Juice Lubes Viking Juice review

Made in the UK, Juice Lubes claims that its Viking Juice is good for both wet and dry conditions. It’s a lightweight lubricant which is very easy to apply and penetrates the chain well without leaving a lot of excess on the plates. This means that it doesn’t attract junk and muck.

>>> Winter cycling survival guide

Juice Lubes recommends applying the lube to a cleaned and degreased chain in advance of setting out, to allow the time for the lube to penetrate the chain and the carrier to evaporate. It also suggests applying it up to four times to get the full effect, but I’ve found that once, followed by rotating the chain for a bit to encourage spreading before leaving it to dry out is adequate.

>>> Wet or dry: which chain lube should you use?

As well as on road bikes, I’ve been using Viking Juice on a cyclocross bike which has been ridden through the vagaries of a British summer. The chain has stayed pretty clean and shiny despite riding through muck, dust and high water. A quick reapplication after washing down has also stopped the chain from going rusty between rides, suggesting that it’s pretty resistant to washing off.

>>> How to clean your bike

Watch: How to lube your chain

Juice Lubes says that Viking Juice was formulated with the help of 2004 Paris-Roubaix winner Magnus Backstedt – a Swede, hence the name – to keep his bike running throughout whatever conditions that race had to offer. It’s supplied in a 130ml bottle which, since the lube is so light, lasts for ages if you’re careful how you apply it.