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, and please don't! Degreasers, solvents and deep cleaning remove the graphite before it has time to bond. If your chain is coming from oil, just wipe off the excess with a dry microfibre cloth and apply CHA on top. The oil that's left does no harm, and with regular use the graphite takes its place. See the first application guide for the full routine.

Absolutely! No need to strip the wax: wipe the chain with a dry cloth and apply CHA right on top. The graphite takes over progressively as the wax wears away, so you can leave the crockpot in the cupboard.

No need to strip a new chain like you would for wax. Apply CHA directly, no cleaning needed: the factory coating doesn't block the graphite. A new chain is actually the best place to start. Much simpler than the wax prep ritual!

Make it part of getting ready: a quick top-up with firm pressure before every ride takes seconds. Not sure the chain is loaded? Do the touch test: run a cloth or finger along it, and if it comes away grey you're good to go. After the ride, a wipe with a dry cloth is all the cleaning it needs.

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 Core is €29 and CHA Storm and CHA Trail are €30 each (applicator with 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. Refill capsules are available in the shop.

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!