SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING

Muc-Off carbon gripper paste serves to protect and extend the life of modern parts and seems genuinely effective.

 

Carbon assembly pastes serve two basic purposes and all work in broadly the same way. Firstly, they must provide a protective barrier that also grips components, preventing seizure, while reducing the necessary clamping forces-by as much as 30% in some cases. Given the popularity of composites, it’s often forgotten that aluminium alloys are also vulnerable to stress damage, so give stem faces and seatpost cradles a quick lick too.

 

Logically, this also prevents scratching and fatigue inducing twist. Muc-Off are understandably coy about the sugary pink compound’s precise ingredients but confirmed it contains Hydrocarbons, Esther lubricants and “compression additives”.

The former are unaffected by temperature variance and employed to prevent cracking or permanent union, which contrary to popular belief, can occur between metal or composite hosts. In practice it’s dead easy to apply.

 

Clean surfaces using rag dipped in composite friendly agents and dry both thoroughly.  Squeeze a few tiny beads of carbon gripper on the component and distribute evenly-thin layers are sufficient, although I’ve been more generous on bikes without mudguards. Re/assemble and using your torque wrench, tighten to recommended tolerances; then remove any excess/overspill.

 

Frankly, it does exactly what it says on the tube and we’ve used ours to excellent effect on stems, seatposts, bottom brackets, crank arms-carbon or otherwise. Three months in and I’m pleased to report a pronounced lack of slippage or creaking, yet everything’s fully mobile despite regular exposure to wet, gritty stuff and rider generated coolant during indoor turbo-sessions.

 

Undeniably competent, it doesn’t seem markedly better than similarly respected brands commanding less cash – another consideration for owners of exotic thoroughbreds and/or big fleets.