Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
I haven’t had a chance to test these two new products from Effetto Mariposa yet but allow me to provide a few exciting details. Plus the background on why I believe you might want to try them.
The samples they sent are their Flowerpower wax-based lube (it features sunflower seed wax) and their biodegradable Allpine EXTRA degreaser (it uses pine oil).
I haven’t used them because I want to follow their instructions and thoroughly clean my chain first. And I want to do it with their Mangiacatena snap-over-the-chain type tool (no need to remove the chain) https://www.cantitoeroad.com/effetto-mariposa-mangiacatena-chain-cleaner.html. I requested the tool only today. Once I receive it and have a chance to use everything I’ll let you know how the three products work.
I’ve used other Effetto Mariposa products
Even though these products are new to me, I have used several Effetto Mariposa products over the years including their excellent Giustaforza torque wrench, which is on my workbench, always at the ready. It also graced every work station at United Bicycle Institute (bikeschool.com), where I took the hydraulic disc brake class in the fall https://www.roadbikerider.com/united-bicycle-institute/.
We reviewed the Giustaforza when it first came out years ago – it’s been upgraded and improved since. Here’s the original review: https://www.roadbikerider.com/effetto-mariposa-gf-torque-wrench-d1/ .
Effetto Mariposa products are sold by Cantitoe Road, which is the company supplying samples to us: https://www.cantitoeroad.com/effetto-mariposa.html.
Butterfly Effect
In case you’re wondering what the name means, and I’ll quote them, Effetto Mariposa “is a hybrid of Italian and Spanish meaning butterfly effect – it symbolizes the notion that small things can make a big difference.”
Having relied on their torque wrench for years and having used their tubular tire glue solvent (for cleaning tubular rims) and gluing tape too, I’ve experienced first hand what they mean and in the best way. So while I haven’t tested this new cleaner and lube yet, I believe it does what they say and I’m looking forward to testing it properly.
Impressive Testing Results
I’m also jumping the gun and telling you about it in advance of trying it because the new lube has already proved its mettle in Zero Friction’s tests. If you haven’t heard of Zero Friction Cycling, I think you’ll enjoy visiting their website and diving into their incredible knowledge base: https://zerofrictioncycling.com.au/lubetesting/.
Because of Zero Friction’s testing, I’ve been using several different chain lubes over recent years that were all highly rated. The first one was NixFrixshun. Next was SILCA’s Super Lube. And on another bike, I’m using Squirt.
Now that Effetto’s Flowerpower wax lube has topped the test chart, it’ll be next and I’ll run it on my gravel bike. Mixed terrain is a good test for wax based lubes. If we get any rain this winter, that’ll work the lube even more.
Once I clean the chain with their Allpine degreaser and Mangiacatena tool, I’ll be able to coat the chain and get riding. What appeals to me about Allpine is that it’s biodegradable and also that simply by rinsing with water the chain comes out spic and span and ready for the Flowerpower to go on. Plus their chain cleaner has seals on the ends which could make for less of a mess.
So please stand by and I’ll tell you more after testing. In the meantime, if you have a favorite chain lube, cleaner and on-the-bike chain cleaner tool, please share them in a comment. The subject of chain care is near and dear to most roadies and I’m sure others will find your recommendations helpful.
Jim Langley is RBR’s Technical Editor. A pro mechanic & cycling writer for more than 40 years, he’s the author of Your Home Bicycle Workshop in the RBR eBookstore. Tune in to Jim’s popular YouTube channel for wheel building & bike repair how-to’s. Jim’s also known for his cycling streak that ended in February 2022 with a total of 10,269 consecutive daily rides (28 years, 1 month and 11 days of never missing a ride). Click to read Jim’s full bio.
Fred says
I hope when you do finally review it that you give us some useful information, information like how long will an application last before having to be reapplied, will it hold up to rain which means rain not mist.
Ted Meisky says
I used the Flowerpower lube on one of my bikes last season. It was used exclusively for road riding and mostly in dry weather. I did the original cleaning of a new Ultegra chain by shaking it in a Mason jar of degreaser, rinsing with water, shaking it in a jar of detergent, rinsing with water and drying before installing it on the bike. That took 5-10 minutes. I applied one drop of Flowerpower per link. After that, I just wiped the chain with a cloth from time to time and reapplied the lube approximately every 300 miles. The chain lasted 5800 miles before registering .5 wear on a Park CC-4 chain checker. It wasn’t more difficult to apply than my previous lube (ProGold), It was cleaner, quiet and lasted almost twice as long. I did the whole season on less than one bottle
Terry Owen says
In addition to the previous suggestions, it would be interesting to hear more about the chain cleaner tool and how it’s performance compares to other chain cleaning tools (e.g. Park or Pedro’s).
Seth Shaw says
I’ve been using Silca’s Super Secret, a wax-based lube, for almost a year and will never go back to an oil-based coating. I first applied it over a chain cleaned twice with Simple Green in an ultrasonic cleaner to remove every bit of Rock n’ Roll lube. If you can, using an ultrasonic cleaner is the gold standard.
I didn’t ride as much as usual last year, but when I did I was impressed with its longevity and how quiet the chain turned.
If that wasn’t enough to convince me it’s a keeper, the topper was when I stored my road bike for four months in the my workshop replete with saw dust from woodworking to find the chain almost perfectly clean. Very impressive.
I’m looking forward to a comparison with Flowerpower. (I’m of the age to remember the original meaning of that name!)
Jim Langley says
Thanks for the update on how your ultrasonic cleaner is working and the Silca SS lube, Seth. I’m glad to hear the ultrasonic cleaner was well worth the investment.
Thanks!
Jim
Tiny says
On a new chain, would you do the same procedure, clean then treat? Or just treat the chain.
Dave H says
Clean the new chain. Manufacturers use a protective coating which needs to be removed.
Don Macrae says
When I first went tubeless on my road bike I opted for Effetto Mariposa sealant. and it was a failure. It could not seal a puncture under high pressure, and didn’t do such a good job when the pressure was lower. I changed to Orange Seal which worked well. I’m not suggesting that any other Effetto Mariposa products are bad, but their sealant failed me.
Harold Dorr says
Jim,
Once again, you have caused me to change my mind with new information. I went to the Zerofrictioncycling site and discovered that the chain lube that I have been using for years not only rates poorly in the friction and wear areas, but is really expensive compared to others. Thanks for this great resource and recommendation.
I’ve ordered a pint of Effetto chain lube.
How do you recommend that I thoroughly clean my chain prior to the application of the new lube? I’ve just purchased a new bike (a recumbent trike, actually), so it has the Shimano grease on an 11 speed chain.
Thanks,
Harold
Craig W says
I visited the Zero Friction Cycling website and found that the Flowerpower Chain Was is not listed on the web page or on the linked spreadsheet. Has anyone confirmed that the Flowerpower has indeed been tested?
Craig W says
Never mind — I overlooked the Flowerpower in the table. :>)