FAQ to the SILCA Customer Service Team

Here at SILCA we try to make sure everybody who has a question about something we do gets it answered.  There are a few people you may interact with, but our Customer Service Manager, Martha, sat down to share some of the most frequently asked questions and her answers to them.
  1. What is the best Chain treatment for me?

 

This is the most common question that I get! Whether you should be using Hot melt wax, Super Secret Chain Lube, or Synergetic depends primarily on how much effort you're willing to put in for maximum chain efficiency. Hot Melt Wax is going to be our fastest option, but to get the full benefit you will have to put in some time prepping and waxing your chain. Super Secret Chain Lube is our next fastest lubricant and takes a bit less effort than the Hot Melt Wax to apply, but it still requires a really clean chain for the first application and needs time to fully set on the chain. Synergetic is our third fastest option and can be applied right on top of factory lube and requires no time to set. Josh does a great job breaking down this question in this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BioDifO22uE

 

  1. What sort of maintenance should I be performing on my pump?

 

Our pumps are built to last you for many years to come, and with just a bit of maintenance, you can ensure that you're getting the best performance possible! For routine maintenance, add a bit of lubricant to the leather gasket about once every year (or more if you live in a dry or salty environment). I like to do this in the winter when the air is a bit dryer as this can affect the gasket. You can check out this video here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_7yyzR6SmU) to see how this is done. Other than that, just replacing the chuck gasket every 3 to 5 years will be all that you need to do to keep your pump working well. If you find yourself needing to do a complete restoration, check out this video here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPt94ADMkWc

 

  1. Which replacement gasket will be compatible with my chuck?

 

Every 3-5 years, you may find that your chuck is not creating a seal on the valve stem quite as good as it did before. If that happens, then it's time to pick up a new chuck gasket. We offer a few chuck replacement gaskets: the 242, 323, 254, and 252. The 254 is compatible with the Hirochuck. The 252 is compatible with the Disc Wheel Adapter. The 242 is compatible with any of our bell-shaped Presta chucks. The 323 is compatible with the modern Impero Ultimate, Pocket Impero, and Reversible Chuck. You can see how to install new gaskets in this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhi0BABpFFo

 

  1. Which replacement leather gasket is compatible with my pump?

 

The best way to determine the size leather gasket that you need is to measure the internal diameter of your pump barrel. If you get 28mm, then you will need the 731 leather gasket. Most pumps produced before 2008 will have an internal diameter of 28mm. If you get a measurement of 30mm, then you will want to pick up the 741 leather gasket. To see how to lubricate a new leather gasket, check out this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXPesPm_FNI

 

What other questions do you have that we can answer for you?  Leave them in the comments here and we will answer as many as we can!  Happy riding!


13 comments


  • Rich

    There is a lot of info and education material related to waxing chains on the site, but nothing I can see regarding all the other parts of the drivetrain and what the best lubricant is – wet lube, super secret drip wax, WD-40? What should I be using to lubricate the rest of the drivetrain, specifically the jockey gears?


  • Meg Cortright Cadogan

    Hello: If I cleaned my chain and I just started using the Super Secret lube, how much/what type of cleaning should I do to prep for the Super Secret wax?
    Thanks, Meg


  • Joel

    I have a vintage Impero frame pump with no compression. The gasket at the end of the piston is shot. What is the replacement gasket?

    Thank you!


  • Jaymi Dumper

    Hi, love your products!! I currently have a pot of molten speed wax, which I’ve been using on my bike chains for the past year or so. I have your super secret lube which I use to top it off more or less weekly. I renew the chain in the speed wax every 2 months or so (a bit more in the winter).
    I have 2 questions:
    1- I just got a new dura ace chain and want to clean out the factory grease prior to immersing it. At the local hardware store they didn’t have any citrus degreaser specifying airplane safe. What they did have is CLR degreaser (grease magnet). I gather this is different than regular CLR, it is biodegradeable and sounds safe for the environment. Will this work to clean the chain. I plan to use mineral spirits first overnight, followed by the degreaser than some denatured alcohol as per your blog.

    2-second question, the podcast with the friction facts chain guy talks about “just popping the chain off” like after every ride. He makes it sound like its super easy and a great way to clean the bike. I agree popping the chain off is pretty easy once you’ve done it, but he doesn’t talk about re using the master link. the manufacturer’s say no to re-using the link, thus does he have hundreds of master links to use each time he pops the chain off?

    thanks


  • Martin

    I’m putting tubeless tires on my sons bike for the first time. I’ve never used sealant before. I purchased your sealant but I’m not sure if the best way to use it or how to apply it. I know it can’t be injected

    Thanks


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