That’s the question I found myself asking after one too many greasy chain cleanups and squeaky post-creek rides. Spoiler alert: I’ve officially crossed over to Team Wax.
A mechanic friend finally convinced me to give chain waxing a try. He walked me through the process using the Silca Super Secret Chain Wax Kit, and it completely changed my maintenance game. I ride hard, training for my first mountain bike race, tons of creek crossings, and long trail days that used to mean frequent re-oiling and lots of grime. Now? I’ve gone a full month without needing to touch my drivetrain.
Waxing Isn’t New—It’s Just Making a Comeback
Believe it or not, chain waxing isn’t some new tech trend. It’s an old-school method that’s been around since the early days of road racing. Back then, pro mechanics would boil chains in paraffin wax to keep drivetrains clean and fast. It faded out over the years as bottled lubes got more convenient, but wax has been making a big comeback, especially in endurance, gravel, and mountain biking, where performance and longevity matter most.
Go High-Tech or Old-School
You’ve got two solid options to get started. The Silca Wax System is a high-performance kit that includes their Super Secret Chain Cleaner, hot melt wax blend (infused with tungsten and zinc), and full instructions. It’s designed for cyclists who want maximum efficiency and minimal mess. Just clean your chain thoroughly, drop it in the hot wax, let it set, and you’re done.
The cleaner your chain, the better the wax will adhere to it. Just be sure to fully degrease your chain before dipping, and use tongs to remove it once coated. Let it cool and harden, reinstall, and ride on.
You can also go old-school and place heat up the wax in a crock pot which I did…but you just can’t use that crockpot again for anything else!
Why I Switched
Traditional wet lubes—like Finish Line Wet Lube or Rock N Roll Gold—are still great for some riders. They’re quick, easy, and hold up in the wet. But they also attract dirt like crazy, which wears your drivetrain faster and means more time scrubbing and re-lubing. For me, with so many bikes and rides in variable conditions, wax just works better.
Now, I keep two chains per bike: one riding, one pre-waxed and stored in a bag. When it’s time, I just swap chains and go. Wax might cost a bit more upfront and take a little more setup, but I save hours of maintenance and my drivetrains are cleaner, quieter, and last longer.
Final Verdict
More ride time, smoother shifting, no greasy mess, and less wear on my components? I’m in. If you’re curious, try it out. Start with a kit, or dust off an old crockpot and take the plunge. This “old trick” might just be your favorite new routine.
