We've been using Pedro's ChainJ biodegradable lube and their Bio Grease as well. I can't say I've done scientific tests on either so I can't precisely describe their merits. The chain lube is somewhat oily, doesn't wash away easily. The grease does experience some separation; I'm not sure what liquid is separating. This may be a drawback in action.

Theres a review of the grease here: http://road.cc/content/review/17600-pedros-bio-grease
plus a negative experience for a skateboarder here: http://www.amazon.com/Pedros-Bio-Grease/dp/B003UWLWPW

ChainJ reviews here: http://www.amazon.com/Pedros-CHAINj-Bike-Chain-120ml/product-reviews/B000N22FWG

I hadn't heard about this one until doing a little perusing right now: Dumonde Tech Bio Green http://www.rei.com/webservices/rei/DisplayStyle/778317?source=gpla&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-778317&mr:trackingCode=02AF15C2-B849-E011-AFD7-001517384908&mr:referralID=NA

I usually use the excellent ProGold ProLink which is biodegradable and calls itself "environmentally friendly" though I'm not sure of its toxicity or ingredients. http://www.mtbr.com/cat/accessories/lube/progold/prolink-chain-lube/PRD_352349_131crx.aspx

-Paul

The Bicycle Tree

P.O. Box 881
Orange, CA 92856

http://www.thebicycletree.org

info@thebicycletree.org




To: thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org
From: bovineoaks@aol.com
Date: Wed, 4 May 2011 17:07:38 -0400
Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] non-petroleum lube

In the 1980's a hippy friend of mine used Olive Oil on his drive chain. He came to me after using it for a year because his derailleurs would not work. The Olive Oil had turned into a shellack that I could not get off with the most aggressive solvents. It stuck together the moving arms of the derailleurs so firmly we had to throw them away. The chain was a mess. incredible wear on the pins and thick goop everywhere. 

Try paraffin. at least you can light the chain on fire to have a mini bon fire
Bicycles don't get hot like cars.   The main lube question i have is for the chain.  Chains  need to be lubed and cleaned  very often just because of the  exposure.  For Hubs, BB and Headsets of course it is different.   i will try olive oil  on my chain and report back later.

jim  

From: Mark Rehder <mark@re-cycles.ca>
To: The Think Tank <thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org>
Sent: Wed, May 4, 2011 11:08:10 AM
Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] non-petroleum lube

My Dad was a metallurgist. I once asked him about using plant-based bearing grease, and he said the main issue of course was the ability of any lube to withstand the heat from friction.  Petroleum-derived is the best choice for this, though he said one could use plant-based if one didn't mind far more frequent overhauls.  Now, this was fifteen years ago, and I'm sure someday someone will find a good formula for a non-petroleum lube. Maybe the linked stuff is it?

Our shop uses MEC's Bio-Cycle for cleaning, but standard high-temp bearing grease for hubs. It'd be great if a plant-based product indeed works as advertised.

Mark Rehder - Coordinator
re-Cycles Community Bike Shop
http://re-cycles.ca


On 4-May-11, at 1:42 PM, Chris Chan wrote:

> MEC used to stock a biodegradable lube.  It didn't work very well.
>
> If you build a covered shed, you can keep your solvent tank outside. You just need something to keep the rain from getting into your system--before we stopped using our varsol tank, our shed was just big enough for the system itself (you stood outside of the shed to actually use it). You can just hammer together something really simple.
>
>
> On Wed, May 4, 2011 at 11:13 AM, Jonathan Morrison <jonathan@slcbikecollective.org> wrote:
> Has anyone heard of or used this plant based lube line?
> http://orontas.com
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Jonathan Morrison
> Executive Director
> Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective
> 2312 S. West Temple
> Salt Lake City, UT 84115
> w: 801-328-2453
> c: 801-688-0183
> f: 801-466-3856
> www.slcbikecollective.org
>
> The mission of the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective is to promote cycling as an effective and sustainable form of transportation and as a cornerstone of a cleaner, healthier, and safer society. The Bicycle Collective provides refurbished bicycles and educational programs to the community, focusing on children and lower income households.
>
>
> On Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 10:33 AM, Michael Wolfe <gzuphoesdown@gmail.com> wrote:
> Page 13 of the 1992 Bridgestone bicycle catalog has a unique recommendation of using olive oil.
>
> http://www.sheldonbrown.com/bridgestone/
>
>
>
>
>
> On 4/2/08, Bob Giordano <mist@strans.org> wrote: Indoor air quality is tops on our list for a healthy shop atmosphere.  We
> do not store anything that gives off harmful fumes.  Tooth brushes and
> simple green (highly diluted) in a small wooden bowl is our parts cleaning
> station.  We are even moving away from simple green (i've learned it is
> harmful to some)- to a citrus based cleaner.
>
> I guess tri flow is the only thing with fumes in the shop.  Often we ask
> people to use it outside.  I'd like to find a non-petroleum lube.
>
> -Bob Giordano, Free Cycles Missoula
>
>
> Michael Wolfe wrote:
> > Speaking of liver damage, etc..  Wondering if any shops out there have
> had
> > issues solvent tanks in their shop?  The fumes give me a headache but
> others
> > don't seem to mind it.  Mostly I worry about the health effects on the full
> > time people in the shop.  Short of installing a hood or ventalation
> system,
> > what options are there to locate that stuff outside?
>
>


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