Maxima SC1 Clear Coat - Review

Feb 13, 2015 at 14:12
by Richard Cunningham  
Pinkbike Product Picks

Maxima SC1 Clear Coat

Maxima Oils hails from Southern California where they formulate, mix, manufacture and bottle a range of lubricants, suspension fluids, engine coolants and cleaning products for moto and auto racing, as well as mountain bikers. SC1 is one of their products that I first discovered working with motocross racers who swore by the stuff to keep their plastic looking showroom new. SC1 is a silicone based product that was originally designed to restore and protect paint and plastic finishes - for which it has earned a legendary reputation. What most riders don't know is that SC1's super slick formula has been a well-kept secret among suspension tuners, who use it on fork stanchions, shock shafts and dropper post shafts to keep them running nearly friction free. Maxima sells the 12-ounce (340 gram) aerosol can for $10.50 USD.
Maxima Oils

Pivot Mach 4 2015
Pivot Mach 4 2015
Without a drop of water, Maxima's SC1 can make a dusty, greasy bike look like new in ten minutes. It can make your fork and shock feel like new in only ten seconds.


Pinkbike's Take:
bigquotesDoubters may scoff at the notion of riders spending ten bucks to shine up their bikes when a few squirts of dish-washing detergent and a wet sponge could get the job done for a penny. Doubters, with dodgy looking bikes, no doubt, because when you roll alongside their soap-and-water specials, the dazzling luster and slick finish that SC1 left on your once crusty steed will make them look as unkempt as Portland fixie hipsters. The stuff rocks, because once you wipe it on, nothing sticks to the surface, so there are no water spots or grease smears when you are done. Yeah, you are supposed to wash your bike first, and then apply SC1 as a stunning topper, but if you stole your friend's Yeti SB66 for couple of laps at the bike park while she was in town running errands, armed only with a can of SC1 and an old T-shirt, you could get rid of the evidence in ten minutes. And, if you are the kind of guy who loves to polish his helmet, SC1 will get the job done in a matter of seconds.

Spray it on your stanchion tubes and dust wipers and SC1 supercharges your fork's small-bump response. Same goes for air-sprung shocks or any sliding surface with a large swept area.
Fox 32 Float 120 fork
SC1 is like Kashima in a can. It wakes up tired suspension.
SC1 lasts longer on the suspension if you clean the sliding surfaces well before applying it, but even if your fork is dirty and coated with a film of oil, SC1 will wake it up instantly. Keep it handy and give your suspension a spray before your race runs. You'll feel the difference. All good things have a darker side, and if you manage to get SC1 on your brake rotors, you will be a hurt puppy the next time you squeeze your levers and expect good things to happen. Poor braking and lots of noise will remind you to remove your wheels and cover your brake calipers with a towel the next time you fancy up your bike. SC1's silicone-based formula is tough, maybe impossible to remove from brake pads and rotors if it has been sprayed directly on them, so be warned. That said, Maxima's SC1 makes bikes happy, which explains why it can be found near the toolboxes of so many racing wrenches. - RC




Author Info:
RichardCunningham avatar

Member since Mar 23, 2011
974 articles

165 Comments
  • 169 0
 "And, if you are the kind of guy who loves to polish his helmet" what guy doesn't.
  • 9 0
 haha truth
  • 51 0
 Im known to polish my crank occasionally.
  • 39 0
 Me too but only if no one is home.
  • 17 6
 I have a girlfriend now, so my post is generally kept slick. Idk about spraying this on my kashima 40s though
  • 37 0
 ***Not designed for, or recommended for use on PURPLE HELMETS*** Smile Smile
  • 3 0
 DAMN!
  • 3 0
 not enough props to give
  • 1 0
 Bahhahahahah
  • 1 0
 Where can you buy in Vancouver? Thx
  • 2 1
 you can find it in any kinky shops Smile
  • 51 0
 It looks like a sweet product and I'll likely be a customer, but when I saw "clear coat" in the title a little part of me was hoping it would be a frame protection clear coat to keep my paint job even nicer.
  • 5 0
 I'm another one that's definitely going to be trying it. I wonder how it looks on mate carbon frames.
  • 2 0
 I thought exactly the same Mitch!
  • 9 0
 Recommended by Jerry Lundegaard.
  • 1 0
 Actually, if you want a clearcoat that could protect your frame, look for clear plastidip Smile
  • 3 0
 I've been using this stuff since around '08, mostly on my moto, but also on my bike. Its not a typical clear coat as one would expect, its just a spray on polish. It will wear off after a ride and also wash off. It does seem to keep some dirt from sticking. It is better used on helmets. Makes them look new again. The best uses I have found for it is for car interiors. Dash boards, steering wheels, leather seats. It makes the interior look new, plus it has a nice fruity smell. Lasts for a long time in there.
  • 8 1
 "Actually, if you want a clearcoat that could protect your frame, look for clear plastidip [Smile]"

Or, you know, actual clear coat.
  • 3 0
 The point of plastidip is that it is cheap, easliy removable, scratch resistant and gives a rubber-like textures. It's way better than a regular clearcoat in order to protect the frame.
  • 1 0
 A few users on here have used plastidip on frames and found that it isn't that durable, and when it gets torn it starts to peel off.
  • 2 0
 Oh, well. My brother did it on his bike, and so far it's clean. It even stands up to pressure wash, even when held very close. But well he didn't crash much so, I can't give a feedback on that. We just tried to scratch it with some sharp blades and it was fine
  • 28 1
 bike makeup ???
  • 28 0
 Yeah, it's happening... Part of me likes to keep her clean and looking fresh, but getting dirty can be so satisfying.
  • 21 0
 A clean bike in a Pinkbike review?
  • 19 3
 CLEARLY one of the better reviews
  • 17 5
 grab your coat and leave, we don't want any more puns...
  • 2 0
 Oh I get it
  • 2 0
 yeah, i see what you did there Phil-31
  • 17 0
 Works amazingly and smells like fruit loops!
  • 3 2
 *smells like cherry* Razz but yes, works great!
  • 3 0
 Agree there, use for all my bikes. Garage smells like sweet candy after
  • 2 3
 The smell of that stuff is nauseating! Honda makes a much better polish without the gross smell.
  • 2 0
 I think it smells like bubble gum.
  • 1 0
 Anyone know how it works on anodized and flat painted finishes?
  • 1 0
 It makes my plain anodized frame more "slick", but doesn't really make it shiny after it has dried and I wipe off the excess. Its very shiny while still wet.
I do think it works better on painted bikes.
  • 1 0
 Alright, thanks man. Appreciate it.
  • 13 0
 Sounds like this shit wakes up anything tired.. Will it wake up my girlfriend if I spray it on her?
  • 23 0
 spray it on your helmet first, then wake her up with that.
  • 13 0
 Been using this stuff for years, it's great! "New Bike in a Can"
  • 4 1
 so it does work i guess....gotta be careful it might be a carcinogen since its from california hahahahaha
  • 21 0
 Lol, according to the state of California, EVERYTHING causes cancer. Bought new kitchen utensils, had a f*cking sticker on it "according to the state of California, this product contains chemicals that may cause cancer". I miss the state, but not all the politically correct bullshit and aversion to getting sued by idiots who don't know coffee is hot and that you shouldn't drink motor oil.
  • 6 1
 apart from the Fukushima radioactive spill waste hitting the west coast ...
  • 8 0
 Been using motomaster silicone spray on my stanchions for 15 years now as recommended by Marzocchi once upon a time. Both on Moto and Mtn Bikes and only ever had one leaky fork seal. Works amazing. Helps in Dust, mud and water. Just keep overspray away from rotors.
  • 1 2
 Would this stuff help a blue enduroseal-induced blotch of discoloration on the stanchion (as in a replacement for the old nail-polish and sandpaper trick)? Do you drop the lowers and spray this everywhere?
  • 1 0
 Thanks for this tip. I've always used silicone on my frame because it looks pretty and on the seatpost for lubrication but thought it would be harmful to the suspension. Direct spray or spray on a rag then wipe?
  • 2 0
 I believe it would slow the process down. However that is an issue related directly to those enduro seals. Had them in a fox 40 once too. Was warned that would happen so i removed them. Think it is a combination of extra friction from the seals and possibly wore out bushings. I don't use silicone spray in the lowers as I use isopropal to clean them. Clean fork oil should have everything it needs to do the job. And yes valtra, on a rag and rub on is the best way to apply or hold a rag behind stanchions to catch overspray.
  • 7 0
 As a South african with a serious problem of affirmative shopping going on, will this spray perhaps make my bike harder to steal ie so slippery that thieves will never be able to get a hold of it???
  • 7 0
 I use Juice Lubes Fork Juice (www.juicelubes.co.uk/fork-juice.html brilliant stuff) Smile

dont know how good this SC1 stuff would be on muddy Uk bikes??
  • 1 0
 When racing Moto mud races my dad would always layer up the bottom of the fenders and basically the entire bottom side of the bike and the bikes stayed much cleaner. To answer your question, it would work great to repel the mud to an extent.
  • 4 0
 +1 for Fork Juice, use this on stanchions, shock and dropper Smile
  • 6 2
 You do know that the UK is not the only place in the world with muddy trails right?
  • 3 4
 no shit Sherlock......
  • 10 0
 Spay-on Kashima!
  • 2 0
 Brunox Deo is not only kashima in spray, it's also the titz!!
  • 11 5
 As an American I am more interested in what this product could do for my chrome plated AR-15 with the flag painted on the stock. Would it recoil smoother and shoot faster too?
  • 6 2
 It would burn off and possibly cause carbon fouling. Check out nickle boron coatings like FailZero and titanium nitride. Glocks come stock with something pretty tough called Tennifer.
  • 5 0
 I don't know about chrome plating your AR, unless you want to sell it to a cartel member. Suspension Clean from Maxima works great for cleaning gun parts and helps break up the carbon. Awesome on M4 parts. Weird, but it works good on suspensions too...
  • 7 0
 Quick tip if you're spraying stanchions: Put your bike upside down first. The cloud of spray from the can tends to drift down to the ground.... straight towards your rotors.
  • 2 0
 I would assume spraying a rag and then wiping the stanchions would be the ideal method!
  • 4 0
 Or take the wheel out. Failing that I use disposable shower caps to cover my rotors
  • 2 1
 That should come as a warning right on the can! Put your bike up on a stand with both wheels off before applying is probably a good way to go!
  • 8 0
 I'm going to wait for the 2am infomercial before I buy it! Haha
  • 2 3
 ...Your lost. This stuff is great!
  • 3 0
 But wait, call within the next 5 minutes and recieve a second can of SC1 free!!!!! wheeeeew
  • 1 1
 I'm lost? I know where I am... It does look like a good product, and I plan on looking into it further. Where did you get that idea from Rider656?
  • 1 1
 ^Literal-minded.
  • 2 0
 Ok I'm an idiot . Sorry I understand now... I typo loss, sorry :/
  • 1 0
 Lol it's all good!
  • 4 0
 This stuff really works amazing, especially on sliding suspension surfaces, as mentioned in the article. One trick is to spray it on whatever rag or cloth you are using to clean the bike, then wipe the bike surface with the rag. That way it doesn't get on parts you DON'T want it on! This also prevents it from hanging around the air you breath, as the stuff comes out in a really fine mist...definitely not good for your lungs!
  • 4 0
 it does have a fruity smell to it. i use it on goggles inside and out, as an air freshener, on the interior of my truck, on my bikes... it's a must have spray on everything you own!
  • 2 0
 Never thought to try it on goggles. It doesn't streak?
  • 1 0
 does not streak! it's superb!
  • 7 0
 No has mentioned the almost addicting cherry smell of SC1
  • 6 0
 They make an sc1 air freshener.
  • 3 0
 Wait what? Where does one pick this air freshener up?
  • 5 0
 What happens when droplets from this aerosol thing land on the disk brakes? I think the brakes will feel like new (unbeded) forever.
  • 8 1
 Baaaaaad things happen.
  • 10 0
 It would be pretty similar to forgetting your brakes at home...
  • 7 0
 If you read the article, it would answer this exact question.
  • 2 1
 The KYgel of suspensions, for long lasting performance an pleasure. A must have product for you KOM-lover!
  • 5 0
 isn't silicone bad for suspension components? damages seals or bad for suspension grease/oil or something?
  • 1 2
 Nope, silicon is fine. Regular oil can damage the seals!
  • 3 0
 regular oil won't damage seal, there is regular oil inside the fork!

Silicone oil (in small quantity) won't harm. But it will render any future paint job almost impossible to do.
It also have the nasty habit of migrating everywhere, so be sure to not pray it near brakes.
  • 3 0
 Silicone is a good idea, but I always avoided aerosols on seals because I assumed the volatile compounds would dry them out. This could be bullshit I invented in my head though.
  • 2 0
 Plenty of other silicone sprays on the market, such as lemon furniture polish and Pedro's bike lust. Silicone build-up is actually a pain in the ass to remove, so be careful not spray it where you don't want it (ex. rotors, brake pads). Might try it to see how extra glossy SC1 is compared to the others.
  • 1 0
 Yep, been using lemon pledge to detail the motos and bikes for years, and always get compliments on how good they look. As a bonus, they're lemony fresh!
  • 5 0
 Can you really use this stuff for polishing your helmet? That can't be good for your skin!
  • 8 3
 Outside bruh
  • 1 0
 I will also be trying this. I love getting my bike filthy, but I take it to the car wash after every ride because I keep it next to my bed at night. In my defense my last bike got stolen out of my garage so I am jaded about bike theft.
  • 1 0
 It's not wise to use a solvent based cleaner or silicone spray on a helmet unless it is fiberglass or carbon fiber. I've used this stuff in the past and it is no more than a silicone spray with a bigger price tag. I'm forever reading advice that using a solvent based lube on the fork stanchions is bad as it washed out any remaining grease that the seals were installed with and dries out the rubber. I have an empty chain oil bottle that I cleaned out and filled with some synthetic 5wt suspension fluid I had laying around from servicing my old RMZ forks quick dab on the seals and they are smooth as silk. If you like being mugged by all means fill your boots if not go to your local hardware store and buy a can of silicone lube. Oh if you are wondering how I know it's solvent based read the label extremely flammable gives it away, spray on your ABS lid wait for the chemical reaction then go headbutt a tree.
  • 4 0
 But does the cheap stuff smell like candy?
  • 1 0
 It can smell like shit for all I care. although you can buy silicone based polish that smells of Lemons if that floats your boat. Just go into a local car spares factor and look in the valeting isle. It's nearly all the same shit with vastly inflated prices for the gullible I've got some Enduro specific labels made I can put on a can if you like.
  • 3 0
 True. The smell makes zero difference after you are finished spraying.

You are onto something though. I can print stickers that look extreme and say "Enduro Only" or "Max Enduro". 1000% markup?
  • 2 0
 @chappers998 there, like the Ray Winstone of bike maintenance Wink No. Nonsense. Guvnah. He's so right though, surely regular silicone spray is good enough for this purpose?
  • 1 0
 Yea you could be right nickkk LOL
  • 1 0
 Been using this stuff for years on my motos. Works AWESOME if you spray it on after cleaning (and drying), leave it overnight, then wipe down the next day.

As stated in the article too, it also does a good job of cleaning and lubing the sliders and preventing water spots from forming, which act like a knife edge to seals.

The added benefit of this stuff is that thick dirt doesn't stick to the surfaces as easy. It makes cleaning the bike much easier the next time around.

Also it's nowhere near as "runny" as normal aerosol silicone spray. Seems to be a little more dry to the touch too.
  • 1 0
 Does this work better than finish line teflon stanchion lube? That's what I use on stanchions and dropper post shaft, but it only lasts 1 ride on the dropper post (a finicky command post)
  • 2 0
 I have both. I've been avoiding getting the SC1 on my stanchions (for no real reason other than I just assumed the fork oil was better), but maybe I'll give it a try and report back.

EDIT: I have found the teflon lasts longer if you apply it to a warmed surface, so borrow/steal your mom/girlfriend/wifes hairdryer. Or your own if you are into that kind of thing.
  • 1 0
 Contrast and saturation of that "after" shot being tweaked reminded me of all those other gimmicky before-and-after shots for "change yourself quick and easy" type treatments.
  • 2 0
 I purchased 2 cans direct from Maxima, They charged me $18.00 to ship 2 can from Cali to Idaho and never gave me a shipping price till they charged my account. Boooooo!
  • 4 0
 Looks slick.
  • 2 1
 An inexpensive way to help upkeep my bike/suspension? I'll take it!! That suspension part was an interesting tip i'll have to give it a try
  • 2 0
 Just don't treat it as a replacement for service!
  • 3 0
 just dont put it on your saddle........................
  • 2 0
 One time my dad accidently oversprayed SC-1 all over the radiator shrouds and seats just before a motocross race, it was nearly impossible to stay on the bike.
  • 2 0
 I'm trying to picture this in my mind and can't stop laughing
  • 4 1
 Sounds like enduro specific WD-40 to me ...
  • 4 1
 Perhaps you should learn what WD-40 is for ...
  • 4 0
 Water Displacement - Series 40 ?
  • 1 0
 I feel like theu shouldnt call it clear coat if its not a permanant clear coat. Calling it that kinda makes me nervous about spraying in on stanchions and stuff.
  • 3 1
 It's not enduro-specific enough for my needs. Add the word "enduro" to the description and raise the price to $29.99 = sold.
  • 2 0
 Been using this stuff for years. Works amazing!
  • 1 0
 Where can you buy in Canada?
  • 1 0
 Some bike shops will have it or pretty much any motor sports shop will have it.
  • 1 0
 i swear by it its a awesome product makes cleaning my bike next time easier too
  • 1 0
 Yes...That is good and all.....But here is the Real Question. Will it make me go Faster. Wink
  • 1 0
 Anyone know of a similar product that does not come in an aerosol (so it can be shipped by air mail) ?
  • 1 0
 Just ordered 2 cans! Way cheaper than bike lust - $23.00 usd shipped for 2 cans!
  • 1 0
 Looks like the Shitz! I gotta get me some of that as dish soap ain't doing it for me anymore Razz
  • 1 0
 me likey clean bikey
  • 2 0
 Everybody knows PDX hipsters don't use soap. It makes them less metrojack.
  • 2 0
 I'll definitely consider buying a can
  • 1 0
 ciekawe czy bedzie dostepne w PL
  • 1 0
 Sounds similar to the Honda clean spray. But I wouldn't spray that on suspension.
  • 1 0
 Looks like a killer product! Any information on where to buy it in Canada?
  • 1 0
 Does this work any differently than other spray silicone? Or does it just smell better?
  • 1 0
 Is it safe on raw unpainted carbon?
  • 2 0
 Unpainted carbon should still have a clearcoat on top of it, so yes!
  • 1 0
 Not if you take all the paint off a painted carbon frame and just treat it with 303! (it's a weight weenie road bike before you freak out)
  • 1 0
 Does it make shining shoes as well ?
  • 1 0
 Does this work the same as juice lines fork juice on the forks/shock??
  • 1 0
 i might use it on my stanctions but i'll stick to uber wax for my frame
  • 1 0
 How well does this work with Matte paint frame finishes?
  • 1 0
 I feel like the "clean bike" picture has a "make the bike brighter" filter
  • 1 0
 Can't wait to plaster it all over my brand new tires! Blingin'!
  • 1 0
 Where can you get it in Edmonton?
  • 2 1
 Can you use it on carbon?
  • 12 0
 Yes. On enduro bikes too.
  • 8 0
 I've heard the low friction coating helps to reduce drag and can help you shave off those precious milliseconds to get that KOM on strava.
  • 1 0
 Gotta really spray it on the seat and grips.
  • 1 0
 Dont forget the rotors and brake levers too
  • 1 0
 Mmmmm cherry smell!! Wow I'm now high as a kite!
  • 1 0
 Any places in the UK selling it? Seems to be tricky to find!
  • 1 0
 Tm UK in corsham usually hold a good stock
  • 1 0
 cheers @marko369 and @molland8 will look it up. The Juice Lube stuff looks good, particularly for the fork feel improvement, although the two products must be almost identical in composition no?
  • 1 0
 Where can you buy it in Vancouver?
  • 1 0
 Anyone test its effect on suspension fliuds?
  • 1 0
 Similar to 'Juice Lubes - Fork Juice'?
  • 1 0
 just bought 2 cans
  • 1 0
 From where? Where can I get this stuff?
  • 1 2
 Oh great now the WHOLE Mtb community knows about SC1:p
  • 1 2
 GT85
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