Green Oil EcoSpray Lube

Green Oil EcoSpray Lube is a plant-based alternative to traditional, heavy duty, PTFE-based maintenance sprays, and a very credible – albeit more expensive – alternative to stocky formulas such as B'Twin's All In One Maintenance Spray. However, those looking for a filmy, post-wash water displacer are better served by the likes of GT85 and Muc-Off Bike Spray.

• Pros: Versatile, long-lasting, pleasant to use
• Cons: Better as a protectant/lubricant than water displacer

Exact composition is a closely guarded secret. However, Simon Nash, Green Oil's founder, would say it's made from the same, plant-based stock used in its wet chain lube.

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Obviously, to achieve a sprayable consistency Green Oil has needed to boost the (plant-based) solvent content. Some will argue the butane/propane propellent puts a dent in the eco-friendly credentials. Again, I'm assured the quantities employed present minimal impact to planet and user alike.

Like most sprays, it comes with the standard nozzle for broader application and a straw for precision jobs – cables, springs and mechanisms. Giving the contents a vigorous, 30-second shake, then applying to the desired areas mixes solvent and product components very evenly.

Emerging from the nozzle, the rich, honey coloured elixir could almost pass for something like B'Twin's All In One or Weldtite TF2 lubricant spray with Teflon.

Leaving the aerosol marinating in a Pyrex jug of hot water before shaking results in a thinner coating – one better suited to flushing through cable housings, masking electroplated/polished frame ends, and freeing sticky lock mechanisms.

Let us spray…

I've applied the lube to the usual suspects: cleats, old school freewheel and locking mechanisms, garage door rollers, gear and brake cables. Anything arthritic perked up in a matter of engagements. Cleat mechanisms felt super-slick and remained so for almost three weeks, in changeable, often damp conditions.

The spray does result in a filmy patina, thicker than those cultivated in GT85 and Muc-Off Bike Spray, which may be welcomed. Fine when masking electroplated surfaces or chipped paintwork, but you might want to place scrap card beneath exposed cables and give derailleur jockey wheels and pivot points a quick wipe.

Without marinating in hot water, the thicker consistency is great for preventing corrosion in recessed electroplated fasteners, stem, bottle and cable pinch bolts being obvious examples. It's proven sturdy enough for threaded unions such as bottle, carrier and mudguard hardware. In a pinch, it makes an interim grease substitute for hub skewers and seatposts, like titanium or aluminium alloys in steel frames.

Continuing this theme, ours has also proved a passable alternative to basic crude mineral oil/PTFE chain lubes, returning 200 miles from a single (two-layer) application through a predominantly dry period. Useful if you've got up a bit late for the Monday commute and found your chain a bit thirsty.

EcoSpray's solvent content certainly helps liberate reluctant seatposts and quill stems, when accompanied by a swift tap from a rubber mallet, although GT85 and WD40 are more invasive, and thus have an edge in this respect.

Value

Given PTFE-based workshop sprays of varying intensities have been around for decades, direct comparisons price-wise are slightly unfair. However, it's still cheaper than WD40's heavy duty PTFE lubricant.

Conclusion

Green Oil EcoSpray does most things competently and stays put. It's a credible alternative to heavy-duty, long-lasting PTFE-based spray lubes, and is also kinder to rubberised components, people and animals.

Nonetheless, I won't be chucking my water-displacing PTFE sprays away just yet; these are more invasive, so better bets for flushing grit and general grot from cables and displacing water following sudsy bucket washes.

Verdict

Credible alternative to heavy-duty PTFE lubes, albeit pricier than some