The fifth element - magnesium stages a comeback
We\u2019ve said before that we\u2019re in a \u201cgolden age\u201d of chain lube these days, with big advancements in recent months that not only reduce drivetrain friction but dramatically extend the lifespan of your components, too. We discuss the latest releases from CeramicSpeed and Silca \u2014 one for wet conditions, the other for dry \u2014 and make the argument for why they\u2019re actually better bargains than you might think.\n We\u2019re also on the cusp of a potentially big revolution in frame materials, with magnesium finally emerging (after multiple attempts in the past) as a truly viable alternative to carbon fiber, aluminum, titanium, and steel. James chats with Bruno Maier, the president of \u201cSuper Magnesium\u201d maker Allite Inc., to find out exactly why magnesium is so promising, and why this time around might be different than before.\xa0\n James has already reviewed the new Vaast gravel bike if you're interested in reading about that.\xa0\n Finally, we cap off this episode with another round of Ask a Mechanic \u2014 albeit, without our resident pro mechanic, Zach Edwards, who we were sadly stuck in a giant vat of tubular glue while we recording. How do you true a wheel without a truing stand? How long will that spare tube last in your saddle pack? Is it safe to use a cheap bearing press? Can you bend a steel frame back into shape after a crash? And why are any of us still taking mechanical advice from Caley? All of these answers and more await within, and maybe next time we\u2019ll actually find that mute button on Caley\u2019s mic.