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SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING
LATEST UPDATE: NOVEMBER 12th
HOW DO WE DECIDE OUR OVERALL RATINGS FOR PRODUCTS WE REVIEW?
Oxford Mint Assembly Grease
100g Mid Term (3 month) Test £9.99
Oxford Mint Assembly Grease is designed specifically for static components-contact points, fasteners, brake posts, pedals etc. I’ve been impressed by its ease of application and staying prowess. Obviously, it can also be applied to bearings, hub shells and other moving parts without detriment, although while carbon safe, the lithium part means I’d be inclined to swerve elastomer components common to suspension posts and some forks.
Pros: Good corrosion resistance, seemingly durable, easy to apply, a little goes surprisingly far, carbon safe.
Cons: Grease gun friendly tube version would be welcomed.
Specification
Oxford were very forthcoming when it comes to alchemy. In simple terms, it’s a petrochemical formula, using a solvent refined mineral base oil with a lithium complex thickener. Now lithium formulas are durable and traditionally inexpensive, hence their popularity in automotive and marine applications. Oxford says it meets IPX220 for corrosion resistance, IP215 for water washout i.e. meaning it should lock the elements out and protect the hosts year-round. It will also keep its properties between minus 20 and plus 150 degrees, which may not cover all bases, say an epic tour through a Russian winter but cruise through the UK’s seasonal changes.
There has been a link between these and galvanic corrosion (where metals of different parentage e.g. aluminium alloy, or titanium posts in steel framesets chemically corrode together. Carbon fibre is also very conductive and bottom bracket shells are also vulnerable). Lithium and PTFE infused preps aren’t kind to elastomer and rubberised components, such as seals either. In this instance, Oxford assure me the blend is completely safe to use on seals and similar, along with fork stanchions.
Application
Ours arrived in a 100g tub and can be applied via brush, finger, or indeed, old school grease guns. I tend to wear “mechanics” or disposable examination gloves when tackling strips or rebuilds. However, I’ve gone without on smaller jobs. It’s quite stubborn (as you’d hope) so I’ve needed to use quite an intense hand cleanser afterward. No dryness or irritation to date but, don those gloves if you’ve sensitive skin.
Ours arrived in late summer and I was impressed by how temperature stable the formula has proven. Mercury in the high twenties, it softened slightly, which made for easy, economical application but without any runniness. Similarly, when temperatures tumbled to the lower end of single digits, it stayed very supple and equally simple to apply.
Ursula was the obvious host, having returned from the frame builders and paint shop. Pedals, seatpost, bottle cages, seat collar bolts, stem bolts, carrier fixings, derailleur threads and titanium bottom bracket being the obvious hosts. I was very liberal when it came to the bottom bracket to snuff out any chance of galvanic corrosion.
Some pre-winter prep on the fixed gear winter trainer and Denise saw bottle cage hardware, seatpost, quill stem adaptor (the latter are notorious for seizing) was all given a moderate helping, not least since I was also fitting a boot made from scrap inner tube to protect Denise’s lower headset.
A thin slither of Mint Assembly Grease also proved a very good bet when slotting cassettes on hub bodies. There’s debate in some quarters and I’m firmly of the view, (especially on bikes in hard service) that some oil or light grease should be applied. Some folks have opted for copper grease, which works but tends to look very scuzzy once winter takes hold and gets embedded.
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I’ve also applied some to the cassette lockring, since the combination of relatively high torque and weathering can see them become very stubborn. Usually a blast of GT85 , or similar penetrant, is enough to break the seal before introducing an extractor but prevention’s always easier than cure, not to mention grazed knuckles and agricultural language.
It shouldn’t need saying but it’s best practice to remove all traces of pre-existing grease, although I’ve deliberately left a few traces on fasteners just to test for any incompatibilities/reactions.
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​Finally, I applied a thin layer to the dropouts to protect paintwork when removing and refitting wheels, quick release skewers.
Cleat hardware is arguably the acid test, given they’re easily out of sight and mind and exposed to all kinds of muddy, slimy filth and lashings of dodgy water.
Test contexts
I’ve defaulted to my four seasons road, gravel, and trail biased machines and for a three-month test spanning August through to November. Though arguably mid-term, this period covers a broad spectrum of riding conditions and temperatures and gives fair insight into the grease’s performance and durability.
Lubrication 3.75/5
I’d describe the mint as a middleweight viscosity, the sort that caters for most conditions and without being too stodgy. Seatposts, bottom bracket, quill adaptor, pedals, rear derailleurs and cleat hardware slid in beautifully- buttery smooth. Similar story with cantilever posts (although Peaty’s Speed Grease arguably gets the smoothest pull and return). I’ve resisted urges to remove trace excess from the derailleur hanger, pedal threads, and mudguard bridge bolts as a visual reference. This was to evaluate, at a glance how readily it washed off, responded to changing temperature and collected contaminant. As for bearings, I’ve applied to a headset lower race (bearings and cups), restoring slick steering and protection.
Durability & cleanliness 3.75/5
I’m pleased to report there’s no call for topping up and everything continues to move freely, as desired. We’ve had regular trips through lanes resembling a scene from Paris Roubaix, waterlogged trails (giving ample opportunity to really submerge those cleats) and of course, regular sudsy bucket cleans. Predictably, there has been some wash-off but no call to reapply.
Everything else feels reassuringly mobile, including the quick release skewers and quill stem adaptor. Grime is again, moderate. There’s a slightly grungy beard in the top layer, such as cleat hardware but on areas such as fork and frame ends, that’ll keep them nicely mothballed. Not on par with White Lightning’s Crystal but in keeping with most everyday greases I’ve used and tested over the years. Oh, and thus far, no apparent issues with carbon, or indeed the dreaded galvanic corrosion with Ti and steel, or steel and polished aluminium alloys. Same goes for composites and rubberised components, such as seals.
Value 3.5/5
I’ve been generous, and a decent amount remains in the 100g tub, and I’ve only given the cleats a precautionary top up, so good value in that regard. £10.99 for 100g is also about the going rate and there’s a fair bit of choice, depending on your needs. Staying with assembly specific formulas, Peaty’s Assembly Grease is also £10.99 for 100ml tube. Aside from being blue, it’s designed with threaded grease guns in mind (which allows for more precise and arguably cleaner delivery) it’s very smooth, easy to apply and stands up to the elements convincingly. Workshop sizes are also available. However, I’ve found compatibility a little hit n’ miss with some guns, which could be a consideration. Fenwick’s assembly grease is £7.99 for 80ml.
It’s a synthetic blend reckoned good for bearings and similar applications too. It promises not to stain and resist snow, ice and similar. We’ve not tried it, so can’t comment. I (and others) see the value of purpose specific greases but not everyone does and that’s fine. White Lightning Crystal is also available in 100ml tube and workshop tub sizes. It’s a very clean, stoical synthetic prep seemingly safe on all surfaces.
Summary
There’s a lot of choice when it comes to grease and a lot to be said in favour of purpose specific blends. Given the choice, I reach for a bearing specific grease for hubs and headsets, a low friction blend, such as Peaty’s Speed Grease for Hollowtech II crank axles. There are synthetic rivals that might be a better fit, if you’re looking for an all-purpose, all surface blend. Nonetheless, The Oxford Mint Assembly Grease is proving a solid choice for general, everyday assembly duties and I’ve been impressed by its staying prowess and water resistance.
Verdict: 3.75/5 Durable, easy to apply assembly grease with decent corrosion resistance.
Michael Stenning
PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 2024
