Do you like a clean chain and drivetrain? Do you want to reduce wear on your drivetrain components and extend their life? I do much. I started waxing bike chains for my own. I read a lot about the pros (and cons) of waxing bicycle chains that`s why I decided to ride such a chain and get my personal experience. After quite a long time waxing and riding chains penetrated by a hot wax (on my MTBs only), I got a positive impression and feedback to recommend the chain waxing to you.
I'm happy to wax your bike chain if you want to extend your drivetrain in efficiency, durability, low friction, and cleanliness (not to forget), as well as to reduce overall drivetrain wear.
My complete process of chain cleaning and waxing includes 4 steps:
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basic chain (and drivetrain) cleaning, degreasing and decontamination using industrial solvents. This step includes cleaning the chain (inc. quick links or connectors), chainring(s), cassette sprockets and both derailleur jockey wheels,
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deep chain cleaning by ultrasonic cleaner with the Muc-Off Ultrasonic Chain Cleaner. This step may include ultrasonic cassette sprockets cleaning if needed.
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chemical cleaning with denatured alcohol to get cleaned and degreased chain and quick links,
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chain waxing process. I do have personal experience with the Rex Black Diamond Hot Wax. I`m waxing quick links, too.
Each step requires time and human effort, therefore a complete process takes longer time, as per my experience 12-24 hours. Remember, the key is to remove any oil and grease because any residual oil or grease will contaminate the wax and make it harder for the wax to adhere to the chain (and vice-versa, you don’t want to install your freshly waxed chain onto a dirty drivetrain).
The cleaning process wouldn't end up only in waxing. After the chemical cleaning step, you can decide whether you continue with hot wax, or you choose your favourite drip lube. The chain and the drivetrain are ready for both options. I do chain cleaning and waxing for either a brand new (recommended) or your used, but not worn chain (I recommend measuring your chain and being safe below 50-60% of its usage). I strongly recommend waxing new chains from higher product series, such as Shimano SLX/XT/XTR (Ultegra/Dura Ace) or SRAM X0/XX (Force/RED).
Are you interested in chain waxing? Send me a message to get detailed information about the process and other possibilities.
Peter`s Review
“I replaced the Juice and Muc-Off Dry drip lubes I used for several seasons with the Rex Diamond Back Hot Wax on my 2 bikes. I was impressed by the smooth and silent drivetrain. I`ve been riding a waxed chain (SRAM PC-XX1) for a season and I've never had such smooth gear change in both, up & down directions as with the waxed chain. The drivetrain remains clean even after longer rides in the terrain. I re-waxed my chain after 350-370km. Running a waxed chain on the road means you listen to nothing, just the tyres. It's a shame I didn't discover chain waxing sooner.”
