If, like me, you got involved in cycling during the 1980s or earlier, the brand name Silca is synonymous with high quality floor pumps and lightweight plastic frame pumps that hung below the top tube – often painted to match the frame – and secured in place with a brazed on pump peg on the head tube.
While frame pumps are a relic from the past, Silca still does make high-quality floor pumps, but they are much more than that now. Several years ago the Italian brand had fallen on bad times and they were bought, rescued and revitalized by a former employee of Zipp, and so the brand is now based in the midwestern city of Indianapolis.
In addition to durable and stylish floor pumps, Silca has added packs, bar tape, bottle cages, tools, clothing and interestingly enough, chain lube to its portfolio of offerings..Travis from Silca told us that they have been working hard on a number of different formulas in a quest to create the ultimate chain lube. “Our hot wax is the absolute fastest thing out there right now,” he said.
Silca Synergetic oil has tested internally to be the fastest and quietest oil-based lubricant ever tested, losing only 4.9 watts on 250 input (98.1% efficiency), however, it really begins to shine when focusing on longevity and durability of the chain and mating components. Because the lubricant forms a durable tribofilm at the metal surface and is strongly attracted to itself, the lube proves to be exceptionally waterproof, remaining inside the chain even in testing under full water submersion.
To prove the superiority of its lubricants, Silca had a chain endurance testing machine at its booth, with a challenge to better the formulas Silca has developed. They emerged from the weekend with their undefeated position intact.
More info: www.silca.cc
