How to wax your chain is perhaps one of the most asked questions we get here at Merlin Cycles in our shop. Thankfully Silca have made life a lot easier with their Ultimate Chain Waxing System. In this blog, we break down the steps to using the Ultimate Chain Waxing System and to achieve the best results for easy bike maintenance.
Start with a brand new chain!
It is best to start the waxing process with a brand new chain. This means that only the factory grease is on it, and no deep clean is needed. It is also advisable to see what your chain wear is like on the one being removed as now would be a perfect time to replace any worn cassettes, chain-rings or jockey wheels (again – saving a deep clean of these items before using a waxed chain).
Set up The Silca Ultimate Chain Waxing System
This is a really easy to do process and you will only need a cross-headed screwdriver for attaching the chain holder. Then it’s simply a case of finding a suitable area to do the process, free from clutter and away from edges and pets/children – the wax gets HOT!
Add Wax
Add Silca Secret Chain Blend Hot Melt Wax to the pot so the granules sit 20mm below the top. If using a brand new chain, you will also want to remove the factory grease they come with. This can be done at the same time in the pot by using the Silca StripChip Hot Melt Chain Degreaser – just simply add one chip to the wax. Alternatively, you can use the Silca Ultimate Chain Stripper and Wax Prep in a jam jar with the chain in to remove the grease.
Thread The Chain
The chain needs the Chain Coupler thread through it roughly every 6/7 links so that it can be hung from the top of the pot. This also makes it easy to lower into the pot and remove later.
Turn Up The Heat!
If you’re using the StripChip and de-greasing a brand new chain turn the heat up to 125°. Once this temperature is hit and the wax melted, lower the chain into the wax and swirl it around for 30 seconds. Leave for 10 minutes to allow the wax to penetrate throughout all the links. Then simply turn the pot down to 75°. Once this temperature is hit, lift the chain up and hang it to drip dry from above.
If you’ve already de-greased the chain and not using the StripChip, the pot only needs to be at 75°. Once the wax is melted, lower the chain into the wax, swirl it around for 30 seconds and leave for 10 minutes. Then remove to hang and cool.
Break the Links
The chain once cooled will be now quite stiff and rigid. Simply bend each link both ways to free them up and then fit to the bike with a clean drivetrain. It can take 15-20 minutes of riding for the chain to be properly broken in, but you are now riding a waxed chain.
Chain Waxing Benefits
The biggest benefit that most people say is how clean their drivetrain remains. Due to the lack of oil, there is no dirt that gets stuck to the chain so the whole bike is easier to wash after a ride, speeding up bike maintenance. And just think, no more oily stains on them fresh white socks!
Another benefit is watt-saving and less wear and tear. So you will be saving energy whilst pedaling. Also due to the lack of dirt being attracted to the chain you are removing the grinding paste that can build up causing components to wear out more quickly. Again, less bike maintenance.
Maintenance of the Chain
Once the chain has been submerged in hot melt wax, you can ‘top-up’ the wax using a wax based lubricant such as the Silca Super Secret Chain Lube. This adds fresh wax to the links and keeps it running quietly and smoothly. After around 250-300 miles (depends on riding conditions) you will need to repeat the process of putting the chain in hot melt wax. Though of course, the degreasing process can now be skipped.
To make it easy, we have compiled the Ultimate Chain Waxing Bundle that makes it easy to get started. This includes;
- The Silca Ultimate Chain Waxing System
- Silca Stripchip
- Silca Secret Chain Blend Hot Melt Wax
Get your bundle here – Silca Chain Waxing Bundle
