Frequently Asked Questions

The graphite particles are microscopic—they transfer onto the chain and work into the pins and rollers through normal chain articulation as you ride. The chain's movement draws them into the contact points where they're needed. Same principle behind graphite lubricants in industrial applications like locks and machinery.

The problem with liquid oils isn't that they stop lubricating — it's that they attract everything they come into contact with. Dust and dirt stick to oil inside the pins and rollers, forming an abrasive paste that grinds away at your chain from the inside. You can clean it off, but it comes straight back the next ride.

There's a second problem that gets less attention: centrifugation. As your chain accelerates — sprinting, climbing, high cadence — centrifugal force pushes liquid oil outward, away from the pin-roller interface where lubrication actually happens. It migrates to the outer plates and sprocket teeth, where it does nothing useful and picks up grit. The harder you ride, the faster it moves to exactly the wrong place.

Graphite doesn't move. It bonds to the metal and stays at the contact points regardless of chain speed. So at the moment you're generating the most power — and therefore the most friction — the lubrication is still there. With oil, it increasingly isn't.

No need for a full degrease! CHA works on a reasonably clean chain. If yours is really gunky, a quick wipe-down with WD-40 and a cloth helps—then wipe off the residue before applying. With regular use, the graphite will "win" against any remaining oil.

Absolutely! CHA's formula actually includes wax, so they're fully compatible. Great for touch-ups between hot wax sessions—or just as an alternative when you don't feel like firing up the crockpot.

No need to strip a new chain like you would for wax. You can ride off the factory lube first, then start applying CHA. Or give it a quick wipe-down if you prefer. With regular use, the graphite takes over. Much simpler than the wax prep ritual!

It depends on your riding—conditions, distance, terrain all play a role. You'll feel (or hear) when it's time. A quick reapplication takes seconds. No need to apply before every ride.

Each capsule lasts a long time—hard to give an exact number since it depends on how much you apply and conditions, but we're talking many thousands of kilometers. Far more than a typical bottle of liquid lube.

Apply to the bottom run of the chain (the lower section between the chainring and rear cassette) while backpedaling—or pedaling forward if you lift the rear wheel. That's all you need—the graphite transfers and works into the pins and rollers as the chain articulates.

You don't have to—but it's nice to have the option. Small enough to toss in a saddlebag or jersey pocket and forget about it. Handy for long rides, bikepacking, or anytime you're away from home and want to give your chain some love.

Yes! Graphite is naturally hydrophobic, so it doesn't wash away like oil-based lubes. Stays dry from the start, so no dirt attraction either way. We've also developed Storm—a heavy rain formula available as an add-on—for extreme wet conditions.

Works great for MTB! We've tested it across road, gravel, trail, and downhill. In heavier conditions, the fact that it stays dry and doesn't attract dirt is a real plus. We also have Trail—a mud and grit formula—available as an add-on for extreme conditions.

Graphite bonds to metal and creates a protective barrier that helps prevent corrosion. It's also naturally hydrophobic, so water beads off rather than sitting on the chain. Works on any chain, not just stainless steel.

Not at all! CHA is a proprietary formula we've spent years developing, engineered specifically for bike chains. The graphite is specially formulated to transfer smoothly and perform in real riding conditions—very different from your #2 pencil.

You're thinking of loose graphite powder—this is different. CHA is a solid bar with a specially engineered formula. You apply it directly to the chain, no dust flying around. And since it bonds to metal far better than to skin, your hands stay clean.

Yes! CHA's formula is non-toxic and environmentally safe. Graphite has been used safely in industrial applications for decades. No harmful chemicals, no PTFE, no PFAS.

Yes! The applicator is made using industrial-grade SLS 3D printing with Nylon PA12 Tough—provides high strength, flexibility, and wear resistance for years of daily use.

CHA is €27 (applicator with Core capsule included) at thecha.cc/shop. Replacement capsules are €9 each, or €21 for a pack of three.

Yes! All three formulas (Core, Storm, and Trail) fit the same applicator—just swap them out as needed. Replacements will be available after the campaign.

We've designed and tested CHA for bicycle chains, so we can't make any claims for motorcycles right now. The 21mm width may not fit most motorbike chains. That said, we're considering a future CHA Motorbike version for wider chains—stay tuned!