Hot waxing bicycle chains with ProBikeGarage
Taking care of your bicycle chain is crucial for achieving the best cycling performance and a longer-lasting drivetrain. Hot waxing is a highly effective way to maintain your chain and is becoming more popular among cyclists because of its many benefits.
In this guide, we will delve into what chain hot waxing is, how to get started with waxing your bike chain, and the advantages of having multiple waxed chains. Finally, we will discuss how ProBikeGarage helps you efficiently manage your chain maintenance.
Close-up of a waxed bicycle chain, ready for a ride. Photo by Wayne Bishop.
What is hot waxing for bicycle chains?
Hot waxing involves dipping your bike chain into melted paraffin wax, allowing the wax to penetrate and coat the chain links and rollers. This builds a lubricating layer that reduces friction, keeps dirt away, and prolongs the chain and drivetrain lifespan.
Benefits of hot waxing your bike chain
- Lubrication: Wax provides excellent lubrication, reducing friction between the chain and drivetrain components. This ensures smoother gear shifts and quieter rides for up to 800km between re-waxes.
- Durability: Chain wax acts as the perfect barrier against dirt and grime, which are the primary causes of drivetrain wear. Your drivetrain can last up to 3x longer with a waxed chain.
- Performance: A waxed chain runs more efficiently, which can improve your overall cycling performance. You can save up to 8 watts compared to a dirty chain.
- Cleanliness: Wax doesn’t attract dirt and grime like traditional lubricants, keeping your drivetrain cleaner for longer. You can wash your entire bike and drivetrain with one sponge and towel.
Getting started hot waxing your bike chain
Removing bicycle chain for hot waxing it. Photo by Taylor Smith.
Starting with hot waxing might seem daunting, but with the right guidelines, it’s a straightforward process that pays off almost immediately. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Supplies required for hot waxing
- Chain-specific hot wax (Silca, MSPEEDWAX, Cyclowax, etc.)
- Something to melt the wax (usually a slow cooker or wax melting pot)
- Chain cleaning tools (high-quality degreaser, brush, etc.)
- Hangers for dipping chains into the wax and for cooling them
- Tools and spares to remove/reinstall the chain (quick links, pliers, etc.)
- Protective gloves
Steps to hot wax chains
- Remove the chain: Remove the chain from your bicycle using quick link pliers. Use a chain breaker tool if your chain doesn’t have a quick link.
- Clean the chain: Thoroughly clean your chain to remove any existing lubricant, dirt, and grime. You can put enough degreaser to cover the chain in a container and shake for a few minutes. You can also use brushes to scrub the chain and remove all contaminants. Rinse and dry the chain completely.
- Prepare the wax: Place the wax in a slow cooker or wax melting pot and heat it until it fully melts. Maintain the wax at a temperature around 93ºC (200ºF).
- Wax the chain: Submerge the clean and dry chain into the molten wax. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to ensure the wax penetrates all the chain links and rollers.
- Remove and cool down: Carefully remove the chain from the wax and let the excess wax drip off back into the pot. Then, hang the chain to cool and harden.
- Reinstall the chain: First, you need to break the dry wax on each link to allow the chain to flow through your drivetrain by running it over a round piece of wood or plastic tube. Then, put it back on your bike ensuring proper alignment and checking that the chain moves smoothly.
Easy guide for hot waxing chains. Video by The Bike Sauce.
Maintaining waxed chains
- Cleaning: A simple wipe-down with a dry cloth can help maintain chain cleanliness between re-wases.
- Rewaxing: Depending on your riding conditions, you may need to rewax your chain every 300-500 kilometers. Wet and muddy conditions will necessitate more frequent waxing.
Benefits of rotating multiple waxed chains
Maintaining multiple waxed chains and rotating them provide additional benefits, enhancing your cycling experience and extending the life of your drivetrain:
- Having multiple chains ready means you can quickly swap out a chain without needing to wax it immediately, saving time and effort.
- By rotating chains, you distribute the wear evenly across multiple chains, extending the life of your cassette and chainrings.
- Rotating between chains ensures that you always have a freshly waxed chain, providing consistent performance and reliability.
Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán.
How to rotate chains
- Label your chains to keep track of their usage. You can use a simple numbering system.
- Track mileage for each chain to help you determine when to rewax or replace a chain.
- Schedule regular intervals for rotating your chains based on your riding habits and conditions.
How ProBikeGarage helps you track your chain maintenance
ProBikeGarage is an essential tool for cyclists looking to stay on top of their bike maintenance. Moreover, our app offers several features that help you manage your waxed chains efficiently.
Tracking rewax intervals
ProBikeGarage allows you to easily track the mileage of each chain and set reminders for when it’s time to rewax them. The app notifies you based on the mileage or time intervals you set, ensuring your chains are always in optimal condition.
Managing chain rotation
ProBikeGarage lets you keep detailed records of each chain, including when you last waxed, installed, and removed it. This helps you rotate your chains systematically, ensuring even wear and maximizing the lifespan of your drivetrain.
Monitoring chain and drivetrain duration
ProBikeGarage provides insights into the overall duration and performance of your chains and drivetrain. You can monitor which chains are performing best and identify any part that isn’t running as expected.
Additional ProBikeGarage features
- Track the wear and maintenance of other bike components, such as tires, suspension forks, and brake pads.
- Set reminders for various maintenance tasks, ensuring your bike is always in top condition.
- Maintain a comprehensive maintenance history for your bike, helping you make informed decisions about replacements and upgrades.
Conclusion
Hot waxing your bicycle chain is a highly effective method of chain maintenance, offering superior lubrication, extended chain life, and reduced maintenance efforts. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can start waxing your chains and enjoy its benefits. Additionally, maintaining multiple waxed chains and rotating them can further enhance your experience by ensuring consistent performance and extending the lifespan of your drivetrain components.
ProBikeGarage is the perfect companion for managing your chain maintenance, helping you track rewax intervals, chain rotations, and overall chain duration. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, ProBikeGarage makes it easy to keep your bike in peak condition, allowing you to focus on enjoying your rides.
Start hot waxing your bike chain today and experience the difference it can make in your cycling performance and bike maintenance routine. And don’t forget to leverage ProBikeGarage to stay on top of all your maintenance needs, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride every time.
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