Chain Waxing

Raam

Not spotted another thread, so here is my experience.

Decided to finally give it a go. I followed the process from these two videos:

• Chain clean: https://youtu.be/sYxzHClWfQU?t=657
• Chain wax: https://youtu.be/HHr9znwpwmQ?t=726

I bought these things:

• PTFE Powder 1.6 Micron Size 50g: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CDQVYYL7
• Mouldmaster Paraffin Wax, Translucent, 1kg: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09GFNWBMN
• Crockpot Slow Cooker: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08FB994L8
• Bartoline 2Litre Methylated Spirit: https://www.woodies.ie/bartoline-2litre-methylated-spirit-1138643?objectId=51097&queryId=e830fb855521643adca7fe859b77674b&indexName=prod_default_products

I already had these things:

• degreaser
• petrol
• 3 good sized jars with lids

First up was the chain cleaning process...

I put the chain into petrol for about 8 hours. I poured in enough to cover the chain.

Whilst that was happening, I did a deep clean on these parts with degreaser: cassette, chainrings, jockeywheels and I cleaned gunk off the front and rear mechs

Got them all really really clean. Scrubing with an old toothbrush works really well. I've heard of people using cotton buds for the jockey wheels, but I didn't.

Other than the mechs, I removed all parts for the deep clean.

I made the hanger tool for waxing out of an old hanger. I kept the normal hook bit of the hanger to use for fishing the chain and the connector links out of the various jars.

After eight hours in petrol I then put the chain into meth spirits over night.

There was a lot of residue at the bottom the next day, so I left it overnight again but this time in a jar of degreaser.

Took it out of degreaser the next day, rinsed it with water then into a fresh bit of meth spirits again for about 40 minutes. This time the solution was entirely clear, which meant the chain was properly clean.

Next up is the waxing process...

Measured 500g of wax pellets and put them into the crockpot at low temp. It took two hours to melt it all.

Then the ptfe was added, 50g. Stir it in.

Then put the chain on the hanger and pop it into the crockpot and swish it about for a bit. Left it in for 15 minutes with the heat on.

Then took it out and wiped it down and let it cool

Break all the hard wax so the links are free, clean the connector link and hook it all back up

Initial impressions: the thing is clean. Took a quick spin around the block, lots of wax bits coming off. Bit noisey. Will see how it goes on a longer spin tomorrow evening.

CramCycle

Takes a few Kms for the excess wax to fall off and the chain to properly sit and then you are good to go. Only issue with waxing is being prepped to redo it and I find I am not a well prepped person outside of work. I'd recommend having 2 or 3 chains if possible, so you have always have a spare to swap when dirty and can redo the other at you leisure (I never do this).

crosstownk

I'd be interested to hear how it goes on the road after a good few spins - especially wet spins.

I've read many reviews of the waxing process and so far it seems like lots of faff. I genuinely wonder if it'd be easier to degrease and re-lube regularly rather than the laborious waxing process.

That said, I'd be tempted to try wax as it seems to stay cleaner for far longer so I'd be very interested to hear your opinion after a fair few spins in all sorts of weather. Be sure to post updates if you can.

Bambaata

After the first chain clean it's really easy. I run 4 chains so do a full rewax in the hot pot when I've gone through them all. Water and was is better than your general lubricant also. I use the Silca drop on version between the full rewax to both get the chain fully waxed and prolong life before having to hot wax again.

One of my favourite things about it is how clean it is to handle, lug bike into car etc without even having to worry if I touch it or if it touches any part of the car, absolutely zero dirt!

Large bottle small glass

Teflon in a cooking pot.

Jaysus

Mefistofelino

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121066325#Comment_121066325

On the plus side, no constipation in that household.

CantGetNoSleep

Once you have done it once or twice, even the initial pre-clean is easy enough once you have the right jars and things to use. I find it the perfect job for a working from home day.

Then rewaxing is something you just need to remember to do in time.

I've been using wax on all my bikes since the spring (not many wet rides to be fair) - the difference in how clean my bikes are is really enormous

Raam

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121066489#Comment_121066489

Oh don't worry, I bought new crockpot solely for this ;-)

Paddigol

Super report Raam! I haven't been converted to wax yet (even enjoy the bike cleaning/ lubing process for some reason!) but this is a nudge in that direction

Plastik

Is it worth it?

Cleanliness notwithstanding, what difference have you noticed for it to be worth the outlay of time, wax, equipment, multiple chains etc.?

CramCycle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121068350#Comment_121068350

The saving on wear of the chains will pay for any and all equipment in a few years. So while it is a large outlay in regards 3 chains, pots, wax etc. You won't need to replace the chains anywhere near as often so if 3 chains done you 3 years, they will likely go over 10 years now (and that is a conservative estimate) as well as reduced wear on cassettes and chainrings.

The question then becomes how much is your time worth. In my opinion, once the first day is done, it becomes quicker and easier. The wash step Raam details can be almost 100% achieved by pouring boiling water over the removed chain and then into whatever solvent you are using. You will see the amount of dirt is minimal and saves a huge amount of time.

jamesd

Ive been using Silca's chain stripper and their SILCA Super Secret Chain Lube, took chain off and cleaned with the stripper and brush, then dropped the lube on each link - nice and quite drive train now and its staying clean even after a wet spin.

Raam

I took it out for an hour earlier and it was far too squeaky for my liking so I did the boiling water thing and rewaxed. It's gone back on the bike now so I'll have a spin later to see how it feels.

Tony EH

Probably cheaper and easier just to buy a new chain?

Large bottle small glass

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121068350#Comment_121068350

Don't forget the stock pot!!

It's a safe space for drivetrain nerds 😄

harmless

It is nice to have such a clean drivetrain but be sure to bring a bottle of squirt chain lube with you in case you do get caught in a downpour.

Has anyone tried this all year round?

Paddigol

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121068425#Comment_121068425

But chain-stretch isn't determined by cleanliness is it? As in, if your chain is spotlessly maintained but you're doing big mileage you'll still need to replace it well before 10 years? According to that chain measuring calliper device yoke?

CramCycle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121068547#Comment_121068547

Chain stretch is mainly wear not actually stretching, so while I was pulling the numbers out of my ass, it will last longer as the wear should be significantly less. I e seen a few places on you tube showing almost immeasurable wear after long distances/time intervals. Admittedly I take YouTube reports with a pinch of salt but it's definitely reduced on mine.

dahat

One question I have is that as a rough rule I use 3 chains per cassette in a year / racing season on the good bike.

Have the waxers here found the cassette itself lasts longer? A cassette roughly twice the price of a chain these days so that would interest me if the cassette lasts longer.

Plastik

I would imagine it is pure useless for racing on a wet day. You'll wash all the wax out on your warmup.

I really like the idea, but in terms of practical application, I've a hard time reconciling the effort & reward. I don't think we have the climate for it. I don't take my good bike out in the wet, I've other bikes for that. I'd say I've had 3 chains in 20,000km/6 years on it. So another 3 chains and all the cost up front .. would probably stick to my off the shelf dry/wax lube.

CramCycle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121069009#Comment_121069009

Absolutely fine for racing in the wet but needs rewaxing more regularly. I certainly would get plenty of commutes in winter weather and wet races without issue. In fact I'd say it does really well in the wet. No different than any other lube, you have to reapply more often.

07Lapierre

I hope you’re not using a Shimano chain on a Campag groupset! You know that’s a criminal offence right?

crosstownk

I replace chains at approximately 6,000kms (that's usually the kilometrage when the chain checker goes to past 0.75) so that's two chains per year (one on each bike). I clean the chains every 200-300kms and my cassettes and chainrings last well over 30,000kms.

Would wax increase these intervals significantly enough to make the additional work worth while? Also, I think the breakeven point may be a fair few years but I'm warming to the idea of a perpetually clean chain - even in the depths of winter...........?

Bambaata

Big misconception that rain will wash it out. Wax does better than anything else in the rain.

Here's the best source of independent data I've come across

https://zerofrictioncycling.com.au/lubetesting/

Crocked

GPLama just did a long term review of waxing. He put 15,000km on a waxed chain with minimal sign of wear. He only changed it because he had a new one sitting in the parts bin for the last 18 months and fancied just using it.

Once you do the initial strip of the factory grease, waxing is easy. Do a full immersion wax the first time (takes a bit longer to build up the wax if just do drip wax) and then just top up with drip wax after that. Can redo full immersion wax if get caught out in particularly manky conditions. I've raced all this year with just drip waxing. Even in rain you'll be grand for a race, water isn't going to instantly wash off all the wax. Wipe any water off chain before putting it into the car and apply drip wax when get home. Not having to deal with a dirty chain is worth the 2 minutes it takes to drop some drip wax on the chain every couple of spins. Your chain and cassette will stay spotless. I have a reminder setup in Garmin connect which sends me an email once I've done ~200km to do a drip waxing.

Macy0161

Do you have to do the same stripping to other brand new components (cassette, derailluer, chainset?). I probably won't do it with current race bike, but if I do build up n+1 over the winter, I may start as I mean to go on!

jamesd

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121071259#Comment_121071259

Didnt know Garmin connect could do reminders, thats very handy - will have a look.

Raam

My Edge 1030 doesn't seem to allow me to do reminders like that.

magicbastarder

is it configured in garmin connect or direct on your garmin?

Crocked

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121071505#Comment_121071505

Just the chain, cassette etc don't come with any lubricant etc on them. If used then give them a clean to remove any oil.

Crocked

You do it in Garmin connect or the app. What you are doing is adding it to your gear as type "other". Give it a nickname, eg Drip wax chain. Then set the max distance to when you want the reminder. For example, for the drip waxing initially set the max distance to 200km, when you hit that mark you'll get a reminder email (make sure you have email notifications on). You then add 200km to the max distance setting (200 above what ever your current distance is, so say you hit 210km and get the reminder, increase it to 410km). You can set it so it automatically adds that gear to particular activities eg cycling. I don't do that as I can't figure out to seperate indoor rides and outdoor. rides So I manually add the gear to the activity afterwards.

Sounds convoluted, but is pretty straight forward and only takes a second to add the gear to your activity once all is setup. I think intervals.icu also do this if you use that service but haven't looked into that yet.

Macy0161

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121066913#Comment_121066913

I a thread popped up on another (mainly US) forum about chain waxing, and someone suggested the slow cooker/ crockpot liners you can get. I'm still not sure I'd risk it, and it seems like what most do is have a separate one and just leave the wax in it for the next time - although you could let it cool and lift out the wax in the liner I guess. There's a few posts about removing any contaminants that get in the wax despite cleaning a used waxed chain.

jamesd

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121074515#Comment_121074515

Have done this now via the App - Thanks.

Hotblack Desiato

This is exactly what motorcyclists used to do 50 or 60 years ago! long before my time.

The wax was sold in a large diameter tin which was supposed to be heated very slowly on a stove and then the chain dropped in (after cleaning it in petrol and drying).

Can't imagine it was very effective as motorcycle power outputs grew greatly through the 1970s, but then o-ring chains came along. Spray lubes (either sticky grease, wax, or PTFE) are the norm today but drip-feed chain oilers have a dramatic effect on motorcycle chain and sprocket life (and mess). I once got close to 50,000km out of a chain and sprocket set with an oiler.

Incidentally on a motorbike, a new chain on old sprockets (or vice-versa) will cause very rapid wear as the parts wear into each other as the chain stretches. Not sure if that's as much of a problem with 1-2hp to play with instead of 50 or 100...

CantGetNoSleep

How are people managing after wet rides? I've been hot waxing every 300km or so since spring but the last week or two have been wet or at least very dirty bike getting home. Last time I tried a quick wash but ended up with specs of rust on the chain and cassette. Hot wax every Sunday afternoon isn't really feasible. Take the chain off when cleaning and wipe it down? Leave it on and dry immediately? What is your routine?

magicbastarder

Every 300km? I thought it didn't need to be done that often.

CramCycle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121243590#Comment_121243590

I certainly ain't doing it anywhere close to that over the summer

ARX

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121242298#Comment_121242298

I take the chain off (quick link) and wipe it with an old towel to get the worst of the dirt and water off and put it into an Ikea food container with a lid that seals. I pour in some Dynamic chain cleaner and let it sit for a while and then give it a couple of vigorous shakes over the next few hours. When the dirt has settled to the bottom I take the chain out and drain the chain cleaner through a funnel with a coffee filter into a jar - it can be reused indefinitely so you really only need to buy it once. Then I give the chain a wipe with a towel and lay it out on the bench and relube with Fenwicks All-Conditions lube. Let the chain sit for a while and then wave it around to articulate the links and make sure the lube is everywhere inside the chain, wipe off the excess lube and put it back on.

It sounds tedious but it's probably only about 10 minutes' work over a few hours. Having the chain off makes it much easier to clean the chainrings, derailleurs and cassette. I used one of those chain cleaning machines in the past but found it to be tedious and messy.

https://www.dynamicbikecare.com/products/chain-cleaner-1l

magicbastarder

how often do you do that? i break the quick link as rarely as possible - i think shimano say their ones should be replaced after being popped open?

Pomodoro

Please don't use PTFEs for your hobby:

https://www.ri.se/en/there-are-no-justifiable-reasons-to-use-ptfe-in-bike-lubes

ARX

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121244697#Comment_121244697

As often as the chain gets manky tbh. I use a KMC Missing Link - KMC suggests it can be reused 3 to 5 times but I've done more than that without problems (9 speed). I've also tried the Wippermann Connex link which can be reused indefinitely and doesn't need tools - that one came open by itself so I stopped using it. Might try them again.

Still, even if you stick to the upper limit of 5 uses, it only costs a Euro or two each time you break the link. For me that's worth it for the time saved and the cleaner drivetrain.

Macy0161

Would you wax for Gravel, or just to much with mud/ dirt/ water?

Euppy

I have a small slow cooker and 5kg bag of paraffin wax. Tried waxing but not for me in the long run. Free if you collect all in D14. Nice opportunity to try waxing!

kenmc

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121245866#Comment_121245866

I wax both mtb and gravel bike, done so for about 18 months now. Much easier to clean mud etc off it

kensingtondell

I've been keeping an eye on this thread and I was going to give the initial cleaning and waxing a go over Christmas when I was off work. I found a crowd in Ireland that does it for you. Would it be just as well to get them to do the initial cleaning and waxing and then I take it over from there? I'd just have to get the bag of wax and a slow cooker then and away I go for subsequent waxes.

Bambaata

It really isn't hard at all tbh. If you can dedicate a slow cooker to it it's even easier as you can just leave it in it and reuse as you need to. Only advice I can give is do it with new chains, cleaning used chains takes a good bit longer. Also do it to two or three chains at once and that's all the chains you'll likely need for a few years if you keep them right!

fat bloke

I've cans of motorcycle spray on chain wax. Anyone tried the likes on a roadbike?

nicksnikita

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121507917#Comment_121507917

I used a motorcycle chain lube once on my bike chain and it destroyed the chain.

Everything from the road stuck to it and then I couldn’t get the dirt or lube off

G1032

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121069749#Comment_121069749

Just an fyi in case you're riding 11 speed. Chain wear is 0.5% for 11speed. I found this out the hard way🙁.

CramCycle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121507610#Comment_121507610

How much do they charge, I'd do it for a reasonable price

CramCycle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121507917#Comment_121507917

Don't do it, it's not suitable, if it doesn't do what nick described it will simply not move correctly and jm up somewhere.