Why do we accept tubeless, but not waxed chains?

[scotsbikester]

It's about keeping everything clean that is biggest reason.

Yes. The preference for oil is only because it's the standard thing. Looking back at the filth and mess it seems absurd.

 

[scotsbikester]

The "getting my ass off the sofa" bit. Hehe.
Only joking. I'm not going to wax as I'm quite happy with WD40'ing my chain every week but I did watch various "how to wax your chain" videos and what I learned was (something along the lines of):
Remove chain (instant faff).
Get the electric heating thing out (major faff).
Clean chain in various liquids (can't I just WD40 this thing?).
Dip chain in wax, switch on the heater thingie (I can manage this).
Drip dry the chain (also manageable).
Install chain (faff faff faff).
Enjoy your bike (woohoo, now we're getting somewhere!)
Repeat every 300km (whut!? That's every 1.5 weeks for me! No thank you!)

I don't know what youtube videos you've watched. That isn't the process.

It's been explained here, and elsewhere, a thousand times, how most people wax their chains. If you can't understand, you're probably better off with WD40.

 

[PaulSB]

Faff! I just don't get this. Waxing is no more work than lube. It's been repeated almost on a loop. There are two ways to wax:

Hot wax which, yes, can/does involve chain removal and/or chain rotation. That's more work than I choose to invest in chain maintenance. I have a good friend who follows this method. It gives him genuine pleasure. Yes! Exactly! Do it.

The second option is liquid Waxing. Remove chain, ONCE!, clean scrupulously and reinstall. Apply liquid wax using the Mickle method. After a ride wipe clean for a couple of minutes. Occasionally apply more wax. Perhaps remove the chain for a thorough clean every 6, 9 or 12 months.

This second option is no different in faffing terms than lube BUT it is cleaner, smoother and quieter!

Wax is definitely NOT a faff!!!

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Yes. The preference for oil is only because it's the standard thing. Looking back at the filth and mess it seems absurd.

Filth and mess must because you were no oiling properly. A well oiled chain does not create filth or mess.

 

[Ian H]

I remove a chain only when it's time to replace it.

 

[Webbo2]

Waxing versus Oiling it’s bigger than the North South divide.😳

 

[Jameshow]

The "getting my ass off the sofa" bit. Hehe.
Only joking. I'm not going to wax as I'm quite happy with WD40'ing my chain every week but I did watch various "how to wax your chain" videos and what I learned was (something along the lines of):
Remove chain (instant faff).
Get the electric heating thing out (major faff).
Clean chain in various liquids (can't I just WD40 this thing?).
Dip chain in wax, switch on the heater thingie (I can manage this).
Drip dry the chain (also manageable).
Install chain (faff faff faff).
Enjoy your bike (woohoo, now we're getting somewhere!)
Repeat every 300km (whut!? That's every 1.5 weeks for me! No thank you!)

Even every month it's too much effort for me. Well, it's not too much effort, but I would rather be doing something else. I'll wd40 it every week and install a new chain every 6 months. The process, as compared to above, is:
Get rag (easy)
Apply wd40 (easy)
Ride (woohoo!)
Repeat every week (totally manageable).
Replace chain every 6 months (too much faff, but fine).

Waxing, from what I've seen on the videos, is pretty good to be fair, but just not for me.

You'll be shot for saying that....

Mustang1 are you breathing?!🤣🤣

 

[yello]

Waxing versus Oiling it’s bigger than the North South divide.😳

Makes helmet debates seem positively genteel.

 

[mustang1]

You'll be shot for saying that....

Mustang1 are you breathing?!🤣🤣

You mean the wd40 bit? Yup!

 

[Gunk]

Waxing is definitely for people with far too much time on their hands.

 

[Dorset Boy]

Waxing is definitely for people with far too much time on their hands.

Do people not read the thread?
It really takes very little time.

 

[scotsbikester]

Damn it, I forgot to log on before viewing the thread.

 

[Seevio]

Having looked into chain waxing as a result of this thread, it really does seem like a bit of a faff.

On the other hand, clean chain and more gadgets? I'm in!