I hot waxed two Ultegra 11-speed chains 6 weeks ago. Thoroughly cleaning the chains with nasty solvents was a pain, but it only needs to be done once per chain. I followed the instructions in the Zero Friction web page. Each chain then received an hour soaking in a crock pot with half a bag of the Silca Secret Hot Wax Melt. On my first pedal it was obvious that the chain was much quieter. I have since re-waxed one Ultegra chain, and thoroughly cleaned and waxed two Campagnolo Chorus 12-speed chains for my new bike. The re-waxing is much easier and faster than the first clean and wax. Waxed chains remain extremely clean and dry to the touch. No oily grime or residue. A bag of Silca Hot Wax will last for tens of thousands of miles. I am now completely sold on Hot Waxing.
It is hard to review the wax on its own - I have to mention the Silca Strip Chip and their Chain Waxing System. You use the wax in the chain waxing system and it is best done with a new chain and a Strip Chip. You end up with a very stiff chain that you need to manipulate to get it remounted on the bike and then 20 or so minutes to break it in. This is all fairly easy to do and no greasy mess.
Once on the bike you just use a microfiber towel to clean off the dirt. Every 150 miles you can use Silca Super Secret Chain Lube to keep up the lubrication, and after 1,000 miles or so you can rewax the chain by boiling the wax off in a pot or just pouring boiling water over the chain. A rewax is pretty quick and you are back to square one.
Since the dirt is prevented from getting inside the spacers and links the chain will last longer and is very quiet while running. You can wax an older chain but that will contaminate your wax - it is best to start with a new one and enjoy the ride
I've done two new chains with this wax and Chip Strip, and with one cleaned w Silca's cleaner and then waxed with the same mix as the first two. I rode the 40 mi leg of Levi's Gran Fondo on 4/13/24. Smooth sailing. The other new chain I waxed is on the bike in my trainer. Both work fine. It's nice not getting slimed by these waxed chains.
I don�t get chainring grease tattoos any more, but the waxing process requires a little more work. I rotate my chains every couple of weeks (sometimes sooner). You have to get yourself setup with an ultrasonic cleaner, and a way to relax your chain frequently. I use a small crockpot. Once you have the equipment and process dialed, it�s not too bad.
Used this for the 1st time on my road bike after replacing the Cassette and Chain Ring. Started with 2 new SRAM Rival AXS chains and clean them thoroughly as recommended and used a small beauty wax pot. I alternate chains every 150 miles. the shifting is quick, quite, and positive. The drive train feels less resistive. Chain is spotless and stays that way. No grease or stains. I am expecting my drive train to last longer. My previous cassette and chain ring lasted 6000 miles. If you are ready to try hot waxing, I highly recommend this product
I can't say I noticed any particular power savings, but not having to worry about getting oil on myself or my stuff is worth it alone. This wax works well and lasts long enough for me, I usually re-wax every 150miles and only need half the bag to fill up my wax pot.
Worth the cost of admission. First time hot waxing my chain and I don�t see myself going back to regular lube. Chain and drivetrain are running silky smooth, super clean, and very quiet. Lasts about 200 miles for me before needing to reapply. Get yourself 2 chains to rotate through and it�s no hassle at all.
I get 150 miles to 200 miles with this wax! Great wax!
I've only put a few 100 miles on this, but so far I'm impressed. Smooth, quiet and clean.
I have also waxed my wifes chain as well.
A little bit of a learning curve, having never hot waxed chains before, but so far so good.
The key to this working great is to ensure you have taken the many steps to strip a brand new chain to the bare metal. Take your time and you will be rewarded. Outstanding smooth and quit and efficient drive train performance.
Absolutely the best lube I've ever used since switching to this wax I have doubled the life of my DuraAce chains
Just started waxing my chain with this and it keeps things running very smooth and clean. I re-wax every 200 or so miles. It does flake quite a bit after the first application.
requires work but is bike is fast and chain is clean
Waxing chains leaves your bike and house so clean. Plus you save a few watts. Silca has put a lot of research into this new formula.
