MountainFlow was founded with the mission to provide eco-friendly products for the ski community. They then expanded their product offerings to the bike industry, starting with lubes, then adding a plant-based water bottle to their lineup. We took home several samples of the lubes as well as a plant-based bottle from an event last year and have been putting them to use.
The formula categories don’t stray far from what we consider the norm, being inline with what we’re accustomed to. The bike lubes are available in a few different iterations:
- Wax
- All-weather
- Wet
Features
- Plant-based and biodegradable
- Non-toxic, safe for the environment
- Petroleum-free
- Bottles made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic
- MSRP: $13.95 (wet, all weather), $15.95 (wax) for a 4oz bottle
Though cycling can be a green activity, the sad reality is that it often isn’t, unless you’re using a bicycle for a trip instead of a car. In our hometown of Portland, Oregon, although there is a significant amount of green space in city limits, the trails are off-limits to mountain biking, so to mountain bike, we’re driving upwards of two hours to get our trail riding fix.
Our collective obsession with carbon fiber bikes isn’t the most green either. So the idea of leaving petroleum products behind in favor of the plant-based Mountain Flow lubes is quite appealing.
To get a better sense of how these lubes compare to what I usually run, I decided to use them on my hardtail bike chains.
On the bike
Living in the PNW, I don’t really run wax lubes. Since I had it, I decided to try the Wax formula on my dirt jump bikes as they’re only ridden at paved parks and pump tracks or dirt jumps in dry conditions. My trail hardtail, gravel bike, and rigid adventure MTBs would run the all-weather or wet formulas, depending on the season.
Lubing one’s chain with the MountainFlow products is a different experience from my go-to lubricants. The viscosity of the plant-based lube is watery, and honestly, it feels off after years of using other products.
Like most chain lubricants, your best results will come from a fully degreased chain.
Of course, what matters is how it works on the road or trail. And I haven’t had any issues yet – lubes work or they don’t, and the MountainFlow products keep my chains working, and my drivetrain shifting. So far, what I’ve noticed the most is the lack of buildup of grime and caked material I often accumulate on my derailleur pulleys with other lubes. I’m probably reapplying a light coat after a few rides – I’m guessing somewhere in the 75-mile to 100-mile mark.
If you’re looking for an alternative to petroleum lubricants, it’s a solid option that so far hasn’t made a noticeable difference from my other lubes. And if you’re already trying to live that car-free lifestyle – kudos to you. This product is worth a try.
Learn more at www.mountainflow.com/