Ernesto Lube: A biodegradable option.
Monday, March 22, 2010 at 8:29AM 
About a year ago, maybe more, I was looking for a better option on keeping my chain happy and quiet. I had been using some dry lubes but found they did not last long enough. I hate squeaky chains! The wet lubes will do that for ya, keep things all quiet and such, but seem to make an awful mess. Somewhere I saw a link to a Ernesto Lube, a soy bean based lube for bike chains.
From the web site:
"Ernesto Lube...is a readily & renewable biodegradable soy-based metal lubricating fluid made for your bike chain...and for you to not feel guilty about the environment. AKA, bicycle bike lube. It is in par with synthetic oils, yet, there's a degree of friendliness to the environment. We're in Wisconsin, and we like our fields green where the girls are pretty..."
I have no idea if the girls are indeed pretty in Wisconsin, I will take their word for that! But I have had great success with Ernesto Lube. At first I would apply it by dripping the chain with lube as I back-pedaled the chain, wipe with a rag, and call it good. That made a mess of everything! So, I began to take the time to apply a drop at a time per roller/link and then wipe the chain. That does the trick and is plenty of lube for several rides in dry or wet conditions. I do not do a lot of wet rides here, but I have found that Ernesto Lube is as good as any I have tried for rainy days or stream crossings.
It does build up on the pulleys and chainrings, but forms 'boogers' that are easily removed from the surfaces, falling off in tacky clumps rather than clinging tenaciously to the drivetrain. If you get a lot of build-up, you are likely applying too much lube.
I like the fact it is a biodegradable product. I am not a button wearing greenie, but little choices like this can add up to a better environment and that is a good thing. Supposedly you can use this stuff to cook with. Never tried that, but I bet Tri-Flow does not suggest any such thing.
A 4oz bottle costs $6.00 and they will even refill your bottle for $3.00 if you ship them the old empty bottle. It is a small business making a pretty cool product that I just re-supplied with.
Time to ride, squeak free.
bike lube, chain lube, ernesto lube, soybeans in product test
Reader Comments (2)
I'm all for bio-lubes, but is it just soybean oil? As soybean dries up, it gets "globby." A canola oil might be better?
It makes soy 'boogers' that come off very easily IMO. I don't think it gets globby on the chain itself. Don't over apply it, that is for sure.
grannygear