PFAS – also known as “forever chemicals” – are in everything from waterproof jackets to chain lubes and electronics. They’re praised for their stain, friction, and water resistant properties but notorious for their environmental and health risks. These chemicals never break down, accumulating in water, soil, and even our bodies.

As regulations restricting the use of PFAS roll in, the cycling industry is facing a dilemma: how can brands replace the chemicals that have been used in nearly every part of the supply chain? Is something called “PFAS-free” even possible to achieve? And is the performance going to downgrade as a result?

In this episode, we cover the challenges of going PFAS-free, the trade-offs in performance, what the upcoming regulations mean and why some brands are moving faster than others to eliminate the forever chemicals.