Why Should Cyclists Choose Bike Chain Wax Lubricants?
More and more cyclists are making the switch to wax-based lubricants. Unlike oil-based lubricants that stay liquid, bike chain wax lubricants harden to form a slick, smooth coat that resists dirt and improves drivetrain performance. That means longevity for your components and more value for your money.
When you’re looking for a performance edge in high-torque situations, such as endurance or race cycling, wax-based lubricants are the best.
Unlike the petroleum byproducts used to make traditional chain lube, the waxes used in many wax-based lubricants are biodegradable and non-toxic. That means you can clean your bicycle chain while knowing that the runoff is less damaging to the ground, water, and environment.
How Does Bike Chain Wax Improve Drivetrain Performance?
All lubricants work by reducing the friction between two surfaces. Wax performs better as a lubricant since it hardens into a solid, producing a slick surface that’s better at reducing friction. With less friction, more of the energy from your pedaling is converted into forward momentum instead of being converted to heat energy by friction.
Less friction also means less stress on gears and drivetrain parts, enabling smoother gear changes and more responsive pedals. With reduced wear, your bike chain and chainwheel will last longer, and with the right preparation, you can achieve even more efficiency and extended wear.
Chain wax also helps protect your chain from dirt, rust, and moisture, leading to a cleaner drivetrain.
What’s The Difference Between Drip Wax And Hot Melt Wax?
Bike chain wax lubricants come in two types: drip wax and hot wax. Drip wax comes in squeezable bottles, similar to oil-based lubes. When you squeeze the bottle, the wax comes out as a liquid, but air-dries to a hard wax finish on your chain.
To apply hot wax, on the other hand, you heat it up in a slow cooker or electric heater, and dip the whole bike chain into it for about two minutes.
Drip wax is great for beginners looking to try out chain waxing or everyday cyclists who don’t have a ton of time for maintenance. However, it doesn’t last as long or provide as much protection as a hot wax treatment.
Hot wax offers better lubrication and drivetrain protection, making it the best choice for endurance and performance cycling. However, it’s a bit more expensive than drip wax and requires more time and set-up. Most cyclists find hot wax chain treatments easy to do at home after they get through the initial learning curve.
How Do You Prepare A Chain For Waxing?
If you’re ready to try your first chain wax, you need to start with a spotlessly clean chain. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a brand-new chain or one you already own; new chains are coated in factory grease that’s intended for packing, not lubrication.
To clean your chain:
- Remove your chain from your bike or its packaging
- Find a strong chain stripper or cleaner; the SILCA Chain Stripper is a great option
- Follow the directions on your cleaner about how long your chain should sit
- Remove the chain from the stripper and rinse with water
Your chain is now ready for a hot wax treatment! Don’t worry about the water; it will boil off harmlessly in the hot wax. You can also use an ultrasonic cleaner to prep your chain.
Frequently Asked Questions About SILCA Wax Lubricants
At SILCA, we’re here to answer your questions about bike chain wax lubricants. Feel free to reach out if you have more chain lube questions.
How Often Should I Reapply SILCA Wax Lube?
If you’re using SILCA Secret Chain Blend alone, you should reapply wax lube to your bike chain every 250-300 miles (around 10-12 riding hours). When combined with our Endurance Chips, though, you can extend that range to 800 miles. You can also add SuperSecret Chain Lube every 200 miles to extend the time between hot wax treatments.
Can I Apply Wax Lube Over an Oily Chain?
No, an oily chain will prevent your lubricant from adhering to your chain and doing its job. To clean your chain fast before immersive waxing, use our Chain Stripper. This easy-to-use product is perfect for getting your chain clean and prepped for either drip wax or hot wax. You can also use an ultrasonic cleaner to remove contaminants quickly.
Will Wax Lube Keep My Chain Clean?
Chain wax is the simplest and easiest way to keep your bicycle chain clean and free of debris. Because wax is solid at normal temperatures, it forms a tight barrier that helps keep dirt out. Liquid oil-based lubricants just can’t do that as well as the SILCA wax blend.
Is Wax Lube Quieter than Oil-Based Options?
Both options are great for reducing noise in your bike chain. However, silence isn’t always what you want. Wax lubes do make noise as they break down and need replacing. Liquid oil-based lubes may be quieter, but they can hide the damage that dirty oil is doing to your chain and drivetrain components.
Can I Use SILCA Wax Lube in Wet Conditions?
SILCA wax lube is perfect for wet conditions. It forms a tight seal around your chain that keeps out water, dirt, and debris. Whether you’ve ridden through a rainstorm or got wet splashing in some puddles, make sure you wipe off the wet chain before you put your bike away.
What Chain Wear Reductions Can I Expect with SILCA Lube?
SILCA lubes can help you get 15,000 miles out of your freshly waxed chain, provided you properly care for it. Contrast that with dry lubes and lower-quality wet lubes, which can only get you 1,200-1,500 miles on a chain. SILCA bike chain wax lubricants also help reduce drivetrain wear.
Improve Performance with SILCA Lubes
With the right equipment and care, you'll not only extend chain life but also create a smoother, quieter ride that saves you both time and money. Still have more questions about SILCA? Get in touch with our cycling experts to learn more about our great products.
Frequently Asked Questions About Silca Secret Chain Wax Blend
What makes Secret Chain Blend different from standard bike chain wax?
Secret Chain Blend is a blend of different waxes and additives to be extremely efficient and last up to 300 miles of riding in a single application.
How do I apply the hot wax to my chain?
Hot wax is best applied in a temperature controlled pot like the Chain Wax System, but any slow cooker will work. You will need to strip the chain of any grease/oil and then dip the bare metal chain into the pot for 5 minutes and hang to cool.
How long does the waxing effect last?
Secret Chain Blend lasts up to 300 miles on its own and can be topped up with Super Secret Chain lube or re-waxed in the pot. Adding EnduranceChip to the pot can increase the single application longevity up to 800 miles.
Will waxing this way reduce drivetrain wear?
Absolutely! Testing at ZeroFrictionCycling confirms that a properly cared for chain with Secret Chain Blend can last over 25,000km.
Is this wax safe for indoor application or shared pots?
We would recommend a dedicated pot so you don’t eat wax or the additives. Tungsten Disulfide is the main additive used and is approved for marine paint so it is extremely safe. There are no PFAS chemicals in any of SILCA’s lubricants.
