Got Questions? The Hammer has the Answers.

Meet Hartmut "The Hammer" Hauber, resident Formula 100 Head of Application Technologies. He and his team not only help design and develop our proprietary formulas to match cyclists' needs but also put them through rigorous testing to ensure they outperform in every metric. Dig into the science behind our products and find answers to your all your bike care questions in our series, Ask the Hammer.

How often should I lube my chain?
Formula 100 Chain Lubes can last over three times longer than typical lubes, allowing more riding time without frequent reapplications. We suggest every 200-300 miles, or every 3-4 weeks of regular riding, depending on weather conditions. In wetter weather, lube more frequently. Our chain lubes are formulated with class-leading bonding properties due to our Molecular Infusion technology, which means Formula 100 will outlast and out-protect much better than others. This protective barrier also significantly reduces drivetrain noise, so if you start to hear noises coming from your drivetrain, that indicates that it’s time to clean and reapply.
 
Why do I need to use Chain Cleaner? Can’t I use any solvent?
Only our special Formula 100 Chain + Drivetrain Cleaner has proven material compatibility for all materials that could come into contact. Using a harsh solvent for chain cleaning could be dangerous for sensitive materials and do more harm than good
Our Formula 100 Chain Cleaner is a thixotropic solution which means it stays on the chain without running off. This equates to more efficient and deeper cleaning with less waste. The formulation is specially designed to target and remove grease (including factory chain grease that is only meant to protect the chain during storage). Therefore, the Formula 100 chain cleaner is able to remove grime very economically, and without mechanical assistance and perfectly prep the chain to apply your favorite Formula 100 chain lube. In addition, the Chain + Drivetrain Cleaner bonds a hydrophobic protective layer that combats corrosion and keeps mud, dirt, and grime from adhering to your drivetrain keeping your components happy and making future cleaning even easier.
 
My old chain lube brand says it can both lube & clean. Is this true?
This is not true. Using a so-called “lube & clean” product will result in much more friction & dirt, and will always be a compromise between real drivetrain cleaning and lubrication performance. First, a good chain cleaner, by its very nature, is not able to provide a high lubrication benefit as it's job is to remove grease, dirt and grime from your drivetrain. Second, an effective chain lube has virtually no real cleaning performance as it's job should be to bond to your chain and reduce friction. A cleaner/lube combo product will be more wasteful, require more work, and make more mess. Using a purpose-made drivetrain cleaner like Formula 100 Chain + Drivetrain Cleaner and then applying one of our specifically designed chain lubes ensures your drivetrain will last longer and run quieter.
 
What makes Ride + Shine work so well?
Ride + Shine Finish Rejuvenator and Protectant gives a showroom finish and long-term protection and repels water, mud, dirt and UV radiation for all treated bike parts making your bike look like new and protecting it from environmental wear and tear. Ride and Shine's proprietary formulation applies the ideal amount of luster to your bike, no matter what type of finish or paint it has. For a gloss finish, apply directly and wipe for complete coverage. For a matte luster, spray into our Microfiber Cloth and wipe one the matte surface. It is safe to use on paint, varnish, rubber, and plastic (avoid overspray on brakes/rotors or other friction surfaces). Ride + Shine actively prevents corrosion while revitalizing various materials and parts, even in salty or sweaty environments.
 
Does the Express Wash really leave a protective barrier? 
Yes, you can see the protective layer by the enhance luster on your frame's finish and by the active water repellency on all treated areas. Not only does this layer protect your frame from fading caused by UV, etching from grit, and repels mud and water, it also makes subsequent washes quicker and easier since it makes it harder for dirt to cling to your frame. Formula 100 Express Wash is a quick, waterless cleaner that’s safe for all surfaces, even matte finishes (avoid spraying on your brakes/rotors).
 
How do I know which chain lube is best for me ? 
We keep it simple:

• All Conditions Chain Lube: All-purpose, corrosion-protecting chain lube that will hold up to variable weather and provide smoother shifting, lower-friction, and protect your drivetrain over long distance road, gravel or dirt riding without the need for re-lubrication. 
• Dry Chain Lube: Great for dry, dusty trails and if you want a clean, non-greasy finish with the lowest dirt adhesion. And, don't worry if a little weather rolls your way. Molecular Infusion Technology means this Dry Conditions Lube can outperform and outlast.
• Power Drive Chain Lube: Perfect for higher torque applications, especially for racers and e-bikes, it’s our strongest formula with maximum durability. Why do you need an eBike or race day lube? Normal lubrication will be physically displaced from your chain by the higher torque forces. This chain lube is designed to hold up and combat those forces, significantly extending the life of your drivetrain.

  
Why do I need to use the Microfiber cloth? 
Only our Formula 100 Ultra high quality Microfiber cloth ensures a gentle treatment without any scratches on sensitive surfaces. We laser cut the edges of the so there are no seams, threads or abrasive materials at all, and BOTH sides of our Formula 100 cloth are soft and fluffy when others have only one soft side. Our microfiber cloth material is carefully chosen by our Application Technology engineers to excel at post-ride care and can handle 300 washes. It is also the most absorbent microfiber material available and can hold up to 10x+ it's weight in water. Its ultra-soft fibers make it safe for sensitive finishes and effective for product applications like Ride + Shine and our Express Wash
 
Is it true I will have to replace my drivetrain components sooner if I don’t lube my chain or use a low quality product?
Yes, because no lubrication or a bad wear protection will cause elongation of the chain and a high wear to your chain, sprocket and cassette. A dry or poorly lubricated chain increases wear on expensive drivetrain parts and makes pedaling and shifting much more difficult. Using high-quality lube like Formula 100 extends component life, preventing premature wear that costs more in the long run. Friction caused by lack of chain lube or dirty chain lube will cause excessive wearing and “chain stretch” (oblong wear between pins and rollers that introduces excess movement and length to your chain). This increased length then causes faster wear of your cassette, pulleys and chainrings which can add up to a poor performing drivetrain and a very expensive repair.
 
My mechanic said that some bike washes can harm my bike finish – is he right?
That is correct. Household cleaners and even some low-quality bike cleaners have very harsh ingredients that can harm the paint and finish of your bike and components. This incompatibility can result in premature fading of paint, etching of anodized, bare metal and painted parts. Our Formula 100 Bike Wash and Express washes have Smart pH technology, cleaning away only dirt and gunk and preserving and protecting everything else. 
 
I neglected my chain, and now it has some rust and corrosion on it. Do I need to replace it and start over?
If the chain is in a good condition regarding the elongation than you can remove the rust completely and lubricate thoroughly, otherwise you should replace it and regularly apply your favorite Formula 100 chain lube. Since rust is a chemical change of the surface material of your chain, you will need a bit of mechanical effort to remove it. There are many ways of doing this but a simple option is to use Formula 100 Chain + Drivetrain Cleaner and gently scrubbing your chain with a light wire brush.
 
I have an eBike. Should I clean and lube it differently than a regular bike?
Yes, eBikes generally need a bit of extra care, as their sensitive electrical contacts require specialized treatment. Formula 100 products are designed not only to clean but also to protect your eBike, preventing wear and contamination of electrical components. All of our washes and cleaners are specially formulated to be safe for eBikes and electronic components and can be used just as you would on a standard bike. 
While most eBikes have sealed electrical connections and motors that are safe to rinse, if you are not certain about your bike we recommend using Formula 100 Express Wash as a great option for a spray and wipe, rinse-free way to clean your eBike without any water.
Plus, our Formula 100 High Torque chain lube is specifically formulated to handle the forces exerted by a rider plus a motor, and it works exceptionally well as an electrical contact conditioner also.

But, wait, there's more!

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