Silca Synerg-E ebike lube - on test

[Kiwimike]

Hi all

I'm testing the Synerg-E E-bike Lube Silca Synerg-E lube - and a few hundred miles in, it's great stuff. Very clean chain/mech/cassette, easy to apply, no buildup of residue = no grinding paste eating the chain. It's the same stuff as their Synergetic lube which is rated the best wet lube in existence by Zero Friction Cycling, this ebike version has more additives to withstand the higher pressure from the motor.

 

[Cornish]

So whats your long term view on this, worth the extra money? Anyone else using this that can give an opinion? Cheers

 

[Cornish]

Lol. Ebike specific lube. right Because it needs special considerations that chain lube on motorbikes and Bmx and tractors haven’t considered since the invention of the chain.

waiting on the ebike specific loctight.

I was sort of with your school of thought until I watched their test videos. When you actually think about it though, Motorbikes and tractors are not comparable to a 12 speed cassette or chain ring that's aluminium. All the components are heavy gauge from cogs to chain links so id say wear is not as critical

 

[Kiwimike]

There was an issue with the first batch not being formulated correctly. I’m now testing
the actual stuff. Yes it’s as clean and easy as Silca Synergetic standard. I’ll hold off on wear rate analysis until Adam from ZFC has done his lab-grade study. As is is right and proper.

Anyone claiming to have an opinion on wear rate/cost of ownership without referencing ZFC et al is not worth your time.

 

[Kiwimike]

odd. My liter bike ran an aluminum sprocket. But I’m sure ebike chains have far more funding for bleeding edge research than anything with motorized racing. Forsure more science than the aluminum F1 engine….

it’s all just marketing. Add some catchy letters and validation to it that could be 50 year old tech and sell to ebikers.…. Come on. The R&D for this market I’m sure is up there with space X.

The R&D budgets for the cycling industry are minuscule. The idea that budgets for cycling and motoring are *in any way* remotely comparable are laughable.

Companies like Silca are doing good work, and are run by good people. They have nothing to gain by misleading anyone.

 

[Kiwimike]

I’m sure they’re good people and all. But ebike specific chain oil……really. I promise you that Tour de France has had Way more research than anyone for ebike Chains.

You’ll be surprised then to learn that

1) TdF teams don’t use ebikes, where forces very regularly exceed those of pro racers

and

2) Silca (specifically Josh Poertner) consult to multiple TdF teams on drivetrain efficiency, maintenance regimes and products

 

[Kiwimike]

Dude what are you on about? I’m reviewing lube that has friction modifiers optimised for power loads around 250w, applicable to ebike usage for most people. There’s a tradeoff in terms of stiction that means it’s likely a 5W penalty (that ebike users won’t care about), but will give drivetrain longevity gains. And no I’m not paid by anyone to say anything.

 

[Kiwimike]

1. I’m not paid by anyone except Road.cc to write independent reviews. For chain lubes I now defer to and cite zero friction cycling and his independent research.

2. A TdF rider won’t accept a 5W penalty (or even a 2w penalty).

3. they are not concerned about chain/cassette wear, eMTB riders certainly are.

 

[Bummers]

Cheaper just to replace the chain more often than using that snake oil

 

[Kiwimike]

Cheaper just to replace the chain more often than using that snake oil

I don’t think you understand the maths. Using Synergetic is a net saving because you use bugger all each application and don’t eat chains as fast as other lubes. Plus you don’t need any degreaser ever again. It’s all there in black and white for the standard stuff, and I have every reason to believe it will be the same for Synerg-E.