Waxing Chain Just Trend or usefull?
Hello,
I'm currently thinking to wax my new bike (arroves in one month). Currently I only use Lube on all of my bikes, but I have heard, that waxing is better than lubing, because of the consumption of chains. It waxing really good or is it just a new trend and don't have any advantages? What are your experiences with waxing your chain and would you recommend it? And what chain wax do you use? |
I wouldn't know. This is the first time I've ever heard about waxing a chain on BF. Interested to hear what others say about it. :foo:
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Belt drive 750C is the trend.
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I find that it greatly extends the life expectancy of several of the drive-train components (chain, cassette, chainrings), under my (gritty and abrasive) riding conditions.
Also, it has been around a LONG time. |
Waxing chains is not a new trend. It’s been around for at least 2 decades. Is it better? Well it is less messy and works really well in dry conditions. Downsides are that it’s not so good in the wet and it can make your drivetrain a bit louder in some cases. On balance I think it’s a good idea if you can be bothered.
I use Silca drip wax on my mountain bikes and one road bike. But I use wet lube on my main road bike because the drivetrain ran a bit noisy on the Silca wax for some reason. |
One nice thing aside from lower wear on drivetrain is the ability to throw the bike into the back of my fancy station wagon and not worry about grease. And Fred marks? A thing of the past, consider yourself halfway promoted to the Cognoscenti. Just add tubies and a pair of Bindas, and you are set.
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I started using Silca Super Secret drip wax on my gravel bike a few months ago. Very soon after, I deep-cleaned the chains on all my bikes and started using the Silca wax on all of them. It's quieter, cleaner, and more efficient. One of my favorite features is being able to handle the chain without my hands becoming a dirty, oily mess. The drip wax doesn't last any longer than oil-based lubes, but my bikes get regularly cleaned and re-lubed, so that's not an issue for me. My understanding is that the hot melt, immersion wax method lasts much longer.
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Originally Posted by Eric F
(Post 23007316)
My understanding is that the hot melt, immersion wax method lasts much longer.
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Originally Posted by lupo68288
(Post 23007268)
Hello,
I'm currently thinking to wax my new bike (arroves in one month). Currently I only use Lube on all of my bikes, but I have heard, that waxing is better than lubing, because of the consumption of chains. It waxing really good or is it just a new trend and don't have any advantages? What are your experiences with waxing your chain and would you recommend it? And what chain wax do you use? |
I find chain waxing to be useful.
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Originally Posted by KerryIrons
(Post 23007341)
There is no evidence that chains last longer when waxed compared to other lubes.
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Originally Posted by lupo68288
(Post 23007268)
Hello,
I'm currently thinking to wax my new bike (arroves in one month). Currently I only use Lube on all of my bikes, but I have heard, that waxing is better than lubing, because of the consumption of chains. It waxing really good or is it just a new trend and don't have any advantages? What are your experiences with waxing your chain and would you recommend it? And what chain wax do you use? https://zerofrictioncycling.com.au/lubetesting/ I may give it a go myself, because I'm not thrilled with the whole clean/lube/put off/repeat process I use now. Even unridden bikes accumulate dust, requiring attention before rides. Going the wax route has its own setup challenges but at least master link chains make removing and replacing much simpler. |
Originally Posted by Rick_D
(Post 23007409)
I may give it a go myself, because I'm not thrilled with the whole clean/lube/put off/repeat process I use now. Even unridden bikes accumulate dust, requiring attention before rides. Going the wax route has its own setup challenges but at least master link chains make removing and replacing much simpler.
The only downside I see is that the initial chain prep is a little more involved. You need to strip off the lube with something lie mineral spirits, then rinse all the residue off with acetone (or similar). in acetone. That's a one-time deal though. |
I had shifting issues with my Dura Ace 12s when I waxed my chain. (Brand new chain and sprocket with top quality wax..) turned back to high quality race oil and everything works smoothly!
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I think it’s time for a chain wax subforum…
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Originally Posted by lupo68288
(Post 23007268)
Hello,
I'm currently thinking to wax my new bike (arroves in one month). Currently I only use Lube on all of my bikes, but I have heard, that waxing is better than lubing, because of the consumption of chains. It waxing really good or is it just a new trend and don't have any advantages? What are your experiences with waxing your chain and would you recommend it? And what chain wax do you use? |
Whether you wax or use any other lubricant, it's not going to be a miracle for your cycling.
So use what keeps you interested in cycling. |
Back in the mid 80's a bunch of guys in our local club were staying at a friend's house the night before a double century. One dude went about melting a big hunk of wax on their stove. "You're supposed to use a double boiler, but I'll be careful." Luckily he quickly put the fire out as the hot wax boiled over onto the stove. For some reason, we were not invited back the next year.
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Right, not like one could ever spill a few drops of oil on the garage floor and slip on it. Wax is so dangerous.
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Chain waxing is a fad. It's unnecessary. A chain is the most disposable item on a bicycle and there is no need for any complicated maintenance. Just few drops of oil now and then and that's it.
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Originally Posted by PeteHski
(Post 23007289)
Waxing chains is not a new trend. It’s been around for at least 2 decades.
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I've just been adjusting the drive train on the 1961 Cyclone I'm building.
Tried 3 different RDs and various settings, removed chain a couple of times. Didn't have to wipe my hands once - new chain I waxed last week (home brew wax mix). Just how clean it is is a huge advantage. |
Originally Posted by Chuck M
(Post 23007744)
At my age, a lot of things within the last twenty years are newfangled.
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Originally Posted by bboy314
(Post 23007484)
I think it’s time for a chain wax subforum…
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Originally Posted by Polaris OBark
(Post 23007754)
I remember laughing at someone doing it in the mid-1980s. Now I realize he was smarter.
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