Switched to drip wax 2 months ago, and I’m still amazed at how easier it is to clean your bike even after a huge mud bath.
The chan does not retain mud or sand like classic lube would, I rode the same tracks last year with oil lube and I always spent so much time cleaning the drivetrain, now it’s so easy, just a dry and clean piece of old cloth and I’m good to go.
I use Silca secret drip wax, this is both my commuting (5km per day, very close) and gravel bike (up to 60 or 70km each ride, twice a week) that allow me to go on forest and riverside paths even when a bit muddy.
The only issue is when it’s raining a lot, I add to rewax right after 20km under heavy rain, the chain was making a lot of noise.
For those like me before who hesitates to go this way, just try and you’ll never go back !
I used an already used chain, put in spirit degreaser, then in silca chain cleaner. That is only the first time. After that you just have to rewax with the drip wax, and sometime you can wash the chain with water hose or soapy water spray. Really easy. Might be less effective than hot wax, but much easier !
Some tips, don’t forget to shake the drip wax bottle before use, and if stored in a cold place try to heat the bottle or the chain (I use an air dryer) to let the water wax emulsion to deep into the chain. Cold emulsion on cold chain will just stay on top of it.
by Dragor027
2 Comments
i’ve used wax before but i feel it doesn’t add any real value compared to a good lube. If my bike is dirty i clean it anyway, having to degrease and lube the chain takes 5-10min extra.
If it works for you that’s great, good we have options.
Instead of muddy conditions, I live in very dry, dusty desert conditions. I just invested in a wax system hoping that the dry dirt won’t collect as much.