SurfTec releases bike chain lubricants that ‘revolutionizes’ the market
SurfTec LLC, a Fayetteville-based company founded through research and innovation programs at the University of Arkansas, recently launched TriboFlux bicycle chain lubricants.
Samuel Beckford, co-founder and CEO of SurfTec, said new lubricants have been tested to last at least 350 miles “in the grittiest of conditions.” This includes rainy conditions and muddy roads.
Beckford earned a doctorate in micro-electronics and photonics from the UA in 2014 and co-founded SurfTec in 2015 with Min Zou, professor in the UA mechanical engineering department. The company has three employees.
Beckford said several years ago, a gravel bike manufacturer contacted SurfTec seeking a bicycle chain lubricant that was efficient and lightweight, like existing dry lubes but also water-resistant. Existing dry lubricants wash off quickly when they come into contact with water.
SurfTec spent more than a year researching lubricants that wouldn’t wash off easily and last a long time.
“What sets us apart from the competition is we’re a research lab and have access to microscopes and facilities at the university,” Beckford said. “We can accurately, precisely measure frictional losses, look at wear rates and compare one lubricant to the other, which a lot of manufacturers for bicycle chain lubricants don’t do.”
The result of SurfTec’s research and development was TriboFlux, a wax emulsion with added materials that make it hydrophobic, durable and adhesive to the chain. It also repels dirt.
“It essentially revolutionizes the chain lubricant market,” Beckford said. “It provides something that is the best of both worlds — dry and wet lubes — that are on the market in one package.”
The new products include three lubricants and a cleaner: GravelPro, MTBPro, EbikePro, and FluxClean, which is effective at removing wax emulsion. One unique feature of TriboFlux’s lubricants is that they’re available in single-use sachets that release the exact amount required for most chains, he said.
Compared to its closest competitor, TriboFlux’s lubricants have a 3% reduction in power losses, he said. Compared to the chain as received from the manufacturer, the power loss reduction is about 30%. A signature product is planned for release, offering even greater power loss reduction.
TriboFlux’s products are available at Bentonville stores, The Meteor Cafe, Scott Adventure Lab, and online at triboflux.com. The sachets are $2.99 each. Soon, 1-ounce and 10-ounce bottles will be available.