No comments here, so ordered the Wolftooth version of the SCC Tech lube and will report back after I have some time on it.

 

Ok, some quick initial impressions. I have been using Dumonde Tech (original, not the Pro X...I didn't like that as much) and have generally been quite satisfied with it. Goes on easily, smells good, has minimal build up, stays pretty darn clean (occasional wipe down), and last reasonably well (gauged by noise). But, I am a "lube is greener on the other side of the chain" person and am always curious to try something else out. Based on things I've read, the Wolftooth WT-1 piqued my interest.

I've switched to WT-1 on most of the bikes (mt, gravel, commuter, plus my gf's mt and gravel bikes) to get a broad test. The vast majority of the riding so far has been in very dry conditions.

Impressions:

• Application - WT-1 goes on very nicely. The viscosity is "just right" and the color helps with managing the application. I put on a drop per roller, then wipe down. Pretty typical. I often either wipe down for maintenance, or if needed, use Dawn or RnR degreaser and water to scrub the chain down.
• Compatibility - I haven't seen any notable amount of black sludge that you often get when switching lubes. In most cases I did clean before adding WT-1, but not all.
• Drivetrain "feel" - The feeling after application is that the drivetrain feels quite smooth. More so than is typical. This was really noticeable on the single speed commuter where I had been running an experiment with bar chain oil diluted with mineral spirits (which did fine). The feeling of smoothness of the drivetrain on than bike is particularly sweet, almost shockingly so.
• Noise - The chain is generally pretty quite running with WT-1. I wouldn't say it's a big difference than Dumonde Tech.
• Longevity - This is where the jury is still out. I can't say that WT-1 has lasted particularly long based on drivetrain noise. I know this isn't the only measure, but it is the main way I judge the need for a fresh application. Note that I am not letting the chains get to the point of being "squeaky", just more audible. At this point I'd have to give a very slight upper hand to Dumonde, but I really need more time and a broader range of conditions to make a fair call.
• Value - WT-1 is expensive. If it last a while, then maybe it is a wash, but at this point I'd definitely say Dumonde Tech is a better value.

Both WT-1 and Dumonde Tech are excellent and I wouldn't hesitate suggesting either one to someone. I did order a larger bottle of WT-1 (with the needle applicator) so that I can run it over the winter. I'll report back after some more time. I'd be interested to hear if anyone else has firsthand experience with these lubes (or another that you feel is better).

 

Thanks for sharing this. I too use the original formula of Dumonde Tech and when Wolf tooth released their chain lube my interest was peaked. I will probably try some after I use up the Dumonde Tech. I could be wrong but to me it looks like the SCC/WT-1 is the same as the Dumonde Tech except it isn't diluted as much.

 

I don't know this for sure, but the impression I get is that Dumonde Tech and WT-1 are unique formulations from each other. Personally I wish the lube mfgs would provide more details on the chemistry and how their particular technology works rather than just rely on general marketing speak.

 

I am trying out the SCC Tech right now and so far I'm impressed.

I did not know Dumonde Tech can be used on chains. I use the stuff for my I9 hubs. Are we talking the same thing? [emoji23]

The viscosity of SCC was surprisingly thicker than the regular chain lube. In a good way in the sense that as each drop is applied onto the links, it sticks and there is not much run off.

Here's the strange thing- SCC has a touted emulsifier that brings grime out from the nooks and onto the surface as you pedal or run through the gears. SCC's website recommends that you wipe down the chain and cogs especially after your first couple rides from application. The more you wipe, the cleaner your drive chain will be. Heck, they even provide a really good quality lint free cloth for you to do this. I was skeptical at first, thinking that I would just remove the lube that I just put on. But it's been 6 rides in, and my drive train still feels crisp and looked like I just gave the chain a degrease and lube. Usually by the third ride from using regular lubes, my drive chain would be all gummed up with grime and looked dirty as sin.

SCC doesn't recommend reapplication until you feel a decrease in performance. I'll see how many rides I can get out of 1 application but so far, it's already outlasting my other regular lubes like RnR Gold and White Lightning by 2x.

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I did not know Dumonde Tech can be used on chains. I use the stuff for my I9 hubs. Are we talking the same thing? [emoji23]

Dumonde Tech makes a range of products, including stuff for motorsports. Their original lube comes in two viscosities. I normally use the "Original", but the "Lite" is excellent for racing in dry conditions when I'm washing and reapplying lube after every race (it doesn't build up).

Standard Bicycle Lubricants - Dumonde Tech

www.dumondetech.com

 

Yeah I know what you mean. The only reason that I am speculating that is because the both are a polymer lubricant rather than a wax based or oil based lubricant and they appear to be similar in color. I also read somewhere that the Scc/Wt-1 was not diluted like some of the other lubricants

 

I’ve tried DumondeTech a while ago (IIRC, there was a warning about not smoking or eating while using it, which seemed hilarious & sketchy). It worked ok, but seemed really thin.

SCC Tech is a local company to me, & the LBS where I work in the summer started using it shortly after it was introduced. We put it on all the bikes we service, as well as our personal bikes, and it works great in the dusty dry Utah summers, and the snowy wet winters. It’s on my MTB, gravel, klunker, & bike packing bikes. It really does clean the gunk out as you ride. I wipe the chain after each ride & apply when noise & performance start to change. It has been the best lube I’ve tried. I’m pretty sure the Wolftooth & SCC lubes are exactly the same. Wolftooth just licenses it from SCC Tech.


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I'm pretty sure the Wolftooth & SCC lubes are exactly the same. Wolftooth just licenses it from SCC Tech.

They are.

 

I recently switched to WT-1 chain lube after years of using whatever I got in swag bags from events. I can't say much about the durability yet, I have just over 100 miles on two bikes, but my drivetrain isn't showing much gunk. I was a bit concerned with the mtb on the first ride as the chain sounded gritty. I have come to suspect this was the lube cleaning out the dirt that was in the rollers as it has been much quieter since the first ride. I have been diligent with wiping down the mtb bike between rides and the road/gravel bike once a week. The last thing to mention is cost, at $19 for 2 oz it is expensive, but if it lasts as advertised and keeps my drivetrain clean I would say it is worth it considering the amount of money I have tied up in the bikes.

 

I've had some more time using WT-1, so thought I'd post some updates:

• First off, I like it. Is it the end all lube? There isn't such a thing. See below.
• When it is freshly applied, and for a few rides, it is very quiet and very smooth. I love it during that phase. It does seem to drop off of a cliff though and hits a point where the drivetrain gets noisy real quick. I've had this sneak up on me a couple of times where I thought I was good to go without reapplying, then mid-ride the noise got really noticeable, primarily in the larger cogs (more chain tension and bad angle). I feel like it should last a little longer. I guess I need to reapply a bit more often. That hurts the value factor. I'd give Dumonde Tech the upper hand here.
• It is clean. There is very little build up on the chain and pulleys. It isn't zero, but minimal. It cleans up well with a wipe down using a microfiber cloth. Dumonde tends to build up more, ime, but I tend to over lube (trying to break that habit).
• I like the consistency. It is easy to get the "right" amount on.

I would be interested to hear how these impressions compare with those of others.

Will I buy WT-1 again? Maybe, not sure. I think I'll go back to Dumonde after this bottle is gone and see if any other contrasts show up.

 

I have been using WT-1 now since early September and just recently reapplied to the mtb. I would estimate I have about 110 miles on the mtb since I first applied the WT-1 and that would be 6 rides, so the performance is pretty good. Most of my rides are a bit sandy I will rinse the bike after each ride so that coupled with the wiping down I must say I am satisfied with the performance. I decided to reapply after my last ride as the chain started to develop a slight squeak. I will say the WT-1 keeps the chain very clean, very little buildup from the lube.

I have over 250 miles, maybe 300, on the road bike and I haven't noticed any issues. Just a weekly wipe down of the chain and keep on riding. I will be buying more WT-1 when the time comes.