[Closed] Smoove lube ? Sticky mess...

I've been using it for a while and found it pretty good except for a face that after a few applications it forms a dense black gunk which sets on chainring teeth, jockey wheels etc. Can't even brush it off, have to scrape it off with with a screwdriver. Won't go back to it, I also used Squirt for quite a while which though not as long lasting doesn't have the same issues.

Just starting using Muc off wet which I'm impressed with so far, doesn't seem anything like as mucky as the old finish line green

I've been getting on well with Smoove, but I do go 'less is more' which might be why I have not had a build up of gunk.

Davo - similar to my experience, though I suspect based on spooky’s post I have been applying too much of it.

I’ve been using smoove for a good 12-18months on a mix of road and MTBs.. in my experience

After initial application less is definitely more.. if you’re getting a build up surely that means you’ve added more than required. Doing short not to muddy rides recently (had a bit of a dry spell really haven’t we) I’m getting circa 60-75miles of riding between applications. I clean them off with the smoove prep which is amazing stuff (literally melts any slight build ups I get at the base of the chainring teeth).

I tend to apply it very lightly, and haven't noticed it gunking up at all. Not quite as long-lasting as you'd hope though - it tends to last a single ride really well, but not two consecutive rides unless it's pretty dry out. Squirt in contrast was off the chain before the end of a short, wettish ride.

Every now and then I have to clean it off the jockeys, but that's it.

Definitely sounds like I have been putting too much on, so will give it another go with just a light application, thanks all !

used both in the workshop and found squirt to be much better, lasts about as long but much less sticky and picks up less debris

Hi all.
I'm the UK importer of SMOOVE and trouble shoot regularly with people. SMOOVE is quite different to other lubes and as such, forces you to break some habits you have when it comes to applying lubes.

The problem both iainc and davosaurusrex sights is down to over application. SMOOVE is VERY hard wearing. SO what is happening here, is you are applying too much, either at original application or after washing when you may not need to apply any more, you are indeed applying another layer. Over time, this will build up and build up. With SMOOVE, you don't need to apply after every wash (unless you do a deep clean perhaps) and why SMOOVE Prep degreaser exists, to really break down old SMOOVE before reapplying.

So to solve the problems experienced, apply less frequently to avoid that build up of gunk. Applied right and gunk does not appear and is consistently low friction (average as you'd expect) but really clean. The key here is...it's a LONG lasting lube, which means it stays put longer than you traditionally expect a lube to last in all weathers and even during washing, especially clean white wax lubes.

Another common issue is when people think it's not lasting long and washes off too easily. That's because the chain had not been thoroughly dried inside the pins and plates before applying, so the lube does not set. It seems you guys are doing the prep correctly but then over-applying. Try breaking that habit of re-lubing before every ride. There's not usually a need for SMOOVE to be applied that often. That's what SMOOVE is about 🙂

Happy to answer any more questions.

Thomas

@RocketDog
Interesting one. SMOOVE typically outlasts Squirt ten-fold. Would love to trouble shoot application here and figure out how SMOOVE could come out on top 🙂

Thomas, very helpful, thanks for the info. Will give it another go on that basis.

Thomas, a question, how would you know when it needs reapplied ? Does it gain or lose stickiness, or simply get noisy ?

I run my finger under the rollers, of it moves/rolls freely, it's time for one or two drips more per link.

Ah, now the submit button is working again I can have a proper go at replying to this.

I used to cycle between squirt in the summer and putoline in the winter. I made the switch to smoove in the summer and it worked so well, that I never switched back to putoline for winter.

Since using smoove I've spent less time chain cleaning as well. I just wipe it down with a baby wipe or two. The cassette and chain ring tend to clean up perfectly well with hot soapy water.

Squirt all year round for me and in all conditions, same as Smoove you have to follow the instructions exactly to get the best from it, chains needs to be fully degreased and totally dry before applying and not too much. You know when you have done it right when you can run your finger over the chain and there is no black greasy mark in sight.

@ianc
Like Onzadog says, running your finger and not feeling any stickiness is a good method but that doesn't always mean the chain isn't lubricated where it matters. The outer stickiness goes away as a thin layer of dust lands on it and dissapears during the miles. Running your finger like Onzadog says and seeing the rollers spinning freely is a good time to 'top up'.

Above all of that, just like you say if the chain sounds dry and unlubricated, then it is. Be aware of you're hearing that dry noise after just one average ride or fewer miles than you expect, then go back to your application method.

Happy also to talk on the phone or DM (details found on our social medias @cyclorise)

used both in the workshop

Squirt probably lasts pretty well in the workshop, but on wet west of Scotland rides it's gash! 🤣

^^^^ true dat .. 😂

The problem both iainc and davosaurusrex sights is down to over application.

That would be true of most folk and ANY chain lube. That's why there are so many complaints about lube messing up wheels, getting clarty etc.

Scotroutes, would be interesting to see how Smoove worked in the Cairngorms, compared to the bad experience you had with Squirt..

Squirt probably lasts pretty well in the workshop, but on wet west of Scotland rides it’s gash! 🤣

Hmm, in true STW fashion not my findings at all :o)

I'm not long back from a 10 day central highlands cycling holiday. Despite a lot of the tracks being fairly dry I had lots of soft boggy conditions and river crossings & no problems with the (Squirt) lube breaking down. I apply the lube when I get back to the van and this makes sure it completely dry the next day. Top product, holds up for a full days riding on the beach & I'm about to buy some more.

well, I went for the less is more application method so will be interested to see how it goes. Many thanks to bikedibley, and others for the ideas

I've gone back to it as well, have cut down on the application and not getting the build up but not lasting as long as I'd have hoped. Two dry rides of about 15 miles each are ok, by the middle of the 3rd it's wanting re-doing. This is after the full chain degrease/ dry and letting the smoove dry overnight. Bike hasn't been washed between rides either. Should I be getting more miles? This is on an ebike BTW, dunno if that makes a difference

I used to tip the bottle onto the chain and spin the chain around. That a few times with no cleaning in between left a reet horrible amount of gunk on the jockey wheels. I now take my time and put a drop on each individual roller. Takes a bit more time but seems pretty effective.

Yeah, I'm only doing a drop a roller on the inside

What to people use to clean it off, instead of the Smoove cleaner, if they have accidentally applied too much please?

I've got a bottle of Smoove waiting for a bottle of Finish Line Wet to run out, so I can clean all the chains at once and give it a good go.

But every time I read a thread like this, it seems that all lubes need to be applied properly, and if you're doing that, most of the downsides to eg Finish Line Wet, most of the reasons people want to move to wax-based
lube, go away.

Clean chain, apply across the rollers and links individually, hand-pedal the chain through a rag to take off any excess on the outside of the chain, and you've got a well lubed, clean chain which won't attract crap and will do well for a good while, wet or dry.

Or should I start over-applying the FL Wet so I can try the Smoove and see what I've been missing?

Yes...but I've yet to find an issue with Squirt so not using Smoove. Suspect I don't do enough miles though but I tend to go 3 or 4 weeks between applications. My weekly mileage ranges from about 15 to 50 miles, but mainly about the 30 miles, so suspect a low mileage like that is helping. Mixed conditions but last 2 months have been mainly dry with a bit of wet.

But every time I read a thread like this, it seems that all lubes need to be applied properly, and if you’re doing that, most of the downsides to eg Finish Line Wet, most of the reasons people want to move to wax-based
lube, go away.

This.

And as for only getting a little more than 30 miles out of one application, screw that! I gave up on Squirt for exactly that reason. Despite a "perfect" application routine I'd have a dry chain half way through a ride.

I have recently started using Smoove and tomorrow I will be on the third ride having ridden 45 miles so far. I have been using Squirt in the summer for several years but standard practice through experience means it has to be applied the night before EVERY ride.If it’s a wet ride the chances are, depending on the length of the ride Squirt will not last.
I have to say so far I’m impressed with Smoove and I have applied it sparingly to each link!

I reckon it is at least 120 miles between applications...and I reckon it'd be the same time between applications if I rode more miles a week. It only gets done when I wash my bike.
Works for me but obviously not for everyone.

I love the stuff. I applied it to a brand new chain and have done a good 300 miles since.

Muc Off stuff was useless, noisy chain after 2 rides.