These days, a true 'premium' product is hard to come by... The word 'premium' tends to be overused and over time, it has almost lost its context and power... It no longer correctly distinguishes one product from another... everyone claims to be premium... making it harder to find true genuine quality.

Hence, why here at Maglia Nera Tours, we continuously search for products which are 'preeminent',  that cut above the rest, to bring our guests, the very best.

 

 

Where have I heard that name?

For those that have toured with us, your custom Castelli cycling kit will have the E-Valence logo on the rear pocket of your jersey.
Many of you will know, this brand is the reason why your Pinarello was sparkling each and every morning!

So why E-Valence ?

Our fleet of Pinarello's are precious to us and we require them to be protected from the harsh conditions they endure througout the touring season. After every ride, we must be able to clean them thoroughly and efficiently, delivering a sparkling bike each and every morning to our guests. Whilst doing all of this, it is crucial to be mindful of the environment and the health of our staff and guests.

We chose E-Valence products, as they are the only product in the market that is:

• 100% water based
• 100% biodegradable
• 99-100% silicone free
• 99-100% solvent free
• 99-100% VOC free (volatile organic compounds)
• 100% eco-friendly

Purchase the 'E-Valence Special Edition Cyclists Pack' for your dearest bike fanatic this Christmas

Note: 500 bonus points for our Loyalty Program members!

Why is 'Silcone Free. important for our bikes & the environment?

Silicone is a hard, brittle, crystalline solid with a blue-grey metallic lustre that is actively responsible for 27.7% of the earths crust by mass. Commonly found in sand and ceramic it is both readily available and inexpensive, and has been adapted for a wide variety of uses such as in watches, cameras and computers. Due to being lightweight and extremely durable, silicon nitride is also often found in the engineering of impellers or within turbo chargers.

Applied to painted surfaces silicone attracts dirt, grime, environmental and animal particles causing it to embed it self within the top and substrate layers. The mining of raw silica has its own environmental concerns as the process required for large quantity extraction produces carbon monoxide. Once out of the ground silicone’s durability makes it impossible for it to be biodegradable, taking up to 500 years on average before it becomes decomposable. With today’s scientific advancements better alteratives should see bike care completely free from this stubborn element. By electing to go silicone free, E-Valence is leading this change.

Source: the University of Nottingham. c/o the Royal Society of Chemistry

Why is Water Based & Solvent Free important to us?

Acid based products are inherently aggressive on surface coatings, paintwork and alloy. Opting for a 100% water based solution ensures the long-term safegaurding of even the most delicate of surfaces. This approach also means our products are void of any VOCs, toxins and carbon dioxide (a by-product produced during manufacturing), resulting in the responsible alternative which is increasingly superior for the environment

Solvents are generally used to speed up the drying process in cleaning agents. When certain solvents come in contact with sunlight, they react and create a ground-level ozone that greatly impacts the environment and personal health. Long term exposure to solvents such as isopropanol, toluene, xylene and solvent mixtures such as white spirits can affect the central nervous system and be a contributing cause to severe, life-compromising illness

References and further reading can be found at: The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment: www.environment.gov.au  and The American Chemistry Council: www.americanchemistry.com 

What is VOC? Why it is a risk to your health

Volatile Organic Compounds, commonly referred to as VOCs, are a group of carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate once at room temperature. Common VOCs include: acetone, benzene, ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, methylene chloride, perchloroethylene, toluene and xylene, and similar to silicone are known to be detrimental to both the environment and personal health, predominately the lungs and respiratory system. Widely used in paints and industrial cleaning agents, the VOCs adverse effect to the ozone layer and atmosphere purity may only be a minute contribution, however given it’s fragility, any avoidable contribution should not be overlook.

References and further reading can be found at: State Of the Environment (SOE) Australia: www.environment.gov.au and United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): www.epa.gov

The E-Valence Story

In 2015, Charlie Frew found himself returning to the automotive industry and a cycling fanatic, he was armed with a vision of developing the safest and most refined detailing products for both cars and bikes (the proud owner of three generations of Pinarello DOGMA's). It all seemed like a simple goal, but Charlies dedication in sourcing the best engineered technology available led me through a minefield of ageing products and harmful formulations, many rampant with silicone, solvents and various degrees of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s). This, coupled with the continual witnessing of ambiguous certifications and deceptive marketing jargon, ignited many frustrations, yet subsequently fuelled my determination to come up with a better solution.

With a Master’s in Public Health, and a severe asthmatic, witnessing how these problematic chemicals had become the industry default astounded Charlie. With VOC’s crippling to personal health (predominantly the lungs), and solvents such as isopropanol, toluene, xylene and solvent mixtures contributing to causes such as leukaemia and renal cancer*, hismission suddenly became bigger than just car and bike care.

Charlie was dissatisfied with this obsolete approach, and its negative impact on the planet, hence he began to question that through the use of innovation and scientific advances why haven’t we evolved to a safer, Eco-friendly and biodegradable water-based system that is silicone, solvent and VOC free.

During European travels in 2017, Charlie has the had the great pleasure of  being introduced to Mark Gardner. Coincidence, destiny, luck, however you view it, he soon discovered that Mark’s knowledge and experience in paint coatings spanned beyond three decades, becoming an environmental leader in change technology. With mutual opinions shared, their visions instantly aligned and together, E-Valence  was born.

Through Charlie's and Marks joint efforts, they proudly offer an industry-first.

E-Valence is an all-encompassing product range which is 100% water-based, 100% biodegradable and 99-100% silicone, solvent and VOC free, and suitable for the transformation of any bicycle, automobile, motorcycle, boat or plane.

Much like the surfaces that the product sets out to protect, they have ensured that E-Valence places an equal emphasis on the short and long-term health and safety of our customers, while, at the same time, adhering to strict moral, ethical and environmental standards – something they both pledge to uphold unconditionally.

E-Valence is an enthusiast-led company with big aspirations. E-Valence remains eternally committed to an improved future, through the application of tomorrow’s scientific advancements to today’s human and environmental needs. Charlie and Mark are confident when we say E-Valence is Responsible Science.

*Dick FD. Solvent neurotoxicity. Occup Environ Med. 2006 Mar;63(3):221-6, 179. doi: 10.1136/oem.2005.022400. PMID: 16497867; PMCID: PMC2078137

Our partnership with E-Valence has been strong for the past three years and shall continue for many years more!!

E-Valence Website: https://www.e-valence.com.au/