Silca hot waxing

[13 rider]

Silca Super Secret drip wax is the same as the immersive wax, other than being in a liquid carrier, which evaporates. If the chain was cleaned with solvents then there won't be any factory grease left, so no need for a Strip Chip. So it's definitely worth continuing to use that chain, and I'd not waste a Strip Chip on it.

Conversely, given that you have the drip wax, you could use that to top up the immersive wax, rather than leave it on a shelf. It's very useful for making immersive waxing last as long as possible when you don't have access to re-waxing immersively as it just fills in the internal gaps left by the immersive wax wearing away.

Thanks that confirms my thoughts , I'm nearly out of drip on wax hence the change over but what's left will be taken on holidays and such rather than taking spare chains to swap to

 

[sevenfourate]

So I've done it and gone down the silca chain waxing system, was already considering it before this thread started . 1st ride today on a new waxed chain treated with the strip chip whole process is simple enough . A question the chain that has been replaced has 2700 miles on it but shows minimal wear and has been run on Silca super secret drip on wax after stripping the factory grease with solvents ,is it worth waxing this chain and would you use another strip chip to completely clean it
The first ride was quieter than I expected ,I had losened the links by hand and then ran then over a bar to articulate the links

I’m 3-400 (?) miles into Silca Secret Wax 2 (Drip application) on my Carrera. And generally REALLY like it.

I completely stripped the chain (Removing it, soaking in White Spirit and brushing etc to agitate). *Someone here mentioned not worrying about cleaning 100% as it’s Not an F1 car. Well I to hate to break it to ‘you’ but Oil and Wax don’t mix. So whatever Oil was left on - is going to help your fancy new Wax run off…….🙄

I thoroughly cleaned the cassette / removed and cleaned jockey wheels / rest of drivetrain. Rinsed; and once all dry: did 3 applications over time - to layer the Wax up.

Normal stuff upon first riding: Quiet, smooth, great gear-changes. And after 100-150 miles I could start to hear the difference as a first sign the lubrication was degrading. Much the same as any of the very best oil based lubes I’d tried…….

BUT - the wipe down, (Not really cleaning to any great degree) and re-applying of the Silca Drip-Wax was 10 times quicker and cleaner than with Oil. And THIS was what I wanted. So much of my time previously being ‘wasted’ cleaning up after rides…..

I’d be really interested now you’re going to immersive - from Drip - to what degree you feel any gains ? Either whilst riding, in applying, longevity or anything else……

Good luck

 

[Webbo2]

I’ve been using Peaty All weather lube for about 12 months now I originally bought for my winter bike. But I now use it on my best bike as well. One drop on each link, rotate the chain backwards for a minute or two wipe of the excess. I wipe the chain if it’s starting to look grubby and re oil every 300 miles or so. Obviously if the bike gets a soaking I will do a proper clean and dry.
I found when using Squirt drip wax if I saw a puddle in the distance the chain would start squeaking.🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

 

[scotsbikester]

I completely stripped the chain (Removing it, soaking in White Spirit and brushing etc to agitate). *Someone here mentioned not worrying about cleaning 100% as it’s Not an F1 car. Well I to hate to break it to ‘you’ but Oil and Wax don’t mix. So whatever Oil was left on - is going to help your fancy new Wax run off…….🙄

Things I've been learning about recently are alkanes, non-polar vs polar substances. Also what the various distillates from crude oil are, a substance in which several of the things discussed are mixed together.

 

[Binky]

I’m 3-400 (?) miles into Silca Secret Wax 2 (Drip application) on my Carrera. And generally REALLY like it.

I completely stripped the chain (Removing it, soaking in White Spirit and brushing etc to agitate). *Someone here mentioned not worrying about cleaning 100% as it’s Not an F1 car. Well I to hate to break it to ‘you’ but Oil and Wax don’t mix. So whatever Oil was left on - is going to help your fancy new Wax run off…….🙄

I thoroughly cleaned the cassette / removed and cleaned jockey wheels / rest of drivetrain. Rinsed; and once all dry: did 3 applications over time - to layer the Wax up.

Normal stuff upon first riding: Quiet, smooth, great gear-changes. And after 100-150 miles I could start to hear the difference as a first sign the lubrication was degrading. Much the same as any of the very best oil based lubes I’d tried…….

BUT - the wipe down, (Not really cleaning to any great degree) and re-applying of the Silca Drip-Wax was 10 times quicker and cleaner than with Oil. And THIS was what I wanted. So much of my time previously being ‘wasted’ cleaning up after rides…..

I’d be really interested now you’re going to immersive - from Drip - to what degree you feel any gains ? Either whilst riding, in applying, longevity or anything else……

Good luck


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What prompted me to go down hot wax route was getting a new bike. I can start off afresh with brand new chain set and chain. Using the Strip Chip in factory grease was ideal system for me.
Whether I'll notice any difference actually riding from what I previously used(Squirt drip on), I do wonder. Supposedly hot wax makes chains last longer but to be honest that's not really a factor for me. It's ease of prep and use and having a clean drive train.
I've got two new chains waxed up so once one on bike gets dry I'll swop over and hot wax the changed one.
Yes I'm paying a premium for convenience but that ok with me

 

[scotsbikester]

What prompted me to go down hot wax route was getting a new bike. I can start off afresh with brand new chain set and chain. Using the Strip Chip in factory grease was ideal system for me.
Whether I'll notice any difference actually riding from what I previously used(Squirt drip on), I do wonder. Supposedly hot wax makes chains last longer but to be honest that's not really a factor for me. It's ease of prep and use and having a clean drive train.
I've got two new chains waxed up so once one on bike gets dry I'll swop over and hot wax the changed one.
Yes I'm paying a premium for convenience but that ok with me

Pretty much my reasons and approach too. Not a new bike, but I did put a new rear derailleur and cassette on. Also took the front chainset off and gave it a thorough clean.

The prep is so easy. I really don't know why people (who have never tried waxing but still have strong "opinions") talk about immersive waxing being a "faff". It's the exact opposite compared to oil. I'm running three chains. All three get waxed at the same time, then it's a 30 second job to change them over, especially with the Wipperman Connex quicklink. Even waxing all three doesn't take that long. Maybe 15 minutes spread over a couple of hours, but I do it at the same time as cooking the tea or something. One of the things that makes it so quick and easy is not having to be super careful where the oil goes, especially if the bike is a "house bike".

The main thing for me is the amazing cleanliness. I think people only tolerate the filth of oiled chains because they're used to it. Now I've been waxing a few weeks it seems absurd to have the filthy oily mess open, ready to make indelible marks on anything it touches.

To be honest, I doubt that you actually are paying that much. My slow cooker was £11, and the wax £26. Sure, I bought 3 good chains to start the process off, but I probably won't ever buy any more chains in my lifetime, at least not for this bike. I can't be bothered to do the maths, but at a rewax every 200 miles, this isn't the most expensive part of cycling. Christ, I just paid £85 for new cycling shoes, now that I can finally wear a colour except black below the waist.