, parts last a lot longer, I hardly ever clean the chain and it's lasted 2 seasons. | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't work in wet weather, misleading claims on label, people can't follow instructions, needs frequent application (but did I say I hardly ever have to clean the chain?). | | Similar Products Used: | Boeshield, Finish Line dry lube, Phil Wood, 10W30, Tri-Flow, some others | | Bike Setup: | Which bike? 2 wheels, a seat, something to hold onto, a chain | | Bottom Line: | Great stuff for the right conditions. For dirty but not wet and muddy conditions, nothing I've tried stays cleaner. Terrible stuff for rain, but who says you have to use it all the time, I use tri-flow or Phil when it's wet out. Cleans a dirty chain, like they say. The waxy buildup is actually easier to remove than the tarry gritty oily buildup I get with oil, and doesn't grind down my parts. It needs to be applied often especially if it's dirty, but if you need to clean your chain a lot you need to re-lube a lot anyway. Also chains and expensive cassettes last a LOT longer. Read the bottle, wipe the chain, and let the stuff dry before you ride. I add it in the evening after a messy ride, not just before the next one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Radar
a Racer
from Barberton OH
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything with dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$6.00 | | Purchased At: | Eddy's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Doesn't attract dust or anything, cheap, good shifting. | | Weaknesses: | Drips before it dries | | Similar Products Used: | Finish Line Cross Country, Tri flow, Wrench force dry lube, Finish Line Krytech | | Bike Setup: | This is used on a Deore/LX drivetrain | | Bottom Line: | The best all around lube I've used, and I've used plenty. The only drawback is that you gotta let it dry, and since you gotta spin the pedals a little to get it all over the drivetrain, it will occasionally drip on the tires and stuff then I'm doing that. No big deal. I put on plenty (especially before races) which makes the drivetrain shift very well. It also lasts long, so if you're not the kind of person who likes to clean their chain all the time (like me) one application will last a week or more.
It costs about the same as everything else, and works at least as well in any conditions. 5 flames! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christopher Grimes
a Cross Country Rider
from Thurmont, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$6.00 | | Strengths: | works well, not a lot of mess, keeps my chain quiet and CLEAN | | Weaknesses: | leaves white marks on tires if it gets one me | | Similar Products Used: | tri- flo | | Bottom Line: | tis stuff is great, whatever the conditions, my chain comes out looking clean, shifting fine, and tracing fine. I used to just use tri flo, which I still uise to lube springs and derailers and such, but this product on the chain is deffinatelly the choice for low maintenance, high protection use. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Czerniak
a Cross Country Rider
from Troy, Michigan, USA
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | The ride to and from work | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | It lubes chains better than WD-40 (The only other stuff a rec-bike rider would ever run), and it also works well on the gears of my R/C car collection. No spool-up noise! | | Weaknesses: | 1. Stains the driveway.
2. Looks like a "Dirty Bodily Fluid".
Thats a bad mix. | | Similar Products Used: | WD-40
Prestone Silicone Spray Lube
Mag1 Super Penetrating oil
Mobil 1 Tri-synthetic | | Bike Setup: | Mongoose D60R w/ Lots of rear preload | | Bottom Line: | It's good stuff! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brett
a Weekend Warrior
from Cherry Hill, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | wissahickon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | -doesn't attract dirt
- looks clean
-easy directions
-self cleaning | | Weaknesses: | -if applied wrong, it will gum up in cassette and cogs
-not very slick
- build up
-flakes on chain stay | | Similar Products Used: | T-9 boeshield, 1st generation WL, PEdros extra dry | | Bike Setup: | 99' schwinn moab disc | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is, this is a lube for someone tired of cleaning their drivetrain and wants something user-friendly and works descent. Works very good in dry conditions, but if left unchecked can goop up your drivetrain. when i lube my chain it gums up the cassette and chain rings and i just wipe them off and im okay from then on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Smacker
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Sycamore Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Non-toxic | | Bottom Line: | After 4 months, I've finally decided to put this lube on the shelf. I've been fussing with this stuff, trying to get it to work as advertised (clean the chain as you ride). While it does this to some degree (as long as your ride involves little or no water), it tends to gunk up the chainrings and rear cassette more than I like. Yes, I've completely disassembled the entire drivetrain, degreased it thoroughly and started with a clean application. Still can't get it to work as advertised.
On a positive note, it works great as a friction lube for my Speedplay pedals. Yes, my pedals and cleats get gunked up as well (not as critical as a 9 speed drivetrain), but if I ride more than once without applying this to the pedals, I have extreme problems engaging and disengaging from the pedal.
So - as a drivetrain lube I give it a 2
as a pedal lube I give it a 4 (would have gotten a 5 if I didn't have to pull out the toothbrush every two weeks to remove the buildup). This averages out to a score of 3.
I'm moving to Boeshield. I'll post my findings there in a few months. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Doesn't hold sand particles. | | Weaknesses: | Need to apply often. | | Similar Products Used: | No dry types, have used Slick 50 and BreakFree wet lubes | | Bottom Line: | I ride on coastal plain trails with fine sand that makes wet lubes gunk up in just a few miles no matter how much wiping off excess lube you do. With White L. I can ride my usual 12 miles a day without all those grinding noises from my chain. A couple of spins holding a rag on the chain cleans off the shedded wax buildup. Then a little more fresh lube and I'm ready to go the next ride. Key is to thoroughly degrease the chain first and really be generous with White L. for the first lube. Thereafter, only a little is needed to keep it working well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zack
a Weekend Warrior
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | *Keeps chain and sprockets clean, leaves no messy black build up.
*Cleans while you ride.
*Waterproof.
| | Weaknesses: | * If use too much and don't shake good enough it leaves a white build up. | | Similar Products Used: | Other Lube cant think of the name. It sucked, it left all this black build up all over the chain and sprocket. | | Bike Setup: | 2000 GT Backwoods | | Bottom Line: | THe Best, Works incredible. Never gonna switch products. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Weirdo
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Algonquin... | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Keeps drivetrain clean, noticeably less friction, makes teeth and chain last longer, I no longer get all dirty when I work on my bike | | Weaknesses: | Sick-looking white film can build up | | Similar Products Used: | Finish Line Teflon, crap grease | | Bike Setup: | GT Palomar, Scott Hot Rod Handlebar, Titec post and seat, LX/XT, Club Roost Grips, Syncros Ti Q/Rs | | Bottom Line: | People, why don't you pay more attention to your drivetrain. Who cares if you have to relube it every week. I sure don't. The way it keeps your drivetrain clean is it flakes off when it comes in contact with dirt. It either falls off, or just wipe it off with a rag after a ride. My friends freehub got clogged with flakes, but that was because he did not read the instructions, applied it to a dirty chain, got all muddy, just left it there, and didn't relube it.
I suggest you do this: 1) Clean drivetrain THOROUGHLY, and apply a little degreaser
2) Wait one day, lube chain with White Lightning, and spin crank to get it to penetrate.
3) Lube chain after a muddy ride, or once a week if you have been riding your bike enough.
4) After any ride, wipe the chain off a little with a rag. The lube will stay, the flakes will come off.
I recommend this lube. 4 chilis for value due to the amount you have to buy, and 5 for overall performance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Antioch, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Ridge Tr. | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Relatively clean, so-called self-cleaning action (does this really work?) | | Weaknesses: | Cost, wasteful when you apply, must apply often, no good in wet weather, doesn't keep drivetrain quiet, waxy coating builds up. | | Similar Products Used: | Finish Line products, SuperLube, and all kinds of other lubes. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano XT 8 speed. | | Bottom Line: | I don't like it much. You've got to literally pour the stuff on after every ride so you go through it like crazy and the lube isn't cheap. The chain doesn't look clean and you get a flaky, waxy build up on everything. Forget about it in the wet (but Race Day works OK). The drip tube is always clogging up. However, on the positive side, it does keep things relatively clean and is good for people who don't want to remove their chains to clean and lube them properly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Samid
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | DVP | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Easy Application, clean riding | | Weaknesses: | Price, quantity of application | | Bike Setup: | Ancient LX, Vintage RockShox (Quadras) | | Bottom Line: | Nice product.
Like most of the other reviewers stated, you have to apply this stuff pretty often, but it does keep your calf/pants relatively clean. I would advise giving your chain a VERY thorough cleaning before using it for the first time. My friend didn't, and his chain, casette, and chainrings gummed up, and made the most horrendous grinding noise. Even after several applications, the drivetrain never really got clean like their marketing says it should; consquently he had to clean his whole drivetrain properly and re-apply.
However, if you apply to a nice clean drivetrain, and apply often enough (about once a week for me), I ride five six days, about 20K/day mostly on streets and hard trails.
All in all a very nice product and I recommend it highly, especially if your a city/weekend rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adrien Murphy
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Works as advertised (when used as instructed on bottle) | | Weaknesses: | Short lubrication intervals | | Similar Products Used: | Krytec, Finish line "dry" lube | | Bike Setup: | 1999 GT iDrive XCR 2000 | | Bottom Line: | It works as advertized, keeps chain clean and reasonably slippery. It does seem to make chains last longer. You do HAVE to follow directions though. Especially about removing all traces of degreaser or it'll last about 2secs when wet (as opposed to about a ½hr). It might not lube as well as oil as far as slipperyness goes (theres gotta be a more scientific word for that that I can't think of now) but it doesn't turn into a grinding paste. All of you saying how wonderfull oil lubes are ever notice they use oil when sharpenning knives & stuff? That's cause when you get grit (such as mud, road grit, sand and everything else you chain is exposed to) it turns from a lube into a grinding paste. WL keeps the dirt out of the inside of the chain. for dry rides it's where it's at. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOSH
a Weekend Warrior
from WINNIPEG CANADA
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | ANYTHING | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | DRY LUBE, MAKES YOU HIGH | | Weaknesses: | GUMS UP ON SPROCKETS, HARDENS IN BOTTLE, EXPENSIVE | | Similar Products Used: | TRI-FLOW | | Bike Setup: | STOCK '99 IRON HORSE ARS 2.0 | | Bottom Line: | UNDECIDED. IT CLAIMS TO CLEAN THE DRIVETRAIN. (WHICH IS WHY I BOUGHT IT) BUT DOESN'T REALLY. iT TENDS TO GUM UP THE SPROCKETS IF LEFT UNCHECKED. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
philip pyne
a Weekend Warrior
from VA
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | dont have a favorite | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | How long it works, it works exelent in dry conditoins. | | Weaknesses: | IT sucs in mud or heavy rain.
| | Bottom Line: | Its a great allaround product | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A Wheelman
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Twisty | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Works well in dry dirty dusty conditions | | Weaknesses: | Sucks in wet and rainy conditions | | Similar Products Used: | Triflow, Phil, 10W30, Finish Line, | | Bike Setup: | One of each | | Bottom Line: | Keeps my MTB chain clean. Doesn't keep my rain bike lubed. I use it in the conditions for which it's appropriate and it's the bee's knees; I don't expect it to work in all conditions so I don't get disappointed.
It will wash off in one long rainy ride though (road or off road) so use Phil or something like it if it's monsoon season. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dirt Roadie
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | The one I rode today | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Clean Clean Clean Easy to use | | Weaknesses: | The Company let marketing hype prevail over maintaining a good product | | Similar Products Used: | Boeshield, Krytech, Pedros, Hot Waxing
You name it I've tried it! | | Bike Setup: | Road and Off road | | Bottom Line: | To follow-up on my post below (and all the posts here)
The bottom line is AVOID GENERATION 4 LIKE THE PLAGUE! Unfortunately it can still be found on the shelves. That's all my LBS had when I went in to try to buy the new original formula.
But the "new" ORIGINAL (isn't that a great oxymoron) appears to be great (again). WL was kind enough to replace my worthless bottles of G4 with the orignal formula. Contact them at their website and whine politely. (The new stuff says "ORIGINAL" on top of the label- Don't accept anything else.)
Note that most of the posters here that like this stuff liked it before 1999. The problem apparently was that WL wanted to be all things to all people and gave up its strengths in order to hide its weaknesses. WL has now returned to a product lineup with two distinct lube products. "Original WL" is touted as being "self cleaning" and good for dry dusty conditions. "RACEDAY" is now the designated wet weather/mud product. Accuracy in marketing. What a concept!
WL (G4) is dead! Long live WL!
I suppose I should use it for a while before I post my final conclusion but I'll give WL 5 chilis in advance for responsive customer service and for going retro and bringing back the good stuff. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Indpls
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | There are none with this product | | Weaknesses: | There are many; goops up on chain that is if you can get it out of the bottle. Biggest scam is including a "pump" spray?? Goodness you can't even get the wax out of the bottle. What the hell do you expect to do with a freakin spray pump??? Goops up on the chain. Just look at the reviews below. | | Similar Products Used: | Triflow, Pedro's, Krytech, heck anything is better than this product. | | Bike Setup: | M4, Stumpjumper Pro | | Bottom Line: | Save your money. Your better off buying a candle and rubbing the wax on to your chain. WL has no quality nor control over the manufacturing process of this now worthless product. I've returned the bottle full of wax, yes wax with NO solvent to my LBS. Try putting that clump of wax that stays hard into their ridiculous pump spray bootle? WL must think we are all STUPID. I guess we are by purchasing their product. Too bad there is no zero or half chili ratings for a B.S. product like this.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patch
a Cross Country Rider
from Burlington, NJ
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Side Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | None | | Weaknesses: | Useless | | Similar Products Used: | White Lightning earlier versions, tri-Flow | | Bike Setup: | Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo | | Bottom Line: | This is hands down the worst product I ever purchased. The stuff is so thickly jelled in the bottle even in 80 degree temp that it cannot be squeezed out. When I tried on the new bottle I got the inner cap flew off and the lube exploded all over my derailer, chain ring, and clipless. Don't waste your money like I did, buy something else!! 1 chile only because there is no choice for 0. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dirt Roadie
a Cross Country Rider
from Coloado
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Kennebec Pass | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Used to be great - very clean
| | Weaknesses: | Generation 4 is the worst of all worlds, hard to apply, cakes up on parts, solidifies in the bottle | | Similar Products Used: | Pedros Ice wax, Krytech, BoeShield,
Hot Waxing (The old fashioned way) | | Bike Setup: | Road and Mountain | | Bottom Line: | When it comes to drive trains, cleanliness is next to Godliness and the original WL was great stuff. Although I love the smoothness of a freshly oiled drivetrain (and I wouldn't be surprised if oily lubes are best under laboratory conditions), I want my drivetrains (both road and off-road) to stay free of that filthy black abrasive mixture that results when oil attracts dust. The oil/dust mixture is nothing more than a fine grinding compound which wears away the moving components. (There's probably a reason that you car has an oil filter!)
Original WL kept the drive train clean by flaking off gradually and was much easier than "hot waxing" - which I did for years. (My chains generally last many thousands of miles without any measurable stretch - which is really just wear.) I have never found it to be much of a burden to have to reapply WL (a 30 second process), especially since it rarely involves cleaning of the chain. (While I don't ride in an area known primarily for being wet or muddy, I have had my share of being caught in downpours and wheel locking mud.)
But, lo and behold, WL was "improved" until it became "Generation 4" which is an entirely different product and really doesn't do anything well. G4 solidifies in the bottle (Use the bottle once then throw it away- great value!) and over time creates clumps of nearly unremovable black "bubblegum" on the drive train, especially on the derailleur jockey pulleys and sides of the sprocket teeth. This is not what I would call "self cleaning." I thought this was merely the result of a "bad batch" and it was - all of the G4 produced! So, as of last year, no more WL for me.
But for the new millenium the folks at WL have apparently seen the error of their ways and are now offering an improved "original" formula, presumably to regain the benefits of their initial product.
I will undoubtedly try the new "original" at some point with hope that it is, in fact, like the original. In the meantime I, along with many others, have discovered Pedros Ice Wax which, so far, seems to be an excellent and nearly perfect product (smooth lube, nice clean drivetrain, easy to use) and is infinitely superior to G4.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kleinstein
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Belleview | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | The absolute best (when it works) | | Weaknesses: | Clotting in bottle | | Similar Products Used: | Pedros, Tri Flow | | Bottom Line: | The first generation of WL was simply the best lube out there, however the last 3 bottles of G4 I have bought have clotted up. All 3 of which were not subjected to harsh temperatures, kept in my closet until application. I beleive this may be a dealers storage problem.
When I contacted WL about it, they were promt and courtious in sending me a new bottle for my troubles. I wish all manufacturers would stand behind their products as well as the folks at WL! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Bays
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bonneau, SC
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
tsali, thompson loop | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Keeps everything clean and quiet | | Weaknesses: |
Not for use in wet conditions | | Similar Products Used: |
Tri-flow, finish line, slick 50, et al. | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale Raven | | Bottom Line: | I now swear by this stuff, although you must use wet lube in wet conditions (tri-flow, slick 50). You also must re-apply much more often than recommended, but I believe it reduces wear on drive chain parts and, as stated earlier, keeps shifting very smooth. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross-Country Rider
from Indianapolis
Date Reviewed: November 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
the last one | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Keeps chain relatively clean vs. oil based lubes. | | Weaknesses: |
Very poor quality control during manufacturing. | | Similar Products Used: |
Tri-flow, many others. | | Bike Setup: |
Spec M4 XC | | Bottom Line: | Check each bottle before buying. Consistancy of parafin never constant. I bought two containers that were 100% parafin and zero solution without checking. Try applying that with their suggested spray bottle. . . never happen! Other than this major fault not a bad product. Only 3 chilis due to lousy manufacturing controls. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stevetolo
a Cross-Country Rider
from ventura Ca
Date Reviewed: November 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
none of your business | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Dries overnite and keeps everything running quietly | | Weaknesses: |
Needs to be reapplied after every ride | | Similar Products Used: |
triflow, pedros wetlube, Trek dry lube | | Bike Setup: |
Y-22, stock setup | | Bottom Line: | This lube works great if you reapply after every ride and let dry overnite. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
M
a Racer
from M
Date Reviewed: November 2, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
MT SNOW | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
LUBE | | Weaknesses: |
G4 IS CLUMPY | | Similar Products Used: |
ALL | | Bike Setup: |
HG | | Bottom Line: | I USED THIS LUBE FOR MANY YEARS TILL THE GENERATION 4 CAME OUT..NOW IT CLUMPS LIKE ELMERS AND I GET HIGH ON PEDROS NOW.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesse
a Cross-Country Rider
from ma
Date Reviewed: October 31, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
cheap | | Weaknesses: |
not good in mud | | Similar Products Used: |
pedros ice wax | | Bike Setup: |
modified diamond back. judy sl. | | Bottom Line: | works well in conditions that don't have mud. Works great in rain though | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vancouver, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
KVR | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Keeps chain clean
No chain ring marks on right calf | | Weaknesses: |
Bottle nozzle plugs up with teflon | | Similar Products Used: |
Phil's Tenachious (sp?)
Triflo | | Bike Setup: |
Old GT Avalanche (steel one), Indy XC | | Bottom Line: | Great stuff! Keeps your chain clean in very dusty conditions. The others just act like dust magnets. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kb Turner
a cross-country rider
from Great Valley, Pa
Date Reviewed: August 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
If I were in a position to pick only one lube, it would have to be WL. Yeh, I heard all the criticisms, and I won't argue. This stuff works for me, and I have to ride in some pretty peasy conditions. An 8 hour drive on the roof rack blew a fresh coat right off two chains, but that was easily remedied. Know how something works, and it should work for you. If you don't want to work on your bike, don't waste your time pointing fingers, just pay the shop. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brock
a cross-country rider
from Olympia, WA
Date Reviewed: August 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I would only suggest this product for people who don't care enough about their bike to clean the chain. I gave a bottle to my brother because his chain was rusted and it helped. If you care about maintaining your bike it is important to remember this stuff is a dirt magnet and your chain is the victim. I used this stuff twice and regreted it severly both times. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tortoise
a weekend warrior
from Florida
Date Reviewed: August 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have to agree with Scott from Florida. Every other lube I've ever used has sucked up sand like a magnet, even the best Teflon lubes. I don't care if I have to reapply WL every other ride -- it sure as hell beats degreasing the chain and brushing sand off of everything. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Iceman
a downhiller
from Morgantown, WV
Date Reviewed: August 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have only used WL for about two months, and am very impressed with the way dirt falls off my chain and other drivetrain components. I am waiting for colder weather to see if the parrafin still does the trick, but for now I am going to stick with WL for a while | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tracy Stanger
a cross-country rider
from Salt Lake City, Utah
Date Reviewed: July 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have used a lot of chain lubes but this stuff is the best. If you strip your chain and then lube up with WL it will give you at least 100 miles of hassle free riding. I have taken this stuff in Moab sand, mud, water, and snow and I got about 200 miles out of my first lube. While everyone I was riding with had crap in their chains, cassettes, etc. mine was clean and shining! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Horne
a weekend warrior
from Belleville, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the best lube around, works great in all conditions even snow, if the bike is warm while its applied and dried. If your chain's not clean to start then it sucks the dirt and old lube off in wet weather. Used for both trail riding 4 seasons (do the snomobilers ever look at you weird) and commuting on road.
And as a bonus keeps you clean. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hans
a cross-country rider
from Northern California
Date Reviewed: June 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This stuff is outstanding.
At first I was disapointed. I now use a small tube stuck into the bottle. This
means no waste. White Lightning is very high maintenance, but it has awesome
results. I would rather lube my chain serveral times a week, than clean my
entire drive-train once a month (which I did using Tri-flow). Use a small tube
to apply it, your bottle will last much longer. Also the stuff works in all
weather conditions out here in Northern California, wet, dusty dry and in
between. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Beastie Boi
a racer
from Brisbane, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
In my mind you simply cannot beat WL. If you're like me and hate cleaning your bikes but love to have smooth shifting you could do a lot worse than this stuff. And if you think it works well on the MTB, just wait 'till you try it on your roadie.
Still, there is one little thing that annoys me (and most people will probably see this as nit-picking) and that is the increase in drivetrain noise you get when using this stuff. Y'know how it is, you're cruisin' along at peace with the world, but there's this annoying sound that keeps interrupting your glorius cycling oriented daydreams. You remember that it's due to the WL, but then all is forgiven as you reach for the next gear and it slots in effortlessly. See, I told you I was nit-picking. Overall, you really can't beat this stuff. Who knows, maybe the rumours that this stuff is the by-product of bike's having sex is true! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kona Boy
a cross-country rider
from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
All things considered, this is a nice alternative to traditional lubes. It is a nice, dry lube which does not collect dirt or blacken your hands. I would liken it to wax. It will wear away quite fast in certain conditions such as wet and muddy. This is where some traditional oil based lubes work well. I also use this product on my SPD cleats, cleat plates, and cable housings. I think its a good product to use if you aren't afraid to spend a little money and a little time for a smooth ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack Straw
a
from Witchita
Date Reviewed: June 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
OK, you guys, I DO live in the Pacific NW, (never mind the name) and I DO ride in more muck and guck than you could imagine, and IT DOES WORK!! For all of you who complain about your chain being dry after one ride, don't sweat it - the chain is still coated where it counts: inside, in between the links, wheels, and pins where the metal-on-metal contact is. Take a link apart, you'll see! I clean my bike after every (well, most every) ride, and in the worst spring weather I only need to re-lube once every 50-75 miles. So far, 12 months out of one chain and one 4 oz. bottle. No breakage, very little chain stretch, and only one chain suck incident. Clean, apply, dry, ride, and relax!Peace | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerry M
a cross-country rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: June 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This stuff works great in the summer but is not really suitable for wet weather. I have been using it since last October and it is great when there is no snow on the ground or lots of mud. To those people who say that their chain is dry with this lube I say that the chain is supposed to be dry. If you apply it properly the lube is all inside the chain. My old shimano chain broke out on the trail a while back and while I was fighting with it I noticed that the pins were quit slippery with a thin waxy layer. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sherman
a weekend warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: June 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This stuff is not too bad. It makes shifting smoother and the chain runs pretty smooth. I did have some problems with the chain skipping a couple of times when I really tourqed down hard when pedalling. I think it works alright but I don't think it is the best lube on the market. It doesn't work well in the winter cause the wax hardens and depending on how well it covers the chain, when the chain gets wet it will rust. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joshua Maurer
a cross-country rider
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Works great but is EXTREMLY high maintenance. I spent more time re-lubing than riding when using WL. Chain action is incredible and if used correclty it could really extend chain life. Once again, I would almost rather spend the money on chains and cheap ass bottles of tri-flow and spend my time riding instead of in my shop. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Chum
a cross-country rider
from Toronto, Ont, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I tried this lube for a month or so. Its really good when you have fresh lube on your chain. But I find it a pain in the ass having to relube the chain everytime I come home from school. Last weekend I did a 60km ride and whdn I got home the chain was dry. I forgot to relube and ended up with a broken chain on the way home today. It sucks in my classification. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl
a racer
from Lusby, MD
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Have had a couple unopened bottles of this sitting on the shelf for several months. Decided to try it out finally, and this was an acid test, gang: the 24 Hours of Canaan. There was newly cut trail this year that went thru some spring runoff so mud was abundant even without rain showers. And every lap gets worse.I followed the directions to the letter (well, one exception...I put the WL in my FinishLine chain cleaner apparatus rather than dripping it over the chain) and y'know what? THIS STUFF WORKS.Another light coating after I sprayed the bike down after every lap, and I never had a problem. Can't say that for the TriFlow or Pedro's I used to use. I ride a SantaCruz Tazmon, and with the elevated chainstays you'd think I'd never have a chainsuck problem, yet with the TF and P's I would get some nasty chainfarting near the lower swingarm pivot after going thru even moderate amounts of muck.Not so with the WL. Like the testimonial in their packaging says: ...the world was mud, and I was still shifting sweet. At the end of my first lap I looked down at a caked bike and an absolutely spotless chain. 'nuff said. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Smitty
a racer
from Idaho
Date Reviewed: May 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Good stuff! Chain runs reasonably quiet, shifts great and best of all
yer drivetrain won't get all caked with schmegma petro-slime. To those
tater-heads who whine about thier bike creaking after several rides.....
Lube it before every ride! One thing that does suck about this stuff is
you really can forget about using it at less than 50 degrees 'cause it wont work
anymore. Use Tri-Flow in the winter. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck
a cross-country rider
from Pittsburgh
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been using this stuff for about 3 months on 1 bike, and my normal teflon stuff (tri-flow, Pedro's,etc.) on my second bike.
Here's what I have Found (I followed the directions CAREFULLY)... the teflon stuff is superior when fresh and clean for shifting and quietness of the drivetrain,
but after 5 minutes in the dirt, ESPECIALLY IF IT'S WET AND/OR MUDDY, White lightening is THE STUFF! I do lube every time I ride, I don't clean my chain that often,
white lightening stays on through mud, and attracts almost no dirt. Drivetrain wear seems to be less than with the teflons! So, I will use teflon wets for my road bike,
but over all that I have tried, and that's most of them, for the mud of Pittsburgh, THIS IS THE STUFF. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
riley
a cross-country rider
from
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Wow. I guess I'm missing something here. Several have said that water washes WL right off. Hmm. I spilled some on the back window of my old car over a year ago and, after repeated washings....it's still there! Hmm. WL claims that your drive train needs to be very clean and free of moisture and dirt on the first application, then reapplication can be done even when wet (although not preferable). As long as the temp is over 50 I have never had a problem with this lube. Giving these guys a fair shake requires using the product as designed and FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS. If I could give this prodcut 10 chilis I would. Excellent stuff, wet or dry. A great time saver, too. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Lo
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: May 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I got a free sample at the race, so I tried it out. I live in California and it 's been loose, dry hardpack condition. After 2 rides aprox. 30 mi. total my drive train started to creak. Although it did keep my drive train clean. After I use it up, I'll change back to Finish line teflon lube instead. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Special K
a cross-country rider
from Nashville, TN
Date Reviewed: April 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I used to be a die-hard Pedros SynLube user... until I found this miracle fluid! Pedros is a great lube, but it doesn't compare with this. I haven't had the problems some of the other reviewers have had—I don't have to reapply it every ride, and it works great in wet conditions...for me. I do have to reapply after I wash my bike, but that's after I've hosed it down. This is great stuff—definitely worth six bucks (I'd probably pay even more for it!) FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS AND ALLOW IT TIME TO DRY! You'll be glad you did. Here come the chilis... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lois Segal
a cross-country rider
from Woodland Hills, CA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, it works ok out here where it doesn't rain much, the lube does not attract dirt and dust. However, it has one problem that I found out this past winter. Water will wash it right off. Carefully carrying your bike over every puddle and stream is not my idea of fun. So I started lubing the chain first with Lightning then with Finish Line lube. That worked ok. Then I got lazy and started using Finish Line alone-no difference. And water does not wash it off. Then I tried Finish Line's new Krytec lube and it is even better. In short, I see no reason to use a lube, however good in function, if it does not stay put when you need it most. | | Overall Rating: |
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