It's the time of year in (the UK) when you have to work harder than ever to keep your bike clean and running well after a session on your local trails. But have you ever wondered what damage the cleaning chemicals you are using are doing to your local environment? Check out our guide if you are unsure of the best way to clean a mountain bike.
Well, fear not. The guys at Mountainflow have you covered with their latest cleaner and degreaser, which is part of a broader range of entirely plant-based, vegan, and eco-friendly lubes and cleaners.
Mountainflow started in 2016, developing eco-friendly ski wax solutions from its base in Colorado, and quickly gained a following among backcountry skiers who didn't want petrochemical-based waxes seeping into pristine snow. The company continued to develop wax-based products, and as many of the guys there ride, chose to branch out into the cycling market.
Design and specifications
For this test, I used the 16oz (473ml) sized bottle, although a concentrated version is also available, which works out cheaper for heavy users. Mountainflow has used an innovative bottle design that is mainly made from recycled cardboard and uses a very thin plastic bladder which is said to cut down plastic use by 70 percent, which combined with using the concentrate version to refill would help to lower your plastic consumption considerably.
Mountainflow describes its product as a bike wash and degreaser that ‘can do it all’ and is "strong enough to cut through grime on your drivetrain and delicate enough to use on the rest of your components" and won't cause damage to anodized parts.
The 16oz bottle I tested uses an effective spray head, but unlike other brands, there is minimal foaming action when applying, which I was initially unsure of as it's not as easy to see if you have used enough cleaner. When applied, it leaves the bike in a clear mist. Simply leave it on for a minute and spray it off with a hose. For stubborn dirt and grime, I'd suggest hosing the worst of it off first and using a bike-friendly soft brush once the cleaner has been applied.
There are a few posts on the Mountainflow website on how to use its range of waxes best, but something needs to be added on how to make the best use of the cleaner. Hopefully, this is something we can expect from the team there in the not-too-distant future.
Performance
As a cleaner, I found it a good product to use. It lacked the full-on cleaning power of some of the other brands I have used in the past, such as Peaty's and Muc-Off. But with a bit of elbow grease, I could quickly get my bike as clean as I would have using a more chemical-based cleaner.
As a degreaser, however, it is somewhat lacking. It had an effect on removing the wet lube I have been using, but for me fell a bit short compared to some of the best degreasers out there when it came to really cutting through the grime. That said, it didn't leave any of the dry white residues you can sometimes get with harsher degreasers.
The bottle limits the spray amount very well, so there is little wastage, which is good for longevity, but I prefer a foamier action when sprayed, as I find that helpful when cleaning a filthy bike.
Verdict
The green credentials of this product are currently market-leading. As a brand, Mountainflow has clearly put a lot of love and thought into making an environmentally-friendly packaging solution, and as a cleaner, it works well, although it needs a little more effort than some to get the best results.
The degreasing ability of the product was the only downside for me. I'd prefer to see a specific degreaser from Mountainflow for this purpose.
It's not the cheapest option out there, with the standard 16oz (473ml) bottle retailing for $13.95 (£12.99) and the concentrated version $32.00 (£35.99). Still, genuine green alternatives often cost more than traditional products, and the environmental benefits of everyone turning to a plant-based cleaner are potentially massive.
Tech specs: Mountainflow Eco Wax Bike Wash + Degreaser
- Price: 16oz (468ml) $13.95 (£12.99), concentrate 12oz (355ml) $32.00 (£35.99)
- Spray bottle: Cardboard with plastic bladder
- Details: Plant-based, non toxic
