How to Wax Your Bicycle Chain for Better Performance and Longevity!
Waxing your bicycle chain is a great way to improve its performance, longevity and save watts. It provides a smooth, low-friction surface that helps the bicycle chain to run more efficiently. It also repels dirt and moisture, which can help to prevent wear and tear on the bicycle chain and other drive train components. This is an extra bonus, especially when you are cycling in the dusty roads in the UAE.
What you need:
- You will need a rice cooker
- Paraffin wax (Silca Hot Wax or Silca Secret Chain Blend- Hot Melt Wax)
* Silca Secret Chain Blend- Hot Melt Wax bag can be used to hot wax your chain in a pot of water. - A chain waxer (or a spoke/coat hanger).
Our recommended steps on how to wax your bicycle chain:
- Clean your bicycle chain thoroughly. This is important, as any dirt or debris will prevent the wax from adhering properly. Check out our chain cleaner and degreaser that you may use to clean your bicycle chain. Wolfi's has products from both FinishLine and UFO.
- Melt the wax in the rice cooker. You can use either block wax or flake wax. If you are using block wax, you will need to grate it into small pieces first.
- Suspend your bicycle chain in the melted wax. You can do this by threading your chain through a spoke or coat hanger and then suspending it over the slow cooker.
- Let the chain soak in the wax for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the chain from the wax and allow it to drip dry.
- Wipe off any excess wax with a clean cloth.
Wax your chain regularly. The frequency of waxing will depend on how often you ride and the conditions in which you ride. However, a good rule of thumb is to wax your chain every 2-3 months. Waxed chains require less frequent cleaning and lubrication, which saves you time and money.