Chain Waxers get in here plz!

[neil_merseyside]

I recently waxed a chain with homebrew (Paraffin wax, Beeswax, MoS2). I did 170 miles on Way of the Roses last weekend and chain was slightly dusty, I rinsed it off when I checked before my 70 midweek I saw no rust and changing still quiet. 240 in one week with my usual pro-gold would probably be showing more muck (but no noise).

 

[fraz101]

I recently waxed a chain with homebrew (Paraffin wax, Beeswax, MoS2). I did 170 miles on Way of the Roses last weekend and chain was slightly dusty, I rinsed it off when I checked before my 70 midweek I saw no rust and changing still quiet. 240 in one week with my usual pro-gold would probably be showing more muck (but no noise).

When you say you rinsed it off…? Just water over chain?

 

[Buck]

When you say you rinsed it off…? Just water over chain?

You can rinse with cool water to “float” the dust/dirt off or alternatively a dry microfibre cloth to wipe.

(Obviously) don’t use hot water as it’ll strip the wax!
If the chain gets too dirty or needs a rewax you can then use hot water to clean the chain ahead of re-waxing with no need to degrease again.

 

[neil_merseyside]

Wot e said ^^^

 

[wafter]

You can rinse with cool water to “float” the dust/dirt off or alternatively a fry microfibre cloth to wipe.

(Obviously) don’t use hot water as it’ll strip the wax!
If the chain gets too dirty or needs a relax you can then use hot water to clean the chain ahead of re-waxing with no need to degrease again.

Do you not find that this gets inside the links and causes corrosion? On the odd occasion I've been caught out in the rain I've found the wax poor at offering corrosion protection and often got squeaks from corrosion between the links next time out (now if it gets wet it gets dried in the oven).

What sort of mixture of wax are you using? I started with 2:1 wax to liquid paraffin by weight to soften it a bit, although it's still not mobile enough to seal the links when dry.

Maybe related; I never clean my chain as nothing ever seems to stick to it - perhaps because I'm running a harder formulation..?

 

[fraz101]

I used 500gm parafin and 50gram PTFE.

What quick link do you use? Connex apparently the best but v pricey.

I have a sram quick link on an 11sp KMC EL chain.

 

[wafter]

I used 500gm parafin and 50gram PTFE.

What quick link do you use? Connex apparently the best but v pricey.

I have a sram quick link on an 11sp KMC EL chain.

I have a Wippermann chain and spare quick links for the 10sp setup on the road bike, however the link for the 11sp chain is eye-wateringly expensive (IIRC pushing the price of a whole KMC chain) so I'm just using the quick links that came with said chain (I now have three X11s as I bought another two at a seemingly decent price).

The KMC links aren't supposed to be reuseable and you can feel them getting a little more slack with use; however my oldest has probably been off at least 15 times now and is still fine; there's still enough engagement to keep it where it should be and I figure there aren't many forces to encourage it to come apart since the chain is constantly in tension.

 

[Gunk]

The KMC links aren't supposed to be reuseable

what a load of nonsense, I’ve reused them loads of times, I can’t see why you can’t reuse them, there is nothing in the design that makes it a consumable. KMC just want you keep buying them.

 

[roley poley]

erm maybe i am from a different era but i use white lightening wax lube clean ride ..chain link extractor no quick link as it works for me . no problems so far

 

[fraz101]

UPDATE

200 miles on first chain wax and all is good, it’s not noisy yet and is still clean as a whistle.

I plan on re waxing after tomorrows ride.

Pleased so far

 

[fraz101]

Did an additional 66 miles yesterday.

Got a bit rattly on the way.

I have re waxed, 200 miles is the limit from what I can tell so far.

All dry miles.

Chain was really clean, poured some boiling water over the chain,dried and re lubed.

 

[DaveReading]

I can't help thinking that a chain maintenance regime requiring it (presumably?) to be removed every 200 miles would be a real PITA.

 

[fraz101]

I can't help thinking that a chain maintenance regime requiring it (presumably?) to be removed every 200 miles would be a real PITA.

Tbh it’s less hassle than wiping clean a chain then re lubing after every ride. Then cleaning the cassette and chainset of the black oil that’s left behind.

So much cleaner and actually less work once the initial cleaning of the chain is performed,longer lasting chain and probably cheaper than buying lube every few months.

 

[T4tomo]

I think the happy medium and sensible punters choice is "Squirt" wax lube. Quick rag wipe down and reapply every 2 or 3 rides, assuming it hasn't rained on those rides, if so take tat as a cue to rag and reapply.

Have you tried that @fraz101 or have you leapt straight from oil based lubes to full wax dipping.

 

[fraz101]

I think the happy medium and sensible punters choice is "Squirt" wax lube. Quick rag wipe down and reapply every 2 or 3 rides, assuming it hasn't rained on those rides, if so take tat as a cue to rag and reapply.

Have you tried that @fraz101 or have you leapt straight from oil based lubes to full wax dipping.

I have not but I fully agree with your opinion

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