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The FREERIDE testers don't just ride mega bikes through the terrain, they also pay attention to the little things that can prove to be existential in tough practical use. A well-oiled chain saves the freeride day.
You can download the comparison of the six chain oils from FREERIDE 1/2021 as a PDF below the article. The test costs 0.99 euros.
Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in FREERIDE. We don't charge for them, but the opposite is the case: we do charge for them - tens of thousands of euros every year.
Earthworms flee! Interview with microbiologist Dr Claudia Beimfohr
Experts say it is better to oil the chain on the grass than on the road.
That's right, because firstly, chain oiling doesn't discharge huge quantities of oil. Secondly, there are also bacteria in the soil (in addition to the filter effect) that can decompose oils. They look forward to getting something to eat. And earthworms or beetles will leave if something is not good for them.
How harmful is oil in water? There is a figure circulating that one litre of used oil makes one million litres of water unusable.
I can't confirm the figure, but nobody wants hydrocarbons or halogens in their drinking water. They can be toxic. And the water suppliers can't really get these substances out of the water either. In short, if large quantities of waste oil get into drinking water or river water, the fish die and we also have a problem. This is why it is strictly forbidden and subject to heavy fines.
Are chain oil and waste oil the same thing?
No. Waste oil refers to machine, engine and hydraulic oils that no longer fulfil their function - i.e. lubrication. These are hydrocarbons that may be chlorinated or generally halogenated, i.e. they may contain medium-toxic components. They must be collected by type. Chain oils are not waste oils. They are usually not halogenated and therefore much less harmful to the environment.
Many chain oils claim to be biodegradable. What exactly does that mean?
Some oils mix well with water, become diluted and are usually eaten by bacteria. As always, it's the quantity that counts. Only small quantities are involved in chain oiling. This is harmless.
Is cycling through the river a worst-case scenario for nature because oil is washed directly into the river?
Uncritical, I say. How much chain oil can you have on a chain? 10 ml would be a lot. Firstly, the oil does not dissolve well in water, so it is only partially washed off during the ride. The oil that is rinsed off - 3-5 ml maximum - dilutes in the water and is also eaten by bacteria.
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Stefan Frey
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