Like others I have gone the hot wax route and am a total convert.
I was but a very wet ride at the weekend made me reconsider.
The chain was cleaned and waxed properly but a 3.5h wet and muddy ride followed by a quick hose down of the bike and a blow off with an airline to dry has left what looks and feels like a totally dry and lube-free chain. There's spots of rust showing on it already in the garage.
I've had a ratch in the garage and found that I've still got a load of Smoove lube in there so I'll try that and see how I get on with it. The other bike I'll stick with the hot wax as it seems to last really well in dryer conditions.
has left what looks and feels like a totally dry and lube-free chain.<br /><br />
What wax are you using out of interest?
Two more to consider. Fenwick's Professional chain lube and TruTension Tungsten All weather. Both I am very impressed with.
+1 for tf2
Effetto Flowerpower drip-on wax here, very clean but needs drying/waxing after every ride to prevent rust.
Previously Rock n Roll Extreme (new formula), also good. Turns my drivetrain dark grey so I scrubbed with degreaser from time to time.
Definitely avoid Wolf Tooth WT-1, sounds like a conspiracy theory but I think they designed this to increase drivetrain component sales. Horrible dirty black mess.
What wax are you using out of interest?<br /><br />
I was using GLF Wax.
TruTension Tungsten is one of a few that ZFC recommend for top ups between waxings. I have a bottle of it but not used it yet as I haven’t had any situation where putting on a spare chain and rewaxing isn’t an option. I suspect when I take the bike away for summer hols it will come into its own…👍
I do exactly what oceanskipper does. 2 chains, rotate them.
Have a fresh one ready to go when the one in use runs out of wax.
only difference is I run a homebrew wax mixture. I am also not a massive putoline fan due to the black gunk.
Once you've shelled out for the fryer (which shoul dbe under 20 quid) it is extremely cost effective
I tend to wax multiple bikes' chains together while the deep fat fryer is on.
I spray on a bit of water displacement lube (e.g. GT85) after wet rides to keep surface rust at bay
I'm never going back to lube unless in emergencies or when away from home for long periods
What wax are you using out of interest?<br />I was using GLF Wax<br /><br />
@crossed Interesting. I tried GLF wax and found the same. It smells lovely but doesn’t seem to perform anywhere near as well as Molten Speed Wax. Neither as good as Putoline though for longevity in the wet. Putoline lasts months in the winter. MSW needs reapplying after a wet ride but lasts over 4hrs on a road bike.
Interesting.
I may need to try a different wax in that case.
I've tried Putoline, Squirt, Smoove, Peatys, Muc Off, Viking, Rock and Roll, Finish Line, etc etc, for me they all have their downsides, particularly the price these days but also some of them leaving rust after one wet ride. The Weldtite is cheap enough to reapply after every wash if required, doesn't leave gunk or turn everything black. Just ordered 400ml for £13 off Amazon, might go for 5l for £40 next time. Cheers for the reminder @chakaping!
Went to treat my chain with some squirt, whole bottle gone waxy and won't come out of the bottle. Then i read it says don't let it freeze. Took it to the Highlands at the weekend where it was a bit chilly. I had hot waxed the chain prior to that trip and performed well with out needing a top up but now back down south. Is there any way of resurrecting the bottle of once frozen squirt?
Didn't freeze at the Puffer last weekend and it was significantly below zero degrees C.
The riding conditions were indeed extreme:
