EB15: Scottoiler Cycle S1 would like to lube your chain for you, continuously

Written by Tyler Benedict Aug 29, 2015 2:19 a.m. ET

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If you live in Scotland (or most anywhere in the UK, really), you’re used to riding in wet, muddy conditions that challenge the operation and longevity. So after making similar systems for motorcycles for years, a few of the cyclists at Scottoiler decided to make one for the bikes.

The automated system uses a battery powered reservoir and pump to send timed droplets directly to your chain, applying it right where you need it all through the ride. The lube is water based, so it washes off easily, which helps keep the chain clean even while riding since it doesn’t attract or hold dirt or grit.

The unit is on Kickstarter waiting for your support to trickle in, check the video and more pics below…

The oil pump lets you choose from five interval settings, ranging from 30 seconds to 150 seconds between applications. It’s motion activated, so it only moves the lube to your chain while your riding.

The lube flows to an applicator attached directly to the lower pulley wheel on the rear derailleur. They’ve tested it to show up to 5watts energy savings over a grimy chain, and they’re working with Friction Facts to provide more detailed 3rd part verification of power and performance improvements.

The entire system weights 210g when full, 178g empty. Grab a system on Kickstarter for as little as £129.

Tyler Benedict

11,186 articles

Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com. He has been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel to killer riding locations throughout North America.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler loves family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part to make his bikes faster and lighter.

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xc-fr

8 years ago

if they know that the rohloff lubmatic (which does the same) was never really successful?

frictionstickler

8 years ago

I’m impressed by the weight of the system. As someone who rides dusty gravel often, I’m curious if continuous lubrication would attract a great deal more dirt, or if it would aid in cleaning the chain?

I’m also excited to see the results of their work with friction facts; that lab has always been thorough. I seem to recall one of the broad comparison’s of lubrication friction facts did with velonews a few years ago mentioned that most chains perform worse when over-saturated with lube in dirty conditions. Will eagerly await to see how this plays out.

Micah

8 years ago

How do the power savings compare to the effort needed to accelerate an additional 200g? And how much power does it save compared to a “sort of clean” chain? Comparing it to a “grimy” chain is pretty useless.

ifbikes

8 years ago

30-150 seconds between applications seems really short unless you are riding in a total downpour. That’s a lot of lube going onto a chain.

also system weight is always “full” as when the lube leave the oiling system it is now on the bike system. It’s there something like conservation of oil?

Stravarious

8 years ago

Water-based lube meant to lubricate a moving metal chain just doesn’t seem up to the job.

Ben

8 years ago

I am guess that there are not a lot of dusty trails in Scotland. Even water itself attracts grime and grit here.

Ron G.

8 years ago

A total crock. Bicycle chains are happiest running as close to dry as possible without corroding. And since no chain is going to rust in the span of a single ride, adding lube during a rainy ride is pointless. It will only encourage the inevitable grit that accompanies a wet ride–especially a mountain bike ride–to stick to the drivetrain, grinding it down prematurely.

The most important part of the instructions printed on every bottle of chain lube–and the part that way too many people ignore–is “Wipe off excess”. This system just dumps it on excessively, with no means of removal.

Ripnshread

8 years ago

Yea…where does all the lube go?

david

8 years ago

Yay it’s the 90’s again!

Rixter

8 years ago

Here’s a perfect example of a solution looking for a problem.

ginsu

8 years ago

@Ron. Agreed.

Dominic

8 years ago

Apparently most of the commenters have only ever ridden in one range of conditions.
No lube is right for everyone everywhere everyday, and an autoluber does happen to be a useful thing sometimes. Doesn’t really apply where i live, but if you lube before a ride and your chain is dry and scratchy at the end, then this might be what the doctor ordered.

Mathias

3 years ago

Have You seen lathe/ mill (metal machining) coolants? They can be water based and they don’t cause corrosion and they reduce friction during turning (or milling).