Did you know that a standard road bike contains between 300 and 700 parts? These include all the large and small parts combined. This number can even increase depending on the complexity of the model or the presence of mechanical or electronic shifting. To properly protect all these parts and ensure smooth operation, you can use various assembly pastes and lubricants. To help you get started, we've listed the available pastes for you in this blog. But first:
WHY DO I USE GREASE ON MY BIKE?
All bike maintenance products are developed with the idea of making bike maintenance easier and more sustainable, as well as improving user comfort. This applies to lubricants and cleaning products for your frame and chain, as well as greases and assembly pastes. These are the functions of greases:
UNPLEASANT NOISES
Squeaks and creaks often indicate a problem with your bike. In many cases, these problems can be easily solved with lubrication. Unpleasant squeaks or creaks often indicate that a bottom bracket, seat post, handlebar, or stem needs some attention. A grease or assembly paste often works wonders. If this is not the solution, always visit a local bike shop.
PROTECTION
When you use the right grease in the right place, greases and assembly pastes help protect your bike against various factors. Think of rust formation or screws getting stuck, but also against damage to carbon or the penetration of dirt. As long as you use the right greases for the right applications.
LUBRICATION
Anything that moves needs to be lubricated, not just the chain. Good lubrication keeps the bike smooth and ensures efficient transfer of energy. So, you'll also ride faster and more easily. In addition, well-lubricated parts last longer, saving you money and being better for the environment! Moving parts that need grease include wheel bearings, bottom brackets, pedals, as well as suspensions, hubs, and axles.
WHICH PRODUCT SHOULD I USE FOR WHAT?
UNIVERSAL ASSEMBLY PASTE:
As the name suggests, it's a universal assembly paste. Use Universal Assembly Paste for all screws and bolts or parts with threads that you want to assemble. This product doesn't function to lubricate but ensures that the threads are protected against rust or cold welding. Cold welding occurs when threads get stuck due to prolonged exposure to the elements and pressure. In summary, Universal Assembly Paste ensures that you can easily tighten and loosen parts.
LET'S STICK TOGETHER!
Copper paste:
This product is similar to Universal Assembly Paste but has a few different properties. Copper Paste is suitable for the assembly of parts subjected to high temperatures. Additionally, Copper Paste scores slightly higher in terms of corrosion protection. On the other hand, Universal Assembly Paste is more water repellent compared to Copper Paste.
PERFORM UNDER PRESSURE
Carbon assembly paste:
Assembling carbon parts requires attention because the material is very vulnerable. The torque, or the force with which the parts are tightened, is crucial when assembling carbon parts. If you tighten the screw too little, the parts may keep moving, causing your seat post to sink further into the frame. If you tighten the screw too tightly, there's a high chance of damaging the carbon, leading to expensive repairs or even a broken frame. Carbon Assembly Paste is a paste with a coarse texture that makes it more difficult for carbon parts to shift. This allows screws to be tightened less tightly while still keeping parts secure. This reduces the risk of damage and expensive repairs to carbon parts.
LET'S STAY FIXED!
bearing grease:
Use this grease to lubricate bearings in your wheel, bottom bracket, headset, etc. This grease ensures that the bearings move smoothly, reducing wear.
LET'S ROLL!
It's also important to note that all Airolube greases are made from plant-based and natural ingredients. Furthermore, they are all safe for carbon, titanium, metal, and other materials used in bikes.