If you’ve ever had to change the pedals on your bike you’ve probably wondered, is this the best grease for bike pedals.
You’ve maybe even experienced the horror of the bolts fusing to the joint or the threads corroding. Good grease or grease alternatives will prevent this!
If you're in a hurry, I'd go for the Park Tool Anti-Seize Compound. Although it's not grease, it's perfect for pedals. Also, here's my guide on the best platform pedals as well.
Product Comparison Table
Product Name | ||
|---|---|---|
My Rating | 8 | 8 |
Cost | $ | $ |
Size (oz) | 3 | 4 |
Overview
ProGold is a member of the international mountain biking association.
As far as biking is concerned they pretty much specialise in all things lubricant. They produce everything from grease, to chain shine, bike wash and the towels to clean up with.
They’re an organization that likes to sponsor some of the pros and they have their own ambassadorship program where cyclists sign up to represent them.
All this to say, they know what they’re doing and they now to keep bikes running smoothly.
Pros
- Doesn't cake
- Can be used with other greases
Cons
- Has to be applied more frequently in very wet or very arid conditions
- Don’t use on Titanium
What did reviewers think?
Misty starts off by stating the obvious, it is grease. It’s interesting that she'd never owned a bike before. Although she did know things needed to work well and grease was a necessary part of that.
Being grease, it can be messy, and the recommendation of keeping a towel handy is a good one. You don't want to get stuff all over the pedals. With the amount of grease in mind, Misty also mentions that the type of container it's in makes it easy to control how much you squeeze out.
A little grease goes a long way.
Overview
Park Tool is an organization with a decent history that dates back to the 1960’s. They desire to innovate and focus on the tool side of cycling.
Their anti-seize substance is designed and created to prevent the parts of a bike from seizing up. It’s not grease, and it's important to remember that. In specific conditions it’s better than grease, and in others it might be problematic.
Mainly, use this when two different types of metal connect. Never use anti seize as a lubricant, it’s designed to keep two surfaces from bonding, rather than keep them smoothly gliding over each other.
It’s no surprise that Park Tool has created this using their own combination of chemicals, since they obviously saw a need and wanted to fill the gap. They have a strong history of doing this and their products are generally well received.
Anti Seize needs applying less often than grease. You want to use it in situations where you don’t want to apply any substance as often and need no friction as opposed to less friction. If you live in wet or arid conditions you may find it lasts much longer than grease and you need less of it.
Pros
- Created specifically for bikes
- Works in very wet and arid conditions
Cons
- One size only
- Since it's not grease it has a specific use
What did reviewers think?
Aurelius seems to know what he’s talking about in this review. He mentions the problems associated with bolts, specifically trying to uninstall them a year, or more, later. It appears he’s had first-hand experience at trying to uninstall a titanium bolt that was attached to a titanium frame.
Park Tools’ AntiSeize Compound, he argues, works to prevent this. It is particularly good with titanium, an alloy grease often struggles to help. In his mind, it's as good or better than any generic compounds. He also states that it works great with carbon fiber frames.
This is great because if you buy anti seize you want it to be good for more than one metal in case you change your bike in the future.
Buyers Guide
Who should buy bike grease?
Everyone should have some type of this product. You may be someone who always takes the bike in for the professionals to look at, but what happens if something goes wrong and you need the bike to make it through one more day but the pedals broken?
Grease or anti seize will ensure you can make an emergency installation or change if required.
To learn how to use oil, grease and other lubricants check out the video below by Cycling Weekly
Alternative Solutions
Teflon Tape
Teflon tape is not something you usually associate with biking, and to be honest I’d tend to stay away from it. It is, however, useful in a pinch. If you find yourself in a situation where there is no grease or anti seize then this will do.
Teflon is going to remain unaffected by the weather but can be a pain to use. Make sure to wrap it around the joint in a clockwise direction and as tight as possible. Anything less and it's worthless.
Anti-Seize from store
Maybe the Park Tools Anti-Seize seems too expensive for how much you use it. Well, there are always the generic brands from your local store. Just bear in mind, a bottle of Park Tools Anti-Seize is not just for one occasion and comes with their guarantee.
Stores may have the option of smaller 2 or 3 oz bottles, and some even allow you to fill up your own container. If you're someone who would prefer this then always check the local store first.
Copper Paste Grease
The big advantage of copper paste grease is with titanium frames. So if you don't want to go with the anti seize and you don't have the correct grease for titanium frames then this is the one to go for.
Apply it liberally but remember it's a little more expensive than any of the products already mentioned.
Don't Short Change Yourself
When it comes to products that take care of your bike and keep it in working condition then don’t short change yourself. Any of these products are better than nothing and will prevent the bolts breaking or even worse, the frame being damaged.
Remember, you need to apply these products more than once. I would say at least every 6 months in fact. It’s a simple way to start your own DIY on your own bike, so why not take the plunge!
Image Credit Flickr Creative Commons - Madame Furie
