Muc-Off has launched its Ultrasonic Chain Optimisation Service to select bicycle dealers, utilising the company’s new Ultrasonic Clean and Lube Tanks.
Muc-Off’s chain optimisation service using ultrasonic technology enables riders to get their chain ultrasonically cleaned and lubed. The service is available now in over 20 select dealers across the UK, with the global roll-out to follow next month with a further 300 stores in over 15 countries.
This news follows the recent launch of the Ludicrous AF product – billed by Muc-Off as ‘the fastest race lube in the world’.
Using Ultrasonic Tanks is a process that’s been developed with, and tested by, the likes of INEOS Grenadiers, EF Education-NIPPO, Canyon//SRAM, Team BMC Pro Triathlon and Team GB.
“After years of testing and over seven figures invested into research and development, we’re completely stoked to be bringing this incredible process to bike shops,” said Alex Trimnell, CEO at Muc-Off.
“We think every rider deserves to experience the same products and services as the pros, just like with the launch of the Grand-Tour-winning Ludicrous AF Lube. Ultrasonic Tanks are the next evolution in our performance journey – we can’t wait for more riders to experience the epic gains these products offer.”
Aside from tank hardware and accessories, four Muc-Off products make up the core of the chain optimisation process.
Muc-Off’s specifically formulated High-Performance Ultrasonic Chain Cleaner breaks down the stickiest oils, grease and grime, giving a chain a complete refresh;
High-Pressure Quick Drying Degreaser can be used in the absence of a dedicated air-line to blast the cleaning fluid from inside the chain links; and
Ludicrous AF or Hydrodynamic, Muc-Off’s award-winning high-performance all-weather lube, are then provided as the two lubricant options for customers to choose from.
Using Muc-Off’s Ultrasonic Tanks, the chain goes through an intense cleaning and lubing treatment to level-up drivetrain performance. The chain is placed into the tank, which emits high-frequency sound waves that pulse through the cleaning liquid.
This agitates, lifts and removes any dirt out from within the chain links, which, after a blast from the High-Pressure Quick Drying Degreaser, leaves squeaky-clean surfaces for the lube to adhere to.
For the lubrication process, Ludicrous AF or Hydrodynamic lube are gently heated to the precise temperature required to create the optimum viscosity for the lube to penetrate deep into all contact points within the chain links.
The lubricants themselves contain organic friction modifiers, which with their polarised heads and non-polarised tails, attach themselves to either side of the base oil’s surface to form a low-friction shear plane. According to Muc-Off it’s this combination of formulation and application which results in reduced friction, increasing the amount of watts making it through the drivetrain, and therefore the rear wheel.
“We have enjoyed seven very successful years together with Muc-Off, marked by wins at a number of Grand Tours and other major races,” said Carsten Jeppesen, Technical Director at INEOS Grenadiers.
“Muc-Off have been ultrasonically optimising our chains for years, and the subsequent gains we’ve seen in drivetrain efficiency during that time, have been instrumental in helping us deliver those results.
“It’s fantastic that everyday riders can now experience the same benefits as our pro-riders – making this kind of technology widely available takes aspiring pros one step closer to achieving their goals.”
Muc-Off’s work with pro athletes and teams also spans into elite-level triathlon. The real-world testing and development of the ultrasonic application of Ludicrous AF was carried out in collaboration with an elite triathlete of BMC Pro-Triathlon.
By swapping out the existing chain for a new, optimised one, the process delivered a ‘50% reduction in power loss’, which powered the athlete to a second place finish at an IRONMAN event. The chain was then returned and re-optimised, causing the coefficient of friction to be reduced by a further 10%, helping them claim the victory at their next IRONMAN.
Muc-Off adds that a further 5% improvement was then squeezed out of the chain, as the compound effect of the optimisation process means the chain simply keeps getting faster each time.
Muc-Off’s new Ultrasonic Optimisation Service retails at £49.99/€64.99 for application with Ludicrous AF, and £24.99/€32.99 with Hydrodynamic Lube.
Muc-Off also notes that the High-Performance Ultrasonic Chain Cleaner is readily biodegradable, Ludicrous AF is made of 75% plant-based materials, and Hydrodynamic lube is petroleum-free, meaning the fluids from tanks can be safely and responsibly disposed of.
In addition, ultrasonically deep cleaning and lubricating a drivetrain can mean expensive componentry lasts longer, minimising waste and further reducing environmental impact.
Muc-Off’s new Ultrasonic Tanks will be previewed at Rouleur Live this week.
