The 25% Marginal Gain You Can Buy for $15
Chris King’s new Gold Grease cuts bearing drag by 25% with no break-in period. Here is why this "lubricious" upgrade matters for long-term bike maintenance.
The Friction Tax Just Got Lower
Chris King hubs are often viewed as a lifetime investment, but even the best mechanical systems are subject to the friction tax. Their new Gold Grease effectively slashes that tax by 25% from the very first pedal stroke. Unlike its predecessor, which required a "break-in" period to reach peak efficiency, this formulation hits its stride immediately. 🚲
When we talk about data-driven cycling, we usually focus on power meters or aero wheels, but mechanical drag is a silent performance killer. While the efficiency gap narrows to 2% after 1,000 miles, the real story for the busy cyclist is the stability. A lubricant that remains stable under load for longer means fewer hours on the workbench and more hours on the gravel. ⚡️
You wouldn't buy a precision-engineered tool and then neglect the interface that makes it move. For $15, you’re not just buying "more lubricious" grease; you’re buying a longer service interval and a more responsive drivetrain. It's a rare case where the high-performance option is actually the more practical choice for a long-term maintenance strategy.
Why It Matters
- Zero Break-In: 25% less drag out of the gate means immediate efficiency without needing 500 miles to "seat" the grease.
- Maintenance Efficiency: One 25g container services 12 hubsets, making the cost-per-service negligible for the performance gain.
- Stable Chemistry: Improved wear resistance translates to longer durability for both steel and ceramic bearings. 🧠
