Bike Chain Maintenance: How To Maintain A Waxed Chain
Why Choose Waxed Chains for Your Bike
Chain wax is the top lubricant choice of the pros for many reasons. The pros choose chain wax because it is the fastest option, the cleanest, and makes chains last for up to 25,000km. Non-pro cyclists may even benefit even more from hot wax due to the cleanliness and drivetrain longevity. Once you wax your chain, greasy hands during roadside repairs are a thing of the past.
Pre-Ride Prep: What to do Before You Ride
The pre-ride prep for a waxed chain is virtually non-existent. You want to ensure that any of your post-ride applications are dry or if you have a spare chain waiting in the wings, you can install it just before your ride. Do not add additional lubricant just before a ride.
Post-Ride Maintenance Tips
After a ride with a waxed chain you no longer need to use degreaser and thoroughly clean and re-lube a chain. You can simply take a microfiber towel and do a quick wipe to remove any dirt from the outside of the chain. If you do need to apply more lubricant, just after a ride is best. Super Secret Chain Lube can be added and then needs to dry for 4-8 hours, or you can re-dip the chain isn Secret Chain Blend to be ready for the next day.
When and How to Re-Wax Your Chain
Re-waxing your chain is a very simple process with two options. Two re-hot wax your chain, simply remove the chain, wipe it off, and dip it back in the pot for 5-10 minutes. If you want to go with Super Secret Chain Lube, all you need to do is wipe the chain with a microfiber towel and add one drop per link and allow it to dry. Secret Chain Blend typically needs a new application after about 300 miles of clean road riding, while adding an Endurance Chip to the pot will extend the life up to about 600 miles. Super Secret Chain Lube will need to be reapplied about every 200 miles of clean road riding.
SILCA's Tools for Waxed Chain Care
SILCA has no shortage of products to make taking care of your chain a breeze. Our Chain Wax System is the easiest way to melt your wax and hang the chain after. We also offer our Secret Chain Blend, Endurance Chip, and Speed Chip to be ready out of the box or to create your own custom blend of wax to suit your riding style. To clean the chain, we also offer both StripChip that turns wax prep into a single step of wax and strip all in one. For new or used chains, we also offer Chain Stripper that is incredibly easy to use.
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I waxed my chains yesterday and rode the first time today. I bought new Shimano chains and used the chip method for the wax process using your system. I added a second chip for the second chain before waxing. My question is: when I rewax after x miles do I continue using the chip and the existing melted wax (adding a little as needed) because I used the chip vs the chain cleaner product you offer? Note: chain and drive chain was much quieter this morning – awesome!! TIA, Mike
Hello. I have on odd question. Has anyone ever used the super secret drip wax, but then followed it up by heating each link with a lighter to further melt the wax into the links? (no dirt of muck on the train before this method is used :) )
This method would be for long distance trips, not for home use where I have a pot for re-waxing.
Thoughts?
Todd Raddatz
New to the chain waxing world. Thinking about trying it for the new carbon BMX I’m building.
Hi. I have used the secret chain blend with strip chop for my new chains.
I am now ready to rewax them.
Can I use the same wax or should I just use the secret chain blend on its own?
Please let me know
Thanks
Really helpful guide, but you should spellcheck this article.
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