How to lube your chain – science of drip lube

I’m a hot melt wax fan but this video has seriously useful tips for drip lube users, especially wax drip like Silca Super Secret

Well I shall certainly consider changing where I apply the lube.

You had me at ‘lube’

TLDW:

With oil it’s ok to apply on the upper side of the lower span, as oil clings to the chain. But the following technique is still better.

However with anything that has a carrier (e.g. water, alcohol) like the waxes do, they’re going tend to run off especially on chains that have a coating.

So apply it at the top just before it goes over the cassette.

8:35 for an interesting closeup view.

Interesting

Not sure if it’s the chain I’m using but I’ve never seen my drip wax run off using the ‘wrong method’. Perhaps it’s because i ensure it’s thoroughly dry before applying – seems to spread nicely after 20 pedal turns

Well the logic make sense so I shall give it a try. The biggest challenge is getting a clean chain once it been for a ride or 2

Will have a nosey at lunch, but I don’t tend to suffer run off but I suspect I’m being a bit too liberal with my application of Squirt, so the chain is coated…I then tend to run the chain over the cassette so the cassette also has a bit of a covering. However, I’ll have a watch and see if what I’m doing wrong is definitely wrong, if so, I’ll amend my technique.

Watched the bit with the chain sucking up the lube – I need to watch it all now as I suspect I’m going to be sold by this technique now!

That really didn’t need a 15 minute video. 🤣 But I’ll give it a go.

I actually saw this in another (Silca?) YouTube video and have been doing it like that ever since. Can’t honestly say I’ve noticed any difference from applying it on the “inside” of the chain.

chrismac
Well the logic make sense so I shall give it a try. The biggest challenge is getting a clean chain once it been for a ride or 2

I’m a hot wax fan but yeah it seems logical to me. Josh really seems to care. Cassettes are SO expansive be now i feel hot belt is worth the faff but I’d better not reopen that debate.

If you’re using a wax lube like super secret the way back to a pristine chain is take it off and rinse in boiling water. (Don’t put lid on tight, it may explode)

Not sure if it’s the chain I’m using but I’ve never seen my drip wax run off using the ‘wrong method’. Perhaps it’s because i ensure it’s thoroughly dry before applying – seems to spread nicely after 20 pedal turns

Same, but I expect this method will get more of it inside the rollers.

Well the logic make sense so I shall give it a try. The biggest challenge is getting a clean chain once it been for a ride or 2

If you’re using a wax lube like super secret the way back to a pristine chain is take it off and rinse in boiling water. (Don’t put lid on tight, it may explode)

I use a drip wax (Flowerpower), my chain gets clean post muddy ride just by rinsing with cold water.

The biggest challenge is getting a clean chain once it been for a ride or 2

Not really. Wax lube chains don’t get as mucky as oil based lube ones. A run through a cloth with soapy hot water does the job unless you leave it for several rides before cleaning/lubing.