WE DIG
WE DON’T
ABOUT THE absoluteBLACK GRAPHENLUBE
absoluteBLACK’s GRAPHENlube 2.0 is a wax-based lubricant, infused with a carefully crafted blend of high-purity graphene. It applies wet and almost fully solidifies overnight. Adding graphene to chain lube is a brilliant move—it’s an incredible barrier between metal surfaces, and drastically reduces friction with its ultra-thin layers. This translates to significantly less wear on your entire drivetrain, and less drag. Depending on the application method, absoluteBLACK claims it can last 900–1800km before reapplication in dry conditions. In dry or wet conditions, they claim just a 3W drivetrain friction loss, a 3-10W reduction over competitors.
absoluteBLACK offers the GRAPHENlube 2.0 in bottles from 0.47oz (14ml) to 4.7oz (140ml), with price tags from $20.90 to $118.90.
THE DIRT
As a bike mechanic who’s seen far too many drivetrains in my day, I was eager (but skeptical) to test absoluteBLACK’s GRAPHENlube and see if the premium price was justified. Everyone has their favorite lube and strong opinions on the matter. I went in with low expectations for the price-to-performance ratio, since this stuff is seriously expensive.
I hammered it through soaking-wet night rides, dusty desert DH tracks, and more climbing than I’d care to admit. My test rig? My trusty Pivot Shuttle LT with a Shimano XTR 9100 drivetrain. This bike’s been my partner in crime for two years. Four cassettes, nine or ten chains, and multiple rear derailleurs later, we’ve been through thick and thin.
First application was messy; it dripped everywhere, and I definitely over-applied. The bottle’s tip wastes a fair bit, and I found it tricky to control. Thoroughly cleaning off old lube and debris is crucial for maximum adhesion and longevity, unsurprisingly.
I tried both methods absoluteBLACK recommends, including a full immersion in a zip-lock bag (using at least 30ml of this liquid gold). Pouring the leftovers back into the bottle felt sacrilegious, but I swallowed my pride, for science. This method was undeniably thorough and delivered the longest-lasting results, but it uses a ton of product, which feels wasteful for routine applications. Maybe best saved for race day, or before a big multi-day trip.
The difference was night and day: immersion made the chain feel like new, and it held up through brutal sessions. After stormy night rides and full-boost laps in the wet, I only reapplied a handful of times over multiple weeks, once it started feeling dry.
Compared to most petroleum- or other wax-based lubes, I skipped way more application cycles. My drivetrain rarely “screamed” for more—it stayed quiet and smooth for weeks.
Admittedly, this stuff makes lasting longer achievable for anyone. absoluteBLACK turned my drivetrain into something special, and I’m seriously considering the steep price to keep it feeling this smooth for longer. It stands to reason that drivetrain components may last longer, so it may not be as expensive as its face value over the long run.
“If you love it, lube it.” – Peter North (probably)
The Wolf’s Last Word
Keeping your chain clean and lubed is the foundation of a long, happy relationship with your bike. If you’re the type who forgets to lube regularly—or you want to squeeze every last mile out of your components—GRAPHENlube is absolutely worth considering. Just maybe close your eyes while you open your wallet at checkout. 
Price: $21–$118.90 (depending on size)
Website: Absoluteblack.cc
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