Is chain waxing for you?
Is chain waxing for you?
If you ride often and find yourself with dirty pant legs, dirty hands? Chainring tattoos?
Do you find your chain wear replacement costs are bothersome?
When it comes to maintaining your bike, the topic of chain lubrication often arises. While traditional oil-based lubricants have long been the go-to option for cyclists, a rising trend is bike chain waxing. But what makes waxing a superior choice for your bike chain, or not? *there are some downsides*
Advantages:
Wax provides an incredibly low-friction surface allowing your chain to glide more smoothly over the gears. This mean less wear and tear on both your chain and the rest of the drivetrain, ultimately extending their lifespan. In addition your shifting improve will improve thus making your ride more enjoyable.
One of the standout advantages of bike chain waxing is its cleanliness. Traditional lubricants tend to attract dirt, grime, sand, salt and more, leading to a mucky buildup on your drivetrain. In contrast, wax-based lubes repel dirt! Keeping your chain cleaner for longer. This not only makes maintenance easier but keeps everything you touch afterwards cleaner.
Are there any racing advantages? Waxed chains do technically save you watts. They enable higher speeds and improved overall efficiency. Is this advantage the first thing you will notice? No, however it is there if you need it.
Riding on a trainer indoors? Waxing can get rid of oil dripping onto your carpet or floor. Any residue which may fall off your chain can be easily vacuumed away!
Disadvantages:
However limited, there are some negatives to keep in mind. Riding in the rain is not recommended for extended periods of time. Some types of wax fair better than others but they all fail eventually by fading away. From personal experiences here in the service department light spray and drizzle is fine, however if you find your self riding in continuous down poor a traditional wet-lube is recommended.
A waxed chain lasts only about 1000km in-between application, this can be extended with bottled drip wax, not lubes all are born equal. Riding for an extended period of time for example on a multiday trip it may be recommended to bring the aforementioned drip wax lube bottles.
Are you in or out?
If you are looking to elevate your experience, consider the switch. With it's myriad of benefits- reduced wear, cleanliness, enhanced performance. Waxing could be the game changer your bike has been waiting for. Why not give it a try? Your bike and your rides will thank you.
Check out our Chain waxing service
- Ultra-Sonic Cleaning: We rigorously clean you chain with various cleaning agents to ensure maximum wax lifespan.
- Chain Drying: After cleaning your chain we dry it out overnight making sure every component of your chain is ready for the wax using an alcohol based solution.
- Submersion: Finally, we submerge the chain in wax ensuring a balanced spread and then break the links loose to avoid skipping.