From New Zealand with love
Sort of like wool.
Here’s an interesting one: a line of bicycle and body care products centred around… lanolin. That’s right- the oily stuff that keeps wool from going stinky can apparently be harnessed to keep bearings rolling smoothly, chains from getting squeaky, and backsides from chafing. A couple of very pleasant New Zealanders from Biomaxa was on hand at Interbike looking to secure US distribution for their company’s bio-grease, biolubricant, and chamois creams.
The lanolin-based chain lube is formulated without petrochemicals so as not to leave anything unnatural on trails or in streams crossed. The wool-derived lubricant is carried on plant oils and is said to be good for both wet an dry conditions and the patented bottle has a built-in chain guide to minimise waste.
For a slightly different application, Biomaxa’s all-natural chamois creams use lanolin, honey from bees that feed on the manuka blossom, and oil from the manuka tree itself to create a soothing, lubricating cream with antibacterial properties that help to prevent infection. It’s initially odd to think of a lube company making personal care products… until it makes perfect sense.