Traditionally lubed bicycle chains are notoriously dirty to touch, and a hassle to clean. Yours may not have to be either of those for much longer, however, if you spring for the graphite-powder-dispensing CHA.
First of all, the use of powdered graphite as a dry lubricant certainly isn't a new idea. It's typically utilized on things like hinges, locks, gears and machinery, in dusty environments where traditional lubricants would attract debris.
The fine powder is very messy to work with, however, so simply shaking it onto your chain wouldn't be practical. That's where CHA comes in. It's made by a Barcelona-based startup of the same name, in collaboration with 3D printing company Formlabs.
The main device is a rectangular nylon bracket that you place over the bottom section of your chain (while your bike is parked). A replaceable capsule, filled with compressed graphite powder, is located in the inside top of that bracket.
As you turn the pedals backward by hand, the chain moves across that capsule, getting graphite dispensed onto it as it does so. Several seconds of backpedaling is enough to apply a sufficient coating.
The microscopic particles are reportedly small enough that they migrate into all the tiny nooks and crannies between the chain plates, rollers and pins via regular mechanical movement during subsequent riding. They proceed to adhere to the metal surfaces, forming a protective film within the contact zones.
One application is claimed to be good for approximately 180 km (112 miles) of riding, depending on the conditions and other factors.
"No cleaning is needed between applications," CHA founder Josep Hernández Martinez tells us. "Graphite stays dry and doesn't attract dirt the way oil-based lubes do, so there's no gunky buildup. Any excess naturally works off as you ride. CHA's formula is non-toxic and environmentally safe."
Additionally, unlike the case with wax-based lubes – which are also much cleaner than oil – there's no waiting around for the graphite powder to dry before riding.
CHA is currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign, where a pledge of US$20 will get you one … assuming everything works out. The planned retail price is $31. Replacement graphite capsules will cost €7 (about $8) and should reportedly last for "significantly more applications than a typical bottle of liquid lube."
Sources: Kickstarter, CHA
