yaw

Hey I saw your new bike post yesterday, I am so out of the loop with cycling media that I didn't even know number 8 was out. I think it looks cool the way you have it set up, weird head tube for sure, I am certain it goes well. I'd consider that model if I was in the market.

I think factory grease and a lot of higher viscosity lubes and drip waxes have really good long term dampening. I must confess that I never rode any chain treatment to the point where it got friction noisy, but I would not really push it that far.

I bet you'll get plenty of crap out of your chain at this point if you were to shake it up in solvents to prep for wax. I think the start of a chain's life can be a harsh period, with a lot of the shavings coming out and circulating around, albeit quietly. I'd be prepping it at this stage, but that's me - let us know how it goes! A pic of the shake up would be interesting, if convenient.

eduskator

Will do for sure! And yes, the ''sniffer'' looks odd at first, but with the steerer tube cut, the whole thing just looks nice! It's for sure the stiffest and most responsive bike I've owned so far.

For the chain, I am not sure which noise you are referring to, but the contact points between the outside of the chain and the cogs / chainrings will always make some noise...it's noise coming from the internal (rollers) that you don't want! My waxed chain always gets noisier after 50-100kms but it's still good for another 200kms.

Right now, my new one is still quiet and that's amazing! I wanted to ''break'' it before its initial wax and I think it's time now, but I am stunned by the fact that it is still as quiet as when it was new

EDIT: By the way, do you have any recommendation for re usable quick links for 12 speed chain? I am having a hard time finding some... KMC does not seem to make them? I found some on Amazon but I am not sure if I should trust this. Amazon.com : SUNTRADE 8 Pairs Reusable Bicycle Missing Link for 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11,12 Speed Chain : Sports & Outdoors

TMonk

Do you ride Shimano? Don't they have their own 12 speed links? Pretty sure that's what's on my TCR atm

eduskator

Yes, but they don't sell the reusable ones and I'm having a hard time finding the KMC ones.

I've always reused my quick links a few times, but I'd rather have a more permanent solution like the Wippermann Connex link (that I can't find either).

TMonk

lame. im sure this will catch up to me sooner or later so I'll stay tuned.

Ryan_M

I've never seen a KMC chain that didn't come with one (albeit most of my chains are Shimano), did they stop doing that with the 12s? I've never had one not last the lifetime of the chain.

eduskator

I don't know since I have an ultegra chain right now. I don't think KMC chains are sold with the reusable link either. I doubt it. All the bikes I owned that came equipped with KMC chains didn't have a reusable link.

Ryan_M

Ahh gotcha. Yeah from what I've seen the OEM stuff doesn't have a quick link (for either manufacturer) but if you buy a retail replacement chain they do. Here's a link to the KMC 12s missing links... but you could be in for a wait.

eduskator

Thanks, but they're probably knockoffs and are the non reusable ones anyways...

Ryan_M

You might be SOL for finding one that officially states it's reusable in 12s, but why would you assume it's a knock off?

eduskator

I don't trust aliexpress for genuine stuff.

flangehead

No rush. We’ll be here.

eduskator

Here you go! This is a picture of my new chain (400kms ridden on factory lube) in gasoline! I shook it up pretty well and I'm leaving it in there for the night. Will waxxxxxxxxxx it tomorrow after rinsing and drying it.

yaw

Thanks for sharing eduskator did you get many particles and metal shavings out?

As for quick links, I use YBN QRS Masterlinks which come in 6 packs and are officially 5x re-usable. I use them on both YBN and Dura Ace chains without a problem or difference.

I have also re-used the "single use" Shimano quick links up to 5x in the past. As long as they have strong engagement (decent force require to snap them open or shut) then I don't see why they can't be re-used. The engagement on these Shimano links is strong.

To be a bit on the safer side, I do chuck them all after 5 uses, although I am sure there is still a good margin left based on their engagement. I also carry a new quick link in my spare kit just in case. Just the links, since they can be engaged with crank pressure on the road without the tool if needed.

Also, and this is very anecdotal and I don't recall the source, but I heard that KMC chain coatings don't bond well with wax. I don't have a preference between YBN and DA, but I do like to alternate black YBN with silver Shimano chains just so it's a bit easier to tell where I am at in the rotation.

eduskator

Yes! Lots of crap for sure. Can't differentiate the metal shavings from the other crap, though. It's a thick black layer at the bottom of the jar.

spelger

if steel shavings then you can use a magnet to collect it together. just put the magnet on the bottom of the jar and move it around. (not in the jar). if aluminum then no go. my jar has both steel and non ferrous bits floating around.

base2 

I went for a ride today to finish out 2023. This chain has 100 wet & soggy miles on it. I noticed something peculiar. See if you see it...





See it?
The waxed drivetrain appears to actively reject mud and grit. After a hundred miles in this muck, the links and rollers are still packed with wax. Abrasive material can't get in even if it wanted to.

Cool.

13ollocks

I try to avoid shooting arrows at my chain…🤔

tempocyclist

I've not had any luck finding in-stock reusable 12 speed quick links here. It's why my 12-speed bike is the only one without a hot waxed chain still... 😞

spelger

sorry, no. chain looks dirty to me.

base2 

But you know where it’s not dirty? All the places oil would’ve been squeezed out of and allowed dirt in.

An overnight dry in my living room & a toothbrush the next day is all it took for a return to fantastic minty freshness.

I might even rewax it again in a few weeks if it keeps being ridden in this kind of muck

I can’t believe I ever used to use oil.

spelger

you mean like in the rollers? where it matters? did you disassemble the chain and inspect? i have a hard time believing that.

i'm a waxer but i don't buy this claim.

tomato coupe

How do you know that?

base2 

...and spelger
Because the chain doesn't transversely roll in the fingers nearly to the extent that a "loose" chain does. There is also no "rattle of pearls" that would indicate free clearance between the pins & rollers. It is still "tight" in nearly the same manner as would be if it just cooled from the wax pot. IOW: Still packed with wax.

Whether you can verify for yourself in person the degree of my claim is hardly material. This is the Internet, after all 😉 The fact is oil would be easily displaced, attract the grit and encourage it to stay around a while. Perhaps even transport the fine particles inside This is is not the black sticky mess oilers seem to like. I just thought it'd be cool to share.

What I actually get from the experience is when riding in temps below the low 40's, wax is even more viscous and apt to avoid displacement even better than at warmer temps. That's good news as far as I am concerned.

tomato coupe

How do you know that it's still packed with wax and not dirt?