Organic chain oils in the test: 14 ecologically advertised lubricants in the check

Bicycle chain oils: the organic trend

The organic trend does not stop at lubricants for bicycle chains. The good news: in terms of smooth running, corrosion and wear protection, organic oils can compete with conventional lubricants.

Nevertheless, you should read the label and, if applicable, the data sheet of the organic oils carefully: Not all of them are environmentally friendly per se.

Organic chain oils in the test

When the chainsaw eats its way through the undergrowth, its chain is almost always lubricated by environmentally friendly oil. As early as 2003, the proportion of organic chainsaw oils on the market was over 80 per cent. This is not yet the case for bicycles, which are an environmentally friendly means of transport. Although the chain on a racing bike or mountain bike usually runs more smoothly and quietly, it runs far too rarely on a lubricating film of organic oil. The range of eco-lubricants for bicycles is growing, but only slowly. We have tested 14 chain oils labelled as "organic":

• Antidote chain oil
• Atlantic organic chain oil
• Danico Biotech Kaiser chains
• Dr Wack F100 organic chain oil
• Dynamic Bio Allround Lube
• Hanseline Bio MTB Oil
• Motorex Chainlube Allround
• Muc-Off Wet Weather Lube
• Pedro's Go
• Rohloff Oil of Rohloff
• Toniq Chain Oil All Weather
• Tunap Eco chain oil
• Wash'n Roll organic drive oil
• Weldtite Pure Wet Lube

>> Changing the chain on a road bike: Instructions for Shimano/Campagnolo/SRAM

The term "organic" is as elastic as chewing gum, and not all oils fulfil the same requirements. Products are considered readily biodegradable - and this is the basic requirement that a modern organic lubricant must fulfil - if they are at least 60 percent degraded after 28 days at the latest. The OECD 301 test standard is also an essential basis for the award of recognised environmental labels such as the EU Ecolabel or the Blue Angel.

Not all products in the test fulfil these requirements. The organic drive oil from Wash'n Roll and Pedro's Go!, for example, consist to a large extent of white oil, a product made from crude oil. Both are not easily biodegradable and, according to current opinion, are also not climate-friendly.

Bicycle chain oils - organic lubricates well

Chainlube Allround from Motorex is a special case. Although the oil bears the OECD 301 seal, it is based on PAOs (polyalphaolefins) and mineral oil, as the manufacturer explains on request. Although PAOs are advertised as biodegradable, their maximum biodegradability is only 30 per cent. The rest remains in the soil for years.

The other candidates in our test rely on environmentally friendly raw materials in their composition and some also use recycled materials for dropper bottles and labels - a big step in the right direction. However, the most important argument for choosing organic lubricants in the future is the results of our extensive test: the best organic products lubricate at least as well as the winners from our earlier comparison in TOUR 12/2020.

What is organic?

The term "organic" is not protected. Products labelled with this term are therefore not necessarily environmentally friendly.

This is what the OECD 301 (A-F) standard says

A lubricant is less hazardous to the environment if it biodegrades quickly if it contaminates the soil. To do this, the lubricant must be converted to CO2, water and biomass by oxidation with oxygen with the help of water and bacteria. According to OECD 301 (A-F), the lubricant must be at least 60 per cent degraded within 28 days in order to be considered readily biodegradable.

The different base oils

A distinction is made between mineral oils, synthetic oils and vegetable oils. Synthetic oils can be produced both on a mineral oil basis and on a plant basis. Synthetic oils of fossil origin are not easily biodegradable according to the current state of the art, mineral oils per se are not. Nevertheless, white oils, for example, are marketed under the term "organic". For more information on the composition of a lubricant, end customers can also consult the manufacturer's safety data sheet.

Environmentally friendly

To earn the "organic" seal, a lubricant should of course be readily biodegradable according to OECD 301. It should also contain no colourants or fragrances and be harmless to nature. In terms of sustainability, packaging and labelling should be made from a recyclate, i.e. recycled plastic. Refill containers or refill stations at bike dealers also help to protect the environment and avoid plastic waste.

One drop of oil can contaminate 600 to 1000 litres of water. The bike chain should therefore always be oiled as sparingly as possible, regardless of the oil used.

Organic chain oils put to the test - Interview

Stefan Mitterer is Head of Technology, Service and Sales at Oelcheck GmbH, a laboratory for lubricant and fuel analyses

The Interview was led by Stefan Frey

TOUR: Are organic oils completely safe for the environment?

Stefan MittererNo. The official tests for degradability are not intended to be a licence. In cases such as hose bursts on machines or loss lubrication such as chains, these are more degradable in the environment, but should not be released into the soil or water in large quantities. Should this happen, countermeasures such as excavation of the soil will certainly be carried out. The industry is currently considering how to further improve tests on the degradability of lubricants.

TOUR: Are attributes such as "unlabelled" or "Free from hazardous substances" Characteristics of an organic product?

Stefan MittererNo, free of hazardous substances does not automatically mean harmless to the environment. Even biodegradable does not automatically mean harmless to the environment or living organisms. Labelling-free merely means that toxicological tests have not exceeded a certain threshold value and therefore no hazard symbol is required on the product.

TOUR: Some oils are proven to consist largely of white oil and are nevertheless labelled as organic.

Stefan MittererAs the term is not protected in this context, the label or data sheet should be used to check whether the claim to be organic is accompanied by a corresponding test or fulfilment of an official standard. Otherwise, marketing reasons cannot be ruled out.

TOUR: How can the biodegradability of polyalphaolefins (PAO) be assessed?

Stefan MittererThere are lubricants that are PAO-based and fulfil degradability tests. However, this does not mean that they are harmless to the environment.

TOUR: Many of the organic products performed very well in the test. Are there also disadvantages compared to mineral oils?

Stefan MittererDepending on their composition, so-called bio-lubricants can lead to resinification and are often more expensive in industry than classic mineral oils. Due to their composition in terms of environmental compatibility, the oils tend to be more susceptible to degradation reactions. These can also occur on the chain and then lead to gumming. However, as mentioned in the question, biolubricants often also offer technical advantages.

Bicycle chain oil: mineral vs. ecological

If you compare the best chain oils from the current and our previous test in TOUR 12/20, it becomes clear that there is no longer any sensible reason to rely on mineral oil products to lubricate the chain.

Tunap Chain Oil Ultimate

In the chain oil test in TOUR 12/2020, Tunap was able to secure the test victory with its Ultimate chain oil. The lubricant impressed with a minimally uneven lubricity curve and an outstandingly low coefficient of friction. Corrosion protection was also at a very high level. Tunap only lost points in terms of creep resistance. Due to its viscous consistency and long dropper cap, Tunap oil was easy to dispense and scored a lot of points - TOUR test score 2.0.

Bicycle chain oils: The best organic oils

The current test winner Antidot performs slightly better than Tunap in terms of the coefficient of friction. Atlantic also achieves an excellent value, but the more important wear protection is significantly lower. Seven out of 15 oils in the test achieved excellent results for the coefficient of friction. In the previous test, only two products achieved the threshold value of 1.0. With good corrosion protection and optimum handling, the organic oils from Antidot and Dr. Wack were convincing across the board. Muc Off, Rohloff and Toniq also produce excellent, environmentally friendly lubricants.

Organic chain oils in the test - the individual products and test results in detail

Antidote chain oil

• Price: 9 Euro
• Price per 100 millilitres: 18 Euro
• Container sizes: 50 millilitres
• biodegradability: readily biodegradable according to OECD 301 (A-F)
• Base oil: synthetic ester

Organic chain oils in the test - TOUR evaluation

• Lubricity (50 %) Grade 1,0
• Creeping ability (20 %) Grade 4,0
• Corrosion protection (15 %) Grade 2,5
• Handling (15 %) Grade 1,7

>> Overall grade (100 %) 1.9

Environmental friendliness: good

Conclusion

Laboratory: Exemplary lubricity and acceptable corrosion protection, pleasant viscosity, but low creep.

Practice: Fine dosage due to creamy consistency. The handy, firm bottle is somewhat difficult to squeeze. Cap with child safety lock. No refill option and relatively expensive.

Atlantic organic chain oil

• Price: 5 Euro >> available here
• Price per 100 millilitres: 10 Euro
• Container sizes: 50 millilitres
• biodegradability: readily biodegradable according to OECD 301 (A-F)
• Base oil: Ester

Organic chain oils in the test - TOUR evaluation

• Lubricity (50 %) Grade 2,8
• Creeping ability (20 %) Grade 3,5
• Corrosion protection (15 %) Grade 4,0
• Handling (15 %) Grade 1,0

>> Overall grade (100 %) 2.9

Environmental friendliness: good

Conclusion

Laboratory: Moderate wear protection and low corrosion protection, solid and lasting lubrication performance at low forces.

Practice: Handy bottle with fine spout, easy to squeeze and can be applied cleanly and selectively. Somewhat sticky. Now available in recycled packaging.

Danico Biotech Ketten Kaiser

• Price: 33 Euro
• Price per 100 millilitres: 33 Euro
• Container sizes: 100 millilitres
• biodegradability: readily biodegradable according to OECD 301 (A-F)
• Base oil: Ester

Organic chain oils in the test - TOUR evaluation

• Lubricity (50 %) Grade 2,6
• Creeping ability (20 %) Grade 4,0
• Corrosion protection (15 %) Grade 1,0
• Handling (15 %) Grade 1,0

>> Overall grade (100 %) 2.4

Environmental friendliness: very good

Conclusion

Laboratory: Lubricant based on sunflower oil. In the mid-range for friction and wear, convincing for corrosion protection. High viscosity with moderate creep behaviour.

Practice: Very fine to apply and not too sticky. Packaging with low recycled content, refillable at the retailer.

Dr Wack F100 organic chain oil

• Price: 17 Euro >> available here
• Price per 100 millilitres: 17 Euro
• Container sizes: 100 millilitres
• biodegradability: readily biodegradable according to OECD 301 (A-F)
• Base oil: Ester

Organic chain oils in the test - TOUR evaluation

• Lubricity (50 %) Grade 1,2
• Creeping ability (20 %) Grade 4,0
• Corrosion protection (15 %) Grade 2,5
• Handling (15 %) Grade 1,0

>> Overall grade (100 %) 1.9

Environmental friendliness: good

Conclusion

LaboratoryConsistently solid coefficient of friction and very good wear protection. Still protects well against corrosion, but only creeps moderately.

PracticeOne of the best dropper bottles in the comparison, also largely made from recycled material. Thanks to medium viscosity, easy and clean application without dripping.

Dynamic Bio Allround Lube

• Price: 13 Euro >> available here
• Price per 100 millilitres: 13 Euro
• Container sizes: 100 millilitres
• biodegradability: readily biodegradable according to OECD 301 (A-F)
• Base oil: Ester

Organic chain oils in the test - TOUR evaluation

• Lubricity (50 %) Grade 3,2
• Creeping ability (20 %) Grade 4,0
• Corrosion protection (15 %) Grade 1,0
• Handling (15 %) Grade 2,0

>> Overall grade (100 %) 2.9

Environmental friendliness: satisfactory

Conclusion

LaboratoryIn terms of lubricity only at the rear, wear is also rather high. However, the oil provides reliable protection against corrosion. Creeps only moderately despite low viscosity.

PracticeDrips easily from the bottle when tipped, less easy to dispense due to the thin consistency.

Hanseline Bio MTB Oil

• Price: 7,50 Euro >> available here
• Price per 100 millilitres: 6 Euro
• Container sizes: 125 Millilitre
• biodegradability: readily biodegradable according to OECD 301 (A-F)
• Base oil: Ester

Organic chain oils in the test - TOUR evaluation

• Lubricity (50 %) Grade 2,4
• Creeping ability (20 %) Grade 2,5
• Corrosion protection (15 %) Grade 1,0
• Handling (15 %) Grade 3,0

>> Overall grade (100 %) 2.3

Environmental friendliness: good

Conclusion

LaboratoryVery good coefficient of friction, but the uneven measurement curve indicates unharmonious lubrication performance. Moderate wear protection, but excellent corrosion protection.

PracticeMust be shaken for a long time to distribute the graphene particles. Low viscosity and difficult to dose. Very inexpensive.

Motorex Chainlube Allround

• Price: 9 Euro >> available here
• Price per 100 millilitres: 9 Euro
• Container sizes: 100 millilitres (fluid) / 300 millilitres (spray)
• biodegradability: readily biodegradable according to OECD 301 (A-F)
• Base oil: Mineral oil / white oil

Organic chain oils in the test - TOUR evaluation

• Lubricity (50 %) Grade 2,4
• Creeping ability (20 %) Grade 3,0
• Corrosion protection (15 %) Grade 2,5
• Handling (15 %) Grade 3,0

>> Overall grade (100 %) 2.6

Environmental friendliness: satisfactory

Conclusion

LaboratoryOne of the highest friction values on average, but with smooth running. Wear and corrosion are moderate. OECD-301 compliant according to the label, but the base oil is controversial. Therefore not entirely harmless.

PracticeVery thin and difficult to apply cleanly despite the dosing tip. Not very sticky.

Muc-Off Wet Weather Lube

• Price: 8 Euro >> available here
• Price per 100 millilitres: 16 Euro
• Container sizes: 50 / 120 millilitres, 300 millilitre refill
• biodegradability: readily biodegradable according to OECD 301 (A-F)
• Base oil: Ester

Organic chain oils in the test - TOUR evaluation

• Lubricity (50 %) Grade 1,8
• Creeping ability (20 %) Grade 3,5
• Corrosion protection (15 %) Grade 1,0
• Handling (15 %) Grade 1,7

>> Overall grade (100 %) 2.0

Environmental friendliness: good

Conclusion

LaboratoryLow coefficient of friction, but somewhat uneven curve. Therefore not a top value for wear protection either. Corrosion protection at a high level.

PracticeHandy bottle, long spout and sufficiently high viscosity, making it easy to dispense. Contains fragrances and colourings - not ideal for an organic product.

Pedro's Go!

• Price: 13,40 Euro >> available here
• Price per 100 millilitres: 13,40 Euro
• Container sizes: 100 millilitres
• biodegradability: not readily biodegradable according to OECD 301
• Base oil: ger. Ester content with white oil

Organic chain oils in the test - TOUR evaluation

• Lubricity (50 %) Grade 3,6
• Creeping ability (20 %) Grade 1,0
• Corrosion protection (15 %) Grade 1,0
• Handling (15 %) Grade 1,7

>> Overall grade (100 %) 2.4

Environmental friendliness: sufficient

Conclusion

LaboratoryNot readily biodegradable according to OECD 301, moderate lubricity, but excellent creep behaviour and corrosion protection.

PracticeDespite its thin consistency, it can still be dosed sufficiently, handy bottle and dropper cap.

Rohloff Oil of Rohloff

• Price: 8 Euro >> available here
• Price per 100 millilitres: 16 Euro
• Container sizes: 50 / 100 millilitres
• biodegradability: readily biodegradable according to OECD 301 (A-F)
• Base oil: Ester

Organic chain oils in the test - TOUR evaluation

• Lubricity (50 %) Grade 1,4
• Creeping ability (20 %) Grade 4,0
• Corrosion protection (15 %) Grade 2,5
• Handling (15 %) Grade 1,3

>> Overall grade (100 %) 2.1

Environmental friendliness: good

Conclusion

LaboratorySlightly increased but uniform friction and excellent wear protection. Low creep due to very high viscosity.

PracticeFlexible and perfectly dosable bottle. Viscous like honey, therefore quite long application time on the chain. Refillable at the dealer.

Toniq Chain Oil All Weather

• Price: 13 Euro
• Price per 100 millilitres: 13 Euro
• Container sizes: 15 / 100 and 500 millilitres
• biodegradability: readily biodegradable according to OECD 301 (A-F)
• Base oil: Ester

Organic chain oils in the test - TOUR evaluation

• Lubricity (50 %) Grade 1,2
• Creeping ability (20 %) Grade 4,0
• Corrosion protection (15 %) Grade 2,5
• Handling (15 %) Grade 2,3

>> Overall grade (100 %) 2.1

Environmental friendliness: very good

Conclusion

LaboratoryVery light, but somewhat unsteady curve. High protection against wear. Medium viscosity and creeping ability.

PracticeHard bottle and somewhat large opening, therefore not optimally dosable, despite good consistency. Refill option and recycled material for dropper bottle and label.

Tunap Eco chain oil

• Price: 15 Euro
• Price per 100 millilitres: 15 Euro
• Container sizes: 100 millilitres
• biodegradability: readily biodegradable according to OECD 301 (A-F)
• Base oil: Ester

Organic chain oils in the test - TOUR evaluation

• Lubricity (50 %) Grade 3,2
• Creeping ability (20 %) Grade 3,5
• Corrosion protection (15 %) Grade 4,0
• Handling (15 %) Grade 1,7

>> Overall grade (100 %) 3.2

Environmental friendliness: good

Conclusion

LaboratorySomewhat high coefficient of friction with slightly uneven running. The wear is also below average, as is the corrosion protection. Unfortunately not yet at the level of Tunap's standard chain oil.

PracticeHandling and dosage of the bottle are top, the materials are recycled.

Wash'n Roll organic drive oil

• Price: 12 Euro
• Price per 100 millilitres: 12 Euro
• Container sizes: 100 millilitres
• biodegradability: not readily biodegradable according to OECD 301
• Base oil: White oil

Organic chain oils in the test - TOUR evaluation

• Lubricity (50 %) Grade 4,4
• Creeping ability (20 %) Grade 3,5
• Corrosion protection (15 %) Grade 4,0
• Handling (15 %) Grade 2,7

>> Overall grade (100 %) 3.9

Environmental friendliness: poor

Conclusion

LaboratoryNot readily biodegradable according to OECD 301. Both test runs stopped after about one minute. The white oil product was unable to separate the test specimens very quickly. It does not creep very well, offers weak rust protection.

Practice: Hard bottle, therefore difficult to dose.

Weldtite Pure Wet Lube

• Price: 11 Euro >> available here
• Price per 100 millilitres: 11 Euro
• Container sizes: 100 millilitres
• biodegradability: readily biodegradable according to OECD 301 (A-F)
• Base oil: Ester

Organic chain oils in the test - TOUR evaluation

• Lubricity (50 %) Grade 3,0
• Creeping ability (20 %) Grade 3,0
• Corrosion protection (15 %) Grade 4,0
• Handling (15 %) Grade 2,0

>> Overall grade (100 %) 3.0

Environmental friendliness: satisfactory

Conclusion

Laboratory: Very uneven running with large run-outs, therefore increased wear. Good coefficient of friction, but hardly any protection against corrosion. Moderate creep resistance.

Practice: The thin oil runs quickly out of the somewhat large opening and is difficult to dose. The bottle itself sits comfortably in the hand.

Bicycle chain oils: How TOUR tests

Lubricity

We have tested all lubricants in co-operation with the laboratory of Bremer & Leguil, the manufacturer of Antidot, on an Optimol SRV5 testing machine. The friction coefficient, lubrication coefficient and wear are determined in accordance with DIN. A ball oscillates under defined conditions on a test disc provided with lubricant. The process was repeated if the test was cancelled (lubricant film rupture).

Creeping ability

A defined amount of lubricant is applied to the edge of two degreased, slightly offset glass plates. Capillary force causes the lubricant to migrate between the plates for 15 minutes. We transferred the wetted surfaces to 95 g/m² paper and weighed the pieces.

Corrosion protection

In the Bremer & Leguil laboratory, cylindrical steel test specimens were immersed for 24 hours in a mixture of 300 millilitres of the oil to be tested and 30 millilitres of 0.5 per cent salt solution in accordance with DIN ISO 7120. The resulting rust was wiped off and the corroded surfaces were classified visually.

Handling

Several test persons evaluated the handling when applying the lubricants. The products and packaging differ greatly from one another.

There were good judgements for:

• Adapted viscosity, which allows the droplets to land compactly on the chain and seep in in a controlled manner
• Thin-walled bottles that allow good dosing with low finger pressure
• Drip caps with long spout and small outlet opening.