I decided to try the Variolube D200 and, with great satisfaction, I was able to note that:
1) first of all the silence in dry and wet conditions (not rainy conditions in which I have not yet tried it), is excellent! Superior to what until now I considered a best-seller (the Silca Synergetic).
2) The cleanliness of the entire transmission, chain in first order, after regular outings of about 3 hours each, is truly incredible. As soon as the chain is marked, no annoying black or dirt collected here and there during training, the outing. (always in dry and damp conditions, never rainy, precise for correctness and precision). Also in this case, regarding the cleaning of the chain and transmission after 2/3 outings, my best seller was the muc-off C3 followed by the Silca Synergetic (which let's not forget, was created mainly for wet situations). The Variolube D200 is superior to both.
3) Longevity: in this case I think that the three exits are a good compromise between protection/lubrication and duration of the lubricant; better than the muc-off C3 (which I have to replace every 2 exits at most), but inferior to the Silca Synergetic which I was able to use, with the same protection (lubrication), up to 4 or 5 exits but, the black released on the chain and transmission, was certainly greater.
4) Ease of application: in my case, being very precise and 'maniacal' with cleaning the entire bike, from the frame, to the transmission and to each individual component, it doesn't make a big difference, as, after each use, I clean the chain. In the cases of the Silca Synergetic and the Variolube D200, obviously, I clean the chain respectively after 2/r exits for the Variolube and every 4/5 for the Silca Synergetic. However, none of the three, including the muc-off C3 which I removed after each return, requires extreme cleaning of the chain; I repeat: in my case, however, the chain was always cleaned ad hoc. I believe that each lubricant, to work well and to give the best of its characteristics, must be applied to a chain that is at least clean. Mine, as usual, had been deprived of the factory grease by cleaning with degreaser and ultrasound at the origin, therefore, lubricated with the lubricants examined and described in this review.
4) Application: The best applicator is precisely this one of the Variolube D200, with a special nozzle that allows you to dispense just one drop on each roller of the chain, as well as the Silca Synergetic which, however, for optimal application, requires the measuring cap to be purchased separately. The muc-off C3 has the classic common measuring cap. In all three cases, only one drop is necessary on each roller of the chain. There is no need to wait before going out, 15/20 minutes are enough for the lubricant to penetrate the rollers, exactly where it is needed. With both Silca Synergetic and Muc-Off C3, it was necessary to remove the excess with a cloth, especially in the lower (outer) part of the chain. With Variolube D200 this operation was not necessary even if the penetration was optimal.
5) Viscosity: the most liquid is Silca Synergetic, which requires more careful dosing during lubrication, the thickest is Muc-Off C3 which, by habit, after application, requires a pass with the finger to make the oil penetrate optimally into the chain rollers. Variolube D200 is the middle ground and, after application, does not require any operation other than the classic backward pedaling.
6) Price/quality ratio: the most expensive is the Silca Synergetic which however lasts a few more outings (1 or 2 at most), followed by the Muc-Off C3 which however needs to be replaced after a maximum of two outings; at almost the same price is the Variolube D200 which however is a middle ground in terms of longevity but really excels in terms of silence and cleanliness of the transmission after use.
Conclusions: personally, this ariolube D200 will be a lubricant that will never be missing from my equipment park: in conclusion, Muc-Off C3 for outings in dry and not wet weather, 'everyday' and/or indoor, Variolube D200 for outings in dry or humid weather even of a certain length to be maintained for at least two or three times, Silca Synergetic for very humid and/or wet conditions, although it is also good in dry conditions, I use it when maximum longevity is required.
