FAQs
What does 14LAKES mean?
Our name pays homage to our home: the inner Salzkammergut region with its impressive lakes.
This region not only shapes our identity but also our aspirations: technically precise, high-quality, and connected to nature.
WHERE IS THE 14LAKES CHAIN LUBE PEN MANUFACTURED?
With much dedication in the Salzkammergut, in Bad Ischl. Together with our own engineers and the experts from LUBAC Schmiersysteme GmbH, a specialist in industrial lubrication solutions, the innovative bicycle chain lubrication was developed, tested, and produced.
100% value creation in Europe. Because origin, quality, and fair cooperation are important to us.
HOW DO I APPLY THE 14LAKES CHAIN LUBE PEN?
Super easy, here’s how:
- Remove the cap and set it aside.
- Gently squeeze the bottle until you see some chain oil in the foam.
- Firmly press the applicator onto any part of the bicycle chain, from above or below (don't worry, you can't go wrong).
- Turn the pedals backward while continuing to gently press the lubricator onto the bicycle chain. The centrifugal force will automatically distribute the chain oil from the inside out. Clean, even, effective.
Put the cap back on, grab your bike, and ride off.
No need to wipe afterwards. The chain lubricator cleans and lubricates your bicycle chain in one step.
You can find more application videos on Instagram (@14lakes_chainlube). We'd love if you tag us on your rides!
WHEN IS THE BIKE CHAIN LUBRICATED ENOUGH? HOW MUCH PRESSURE SHOULD I APPLY?
You can't go wrong here. After just a few applications, you'll get a good feel for how firmly you need to press the lubrication stick onto the bicycle chain.
Before lubricating the bicycle chain, you should lightly squeeze the bottle until some chain oil reaches the foam. Then simply place the chain lubrication stick on any part of the bicycle chain, turn the pedals backward, and let the bicycle chain run through a few times.
This ensures the chain oil is optimally distributed within the chain links. While you are rotating the bicycle chain, no further pressure on the chain oil container is necessary.
If chain oil drips from the bicycle chain, you have applied too much. In this case, we recommend carefully wiping off excess chain oil with a clean cloth.
Where should the chain lubricant pen be applied?
The chain lube pen can be applied to any part of the bicycle chain, from the top or the bottom.
Thanks to the high penetrating power of our chain oil, the lubricant distributes itself independently into the links of your bicycle chain.
In our application videos on Instagram @14lakes_chainlube and on our website, you can see that users choose different points on the bicycle chain, depending on what is most convenient for them.
The only crucial thing is that the chain oil is applied along the entire length of the bicycle chain. The easiest way to achieve this is to rotate the bicycle chain while pressing the chain lube pen with light pressure against any part of the bicycle chain.
HOW LONG DOES A BOTTLE OF CHAIN OIL LAST ME?
Quite a long time. If you lubricate your bike chain every 150–200 km, the chain oil from the 14lakes chain lube pen will easily last you around 12,000 km. That's a lot of adventures on two wheels.
The best part: your chain oil only goes on your bike chain and not on your trousers or the environment, so you save chain oil, time, money and also do something good for the environment.
WHICH CHAIN LUBE DO YOU USE?
We rely on a performance chain oil from the lubricant manufacturer Fuchs®, with whom we have been collaborating for over 25 years. It is a fully synthetic oil that has proven itself in industry for decades and will now also impress you on your bicycle chain.
WHAT MAKES OUR CHAIN OIL SO SPECIAL?
A true all-rounder for your bike chain:
- Temperature resistant from –25 °C to +80 °C
- Splash-proof & salt-resistant, even in mud, rain, and snow
- Strong corrosion protection, protects chain and drive
- Creeping, reaches even narrow gaps
- Low-friction & wear-reducing, for quiet, smooth running
- Stable lubricating film, stays where it should
- Dust- & dirt-repellent, for visibly clean chains
DOES THE PEN STILL WORK IF THE APPLICATOR TURNS BLACK OR DO I NEED TO REPLACE IT?
Yes, absolutely. The dark discoloration shows that the applicator is picking up dirt, which is exactly what it's for.
The polyurethane foam used is mixed-pore: The open pores precisely release fresh chain oil, while the closed ones ensure dimensional stability.
Conclusion: Even with a dark applicator, everything runs smoothly.
WHY A FOAM APPLICATOR AND NOT A BRUSH?
Quite simply: a brush cannot withstand the stress permanently. Our polyurethane foam is more robust, more durable and ensures clean, economical dispensing, without drips or smearing.
Any questions?
No problem! Just send us a quick email at hello@14lakes.com and we'll get back to you. We're happy to help!
