Chain Waxing System Tutorial with Josh: A Step-by-Step Guide!

Explore the art of chain waxing with Josh through a detailed tutorial on The Ultimate Chain Waxing System. This guide covers everything from the basics of waxing your chain to sharing insider tips for maximizing your drivetrain's efficiency and longevity. Additionally, gain clarity on when to use the StripChip hot wax additive versus the Chain Stripper + Wax Prep solution, including their distinct benefits for your waxing situations.
Experience the Components of the Ultimate Chain Waxing System - Get an up-close look at how to effectively use the melting pot, chain hanging stand, and cable coupler.
Discover Optimal Temperatures - Learn the ideal temperatures for various products like SILCA Secret Chain Blend Hot Wax, SILCA Hot Wax X, and SILCA StripChip for optimal results.
Efficient Chain Preparation - See both of SILCA's chain degreasing methods in action, designed to be straightforward and minimize the fuss and time compared to the alternatives.
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Products mentioned in the video:
The Ultimate Chain Waxing System
silca.cc/produ...
StripChip
silca.cc/produ...
Ultimate Chain Stripper + Wax Prep
silca.cc/produ...
Get a shirt like what Josh is wearing - VW Team Van T-Shirt - Mapei Team Edition
silca.cc/produ...
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SILCA website: silca.cc/
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LinkedIn: / silca-velo
▬▬▬▬ ABOUT SILCA ▬▬▬▬
Founded in Milan in 1917 and now based in Indianapolis, SILCA is renowned for its passion for cycling. Led by cycling industry leader, Josh Poertner, the brand has expanded from the iconic SuperPista pump to a full range of high-end cycling tools and gear, collaborating with UCI World Tour teams to enhance cycling performance. SILCA combines tradition with innovation, inspiring cyclists to enjoy both riding and maintenance.
▬▬▬▬▬ Credits ▬▬▬▬▬
Created by SILCA
© SILCA

[@wsmc723]

Two years ago I was a vendor at Leadville. I got my booth set up the day before and went about waxing my chain in my Sprinter van using a pot on the stove top. A dude popped his head in and asked what I was doing. I told him I was waxing my chain using Silca secret chain blend wax and that he really needed to check it out because of how awesome it works. The guys name was Josh. You can probably guess who I'm taking about. It was super funny! BTW, Josh is a really great guy in person and literally a freeking rocket scientist with the best stories to tell abut the cycling world!

[@chanstevens9658]

Came for the waxing demo, walked away the nifty filter trick that solves my issue of knowing when to stop reusing the cleaner. Thanks Josh!

[@freebird61885]

I have done 2 chains with the Stripper Chip/Chain Waxing System. Loved the idiot-proofness (good for me) and it resulted in what seems to be a very good end product. Due to weather, have only been able to put 150km on the chains so far, but if they make it to 250-300km before needing to be re-waxed, then this whole thing is a huge winner. I don’t really care about the efficiency gains, just the cleanliness and wear longevity. Well done.

[@Gufolicious]

my waxing pot finally arrived yesterday and i already waxed 2 chains. what i would have loved is a 3 minute quick guide video instead of slow talk of 20 minutes. maybe you guys could add that, it would make stuff easier for first time users.

[@helmetculture]

Long form is always better. It's not for the attention deficit

[@willie530]

Written instructions even!

[@RossThompson89]

If you’re already going to the length to wax your chain, spend all this money and take care of your drive train, it’s worth the time to do it right. Which requires comprehensiveness, as it is not a simple process.

[@helmetculture]

@@RossThompson89 bingo

[@Cokecanninja]

I'd rather have all the information than an abbreviated and incomplete version

[@alexgonzalezMI]

Perfect timing. I just got my Crockpotanator 4000 yesterday.

[@frankvanthof4562]

Wow! You just created a google whack with the name you came up with! Chapeau!

[@chrisschmiedeke]

Bonk Bros credit

[@michaelnye7396]

@@frankvanthof4562I didn’t know that term. Awesome!

[@gimjyu]

I always learn something from your videos, Josh - today it was that I don't need to worry about waxing the quick link 👍

[@arihirschman6884]

I have a crock pot with your wax, I have a large ultrasonic cleaner and plenty of solvents. I just filled your beautiful t controlled pot (Arrived last week) with a new bag of wax and will be getting one or both of your de-greasing systems. Thank you for making this so simple and uncomplicated. Now there is no reason for any one to use any thing other than wax! I just love this system, and your wax emulsion (I use it every 100 to 150 miles and keeps things running great for 1000 miles between hot waxings)

[@colibriazul]

Thanks for the tutorial. Well-waxed chain is the key to minimizing transmission wear. Big hug from Portugal.

[@robertwhyte3435]

I wax the quick link by putting the chain together with the link clipped together but not fully engaged. I also cut my chain to length before waxing. I also let the chain stay in the 75 degree wax for a little while to let the chain get to 75. It would be interesting for you to put your wax pot on a scale and weigh before you put the chain in and and after the wax is done to see how much wax you're using, how much you lose per chain.

[@_xnk7257]

I love Silca's transparency! Very informative!

[@norbibxl]

Hi Josh. This is not a question but an observation after just a few uses. Generally, the system is good, it works, but I don't know if it only happened to me while waxing, that the handle with the rope on which the chain is ...falls completely into the wax. So in my opinion, this is a small (?) problem. There is no way to prevent it, I tried to thread it differently chain but it's the same every time. Of course, I deal with this by placing a piece of wooden spatula through the hole in the cable, which protects it from sinking in wax, but this is probably something worth considering when modernizing this station. That's all :)

[@awptechnical]

An old spoke cut to the diameter of the pot works well.

[@dangurtler7177]

Happened to me as well, I just scooped it out with scissors and the loop stood by itself (probably due to the wax).

[@JoelWhite]

Loving the setup so far, much more refined setup than my old crockpot with a candy thermometer stuck into it that I constantly had to monitor temperature and was much slower. The one small issue I had was on my first use, the screw in side of the cable that goes into the holder popped off. Luckily I was able to track it down and it appears to just be a crimp connection on. I got it back on and use a cable crimping tool to reattach it so hopefully it holds. Would be great if we could order a spare on of these though.

[@browncd11]

Been waxing for few years and have gone from buying wax from a hobby store and using multiple jars and days for stripping to the SILCA method. No more getting yelled at by my wife for the wax drippings. I know there are naysayers out there, but if you put the miles down like I do you will get a lot more miles out of every chain making the price of the SILACA system negligible. Thanks for being a company that is transparent and informative. Big fan.

[@danielwolman]

interesting you provide different instructions on this video as to whats printed on the bottle for the prep cleaner

[@notgoingtodoit]

Great video for everyone waxing a new chain, looking forward to the next video detailing how to use these products now that they've already got a waxed chain!

[@918swimbikerun]

Agreed this is something I was thinking about as well

[@lechprotean]

I think that’s where a wash might be needed first to get rid of dirt / sand particles. Then you strip or not and rewax.

[@hydemuc]

+1 for this. And in reply to ​ @lechprotean below: I did ask Silca once and was told that you don't need to strip before rewaxing. However, my thinking has always been that any grit and dirt in the chain would contaminate the clean wax in the hotpot, thereby potentially contaminating future waxings. As for washing first, I'm not so sure that any particles embedded in the wax would be removed by washing. Or am I just being overcautious?

[@hydemuc]

Scroll down to the question by @mustridefaster. Silca have answered this question there

[@KarlosEPM]

​@@hydemucI am also overcautious. It is, after all, the grit from the road which wears transmission components at fast rates when using wet lubes. When waxing chains (in my head), dunking used waxed chains repeatedly would ultimately result in accumulation of grit in the wax mixture. So I wash the chain, rinse with boiling water, wash again, and rinse with warm water before patting dry. This I do while the wax melts and is effortless. ... bunch of neurotics sharing obsession-compulsions down in the comments section 😂

[@user-cm3ll8qz6x]

Josh, awesome showing us the quick and simple way to fold the chain into a easy shape for dunking🙏

[@justinfournier1285]

I like the coffee filter trick. I will try that on my next bottle, which I didn’t plan to buy due to my inefficiency with the first one. But due to that process change I think it’s worth another shot.

[@Hopperstien]

Thanks for the full process review, new to waxing and just got my set up from you guys!

[@mikeinglett3994]

As for cleaning oiled chains, for years I’ve used mineral spirits in a heated ultrasound machine with excellent results. I have a basket suspending the chain about an inch above the bottom. After removal I used compressed air to blow off the chain. Then I hang it to dry. I have used an old air fryer toaster oven if I’m in a hurry. But it’s probably not advisable to do because mineral spirits is flammable. Once the chain is dry, I use compressed air on it again. I use the mineral spirits over and over again. I pour it into a clear glass jug. Let it settle out for a couple days, then pour it through a coffee filter.

[@SILCAVelo]

Just be sure to remove mineral spirits with acetone or alcohol before waxing the chain, mineral spirits residue is a nasty contaminate to the wax.

[@Joecyclist66]

I just received my Chain wax system pot this week. Next chain swap I plan to try it out. One question that I have not seen however is that shouldn't we be cleaning the chainrings and cassettes with stripper or something similar, not just the new chain? Since I have been using oil lube all this time they are both covered in the stuff. Thanks for the products and video!

[@SILCAVelo]

Yes, you will want to clean your drivetrain well before installing your waxed chain. Stripper or most any degreaser will work. SILCA Brake and Drivetrain is a very good option and a bit less expensive than Stripper: silca.cc/products/ultimate-brake-and-drivetrain-cleaner

[@JackMott]

I figured out with an instapot, put it on saute, when the temp hits 110, put it on slow cook. It will creep up to 125 and hover there for the 10 minutes you need.

[@mikeschmaltz1944]

Got my new Chain Wax system this week and had to try it out right away. Wasn't sure what to do with my old instapot once the wax was out of it. Took a previously waxed chain and dropped it into the instapot and covered it with boiling water. A few minutes later, clean as could be put it into the new wax pot. Like a previous comment could not keep the hanging handle from wanting to fall into the wax. Place a screwdriver across the top of the pot through the hanging handle. Problem solved. Makes me want too wax more often. Great upgrade.

[@blazacrew]

Got mine chain wax system since day one waxing chain is effortless and its actually fun to use

[@enochmogusu8573]

I appreciate the explanation for why the pot is not bigger! Idk if it would be a good investment for the company, and if not I totally understand, but it would be cool if you guys could make the bigger pot as a separate product and just charge a bit more for it while still selling the smaller pot at the same price

[@adammiceli3535]

So, after the warm water rinse, no concerns about putting the chain right into the wax without a full and proper drying period? I was under the impression that the moisture on the chain would inhibit the wax from adhering.

[@SILCAVelo]

You want to shake or blow most of the water out, but as long as you leave the chain in the hot wax for ~10 minutes or so, the water will boil off.. you can accelerate this with temperature, just put the chain in, raise temp to 100C, you'll see bubbles popping on the surface for a few minutes as the water boils off, then drop to 75C.

[@adam__smith]

I connect the quick link to the chain before waxing them together. This seems to work well.

[@dawn_rider]

Are you using a connex link for this ? You would have to install for waxing , uninstall to get the chain on the bike then install so you could ride.

[@adam__smith]

Good question. I'm using the quick link that comes with the chain. Aware of the increased number of installations / uninstallations but haven't had any issues. It's a commuting bike; not used for sprinting.

[@speedrocker13]

A couple suggestions for V2… some kind of retention system for the chain holder when in the wax. With the chain laying in the wax, it seems to want to flip the handle into the wax. It needs a quick easy method to hold the handle out of the wax…. Also I’m not sure if it’s normal, but mine takes 45+ minutes to fully melt the wax at 75. Both with fresh granules from the bag, and a second remedy for a second chain. Second time I upped it to 85 after 40 minutes and it took another 10 to fully melt. Trying to follow the directions as close as possible but tempted to go higher to melt and then drop it down so I don’t spend an hour plus to get a chain waxed.

[@mtbkev8935]

I just got my silka hotpot today, because I used the strip chip I had to heat to 125 so I loaded wax and the chip and total took about 15 min to melt it. If not using strip chip I’m no expert but my guess would be it’s okay to save time by increasing your heat past 75 just to melt it then lower it to 75 to put your chain in.

[@speedrocker13]

@@mtbkev8935 Yeah in a later video Josh confirmed that it’s ok to crank the heat up higher to get the wax melting quicker. The PID controller keeps the heating element from getting any hotter than the setting, so it does take a very long time to melt the wax in the center. Instructions could probably use an update but at least it’s been officially confirmed as an acceptable practice with no ill effects on the wax.

[@chrisgescheidle3419]

Josh, thank you!! Your videos are always great and chock full of inspiration and information!!

[@rhenceocampo3253]

Might be overdoing it but I use the chain stripper to clean the new chain, and use the strip chip as another level of assurance that I got rid of all the grease

[@SILCAVelo]

You certainly could do it, but definitely no need.. save yourself some $$ and just do one or the other and buy some other beautiful SILCA products with the money saved ;-)

[@michaelruelle5508]

nice and easy to wax the chain. cheated a bit to get up to temp quicker by setting to 100. took a couple attempts at cabling the chain to get a setup that didn't immediately want to flop over into the wax. But really nice to use something dedicated and obviously not for food and not having to have giant labels on it so it doesn't tried to be used for food.

[@craigscott3133]

Silca’s waxing system is the way to go and keeps getting better. Where can I get a Silca Tshirt?

[@boostenmkiv]

I do like the idea of a larger pot as I tend to wax more than one chain at a time

[@tw1npe4ks]

What is the stuff in the pot, before you added strip chip?

[@SILCAVelo]

That is just the standard Secret Blend hot wax.

[@03lepavouxc1]

Hi Josh, I have a question - what is the best temp to pull the chain from the hot melt wax? In a Silca video from months ago you mentioned pull at 140/high 130 degrees F and this video is 75 degrees which I assume is celsius or around 165 degrees F. Many thanks and love your products

[@naregkalaydjian8294]

Thank you for these great videos, Josh. How do you clean the cassette, pullies and chainrings (both new from factory grease and used)? Can't find a jar with twist cap large enough to fit the cassette/chainring to put them in the stripper. Thanks!

[@user-ox5ff8sz6r]

Love the nod to CUTTERS of grease with the Masi from Breaking Away in the backdrop;)

[@BewareSabotage]

Why did you make the strip chip look so appetising if you’re not meant to eat it?

[@KarlosEPM]

Thought I was the only one looking at it like it's a chocolate bar.

[@gravel-demi-sel]

You guys rock, products are really great, thanks Josh for the demo

[@tylerschettler511]

Thanks Josh! Great information as always! You mentioned how much more environmentally friendly Chain Stripper & Chip Strip are than the mineral spirits & acetone method. How do you recommend disposing of the spent Stripper & contaminated wax? Thanks again!

[@SILCAVelo]

Spent stripper that is sufficiently diluted can be put down the drain, or if you have a lot of it like some bike shops doing large scale waxing, you can dispose of it at any tox-drop type location in your city where you would dispose of paint or other cleaners. As for the wax, you should be able to continue using it until it's gone.. it it does get contaminated is some way, it can just be thrown away as it is a non-toxic solid, separate from whatever contamination it may have in it.

[@swissmetal69]

Is there any thought about selling the cable coupler separate? It seems nice for people who don’t want to use the tire spoke.

[@CatManDoSocial]

Great stuff, Josh. Love Silca!

[@alexandergordt105]

Thanks for sharing this detailed tutorial. Worked like a charm :) Now I have a few more chains to wax - and it looks to me, as if I just have to put in a new strip chip. They weight of pot and wax didn’t seem the be notable less after one fresh chain. Or what else do I have to do before the next chain?

[@SILCAVelo]

If you are re-waxing a waxed chain, just heat the pot to 75 and wax away. If you need to wax another factory greased chain, then add a Strip Chip with that chain. If you need to wax a used chain that has other lubricant on it, then clean that first with Stripper.

[@easterguts]

Loving the Mapei t shirt! Glad I got me some from you guys all the way to Australia! Now just to wait for the pot.😂

[@ridefast0]

Thanks Josh - but how do your chain stripper and strip chip products perform with the super-stubborn factory grease on KMC chains? I have found them to be still sticky after an hour of treatment with things like white spirit, alcohol, etc, and as I understand it Adam at ZFC does not recommend KMC chains for waxing due to the difficulty of removing the factory grease.

[@jimhansen5395]

Great video, but the title should have included the fact that this video only shows the process for a NEW chain. Hopefully folks aren't misled to believe that this process (and strip chip) are needed for ongoing maintenance. Besides the standard chain waxing process, I'd also like to see a video discussing converting an oil lube chain to wax. Strip Chip? Or some other process to remove something like Synergetic ?

[@SILCAVelo]

Used chains should be cleaned in Chain Stripper using the method shown in this video.. StripChip is only targeted at factory grease (all of which use greases based on type III oils) and will not be effective on other oils or greases if they are Type IV, V, polymeric, etc.. however, Chain Stripper is targeted at all of those things and will remove them with ease.

[@estelja]

The chain stripper has a very high freeze point, like DMSO. It was starting to solidify in my garage at about 45 degrees F.

[@kidShibuya]

No idea how you get the handle to stand up, no matter what I did the handle fell in, even if I used a hex key threaded thru the red holder tying to keep it in place. Could you please do a v2 with a holder on the red backplate? My handle has already failed because the wax stopped the screw from coming out and the cable broke off its handle ;(

[@tim1108]

This guy is the front end of a great group of scientists but let's get real. There should be a therapist that comes on at the end with an 800 # for therapists specializing in O.C.D. If you can't push 400+ watts ...just enjoy the freedom of the bike ride.

[@TheSteffuchs]

Hey Josh. Great summary! We are adding chain waxing to our shop services but will use the stripper as it seems to be more viable. The question I have is relating to the frequency of filtering back through a coffee filter paper? How many chains can I get through if I'm emptying the entire 16oz into a large jar and going through the required process?

[@SILCAVelo]

It really depends on the jar.. the challenge over time with stripping multiple chains in it is that all of the encapsulated grease will float to the top forming a skin. If your tank is wide enough, you can likely just drop a paper towel on the skin and it will stick to it.. you will be able to see if you've removed it this way. If the tank/jar has a smaller opening, then I'd filter every 4-6 chains or so as you eventually end up pulling the chain out through this oil slick of encapsulated grease which just makes rinsing more difficult.

[@PeteFigura]

When it comes time to rewax a waxed chain, is any specific cleaning suggested (e.g., boiling) to remove the old wax and any associated road grunge? Or just remove chain and immerse?

[@hydemuc]

+1

[@chris4536]

Rise thoroughly with boiling water in a colander to remove old wax.

[@StuckInTheM1ddle]

Josh says either clean with a microfiber cloth (seems to think this is enough), unless it's really bad then you can boil in a pot for 2-3 mins (allows the chain to get up to temp and ensure all of the wax is removed - as opposed to just rinsing with boiling water from the kettle).

[@Jasonr606]

Great video….very informative and helpful. Good job!!!

[@ipoddubny]

great video! now, I waxed my chain, rode, re-waxed, and so on. rinse-and-repeat 6 times. the chain is still ok at this point, the wax is not. do I need to strip (or somehow clean) the chain before replacing wax?

[@adrianmijlin]

Hi Josh, I have now used the chain stripper with two new chains and love the process. My question is, do you really need to filter the liquid afterwards. Could you just leave it in the jar and drop new chains there? Thanks in advance and congrats on the contract with Visma 😊

[@RelakS__]

Quick links, and similar systems: I started to wax the chain assembled. When I put the chain on, I open the link, and the two parts in the chain. Actually, the wax helps keep them in place. Because I don't insert the link into the chain, it won't push out the wax. If you can make sure that you put on both link parts in the correct orientation, you may not even need to connect them. At least it is working for me.

[@draugmithrin]

Great tip!

[@spartanbike2260]

@josh why are the super cool mapei silca t shirts not available for purchase in the silca canada web site ?

[@williamtshort4303]

Not conviced with waxing during a cold wet winter in the north east of england. To many rusty components after a wet ride and trying to dry the chain and cassett as best i can.

[@IanGilmour-rh7iv]

Great products and informative video. Really excited to start using a waxed chain system 🇬🇧 are there any plans to do a starter pack i.e. Pot / wax / stripChip?

[@drsus0]

how many chains can i wax with one bag if I'm not using strip chip in the mix? ...is it a matter of " as many as long as there's wax in the tub" or is there a limit dictated by the wax solution's ability to keep waxing chains?

[@neutronpcxt372]

If you're properly cleaning the chains, the answer is "as many as long as there's wax in the tub". If you're not properly keeping the chains, it's whenever you notice a significant loss of wax coating longevity.

[@drsus0]

@@neutronpcxt372gotcha… so as long as I'm dropping a clean/stripped chain in there., Wax in the tub is good forever

[@chrisschmiedeke]

So you stripped your new chain with the chip strip and waxed your chain. You put it on, ride it, and are now ready to re-wax. Can you use the wax in the Crockpotanator again (with the chip strip in it)? If not, do you just throw away the wax with the strip chip?

[@SILCAVelo]

You just keep using the wax that's in there, and as it gets lower you can add more to it, no need to throw it out.

[@TyTy22_]

I’m curious as to whether or not an ultrasonic cleaner would still be a useful tool in the stripping process, or if shaking the chain in a mason jar gets the job done well enough that it isn’t worth the investment? Admittedly, I haven’t looked into it recently, but I have heard that there isn’t as much information available regarding how to use Hot Wax X. Is it the exact same heating process? And would we be able to use the strip chip in that as well? One last question: does Silca offer tours of their production facility? I live close by and would love to see it!

[@markachapman486]

Yeah I had no idea Silca is in Indianapolis 👍

[@MiesvanderLippe]

He talks about heat and ultrasonic cleaners during the video. It helps speed the process up but waiting 10 minutes and shaking is good enough. Time is expensive in a pro shop so they’ll have that set up.

[@TyTy22_]

@@MiesvanderLippe thanks, I was multi-tasking while watching this so I guess I missed it. I’ll go back and listen

[@jimvee4528]

I'm not much of a mechanic, but this was super easy for me. I did 3 chains as soon as I got it. And I have 2 more to do now. I thought I read somewhere that you should only do 6 chains this way before swapping out the wax. Is that right? I so, do I just toss the wax once it's cooled down?

[@northkyt]

One note on using the @Silca chain stripper solvent (unused) with factory-new SRAM AXS road chains: after running it through the stripper, shake, let it sit for ten minutes, agitate again then rinse steps, the chain still had a small amount of grease on it which I could see when I wiped it off with a microfiber towel. So, I ran the chain through the stripper, shake, wait, and rinse steps a second time. Then it came out clean with no grease coming off on the towel. I'm wondering if @Silca tested with SRAM chains and if this is something specific to the preservative they use on their chains. It's also possible I did something wrong in the process but I can't think of anything as I followed the steps here closely.

[@SILCAVelo]

Some SRAM chains have nastier stuff on them than others and may need 2x stripper. We go through hundreds of SRAM chains here for our pre-wax program and for at least the last year they have all been covered in more of an oil that washes out pretty easily, but we have seen ones that are covered in a much more aggressive sludge that can take 2 strippings to remove.

[@RO8YO]

Got a new chain that included the quick link in the same package as the chain (Connex). It's definitely got factory grease on it... I'm assuming I'll want to degrease the QL before i install?

[@SILCAVelo]

You want to degrease it, but no need to wax it.

[@221385]

After stripping a new chain with the Chain Stripper and filtering the stripper though a coffee filter as shown in the video the stripper is looks very dirty, its grey and I cannot see through the liquid. Is this to be expected? Can I still reuse the "grey" chain stripper on my next chain?

[@SILCAVelo]

Yes, this grey will be residual additives to the grease that are small enough to get through the paper, these are not harmful and will rinse off with water when you rinse the chain.

[@tensiondechaine]

I love the super secret sauce, not going from it but still curious about this vid. And now, I have an amazing trick on how to use my unused coffee filters to save some money XD

[@kovie9162]

If you don't mind the more laborious factory grease removal process using either mineral spirits or one of the wax makers' proprietary grease removal products, followed by alcohol baths and drying, prior to waxing, is that still preferable to the strip chip, or basically the same? Btw were these designed to look like chocolate bars? I swear they look delicious! 😅

[@SILCAVelo]

StripChip and Chain Stripper both provide results equivalent to (or slightly better) than the traditional mineral spirit/acetone/alcohol method, but do it in much more environmentally friendly ways. We say possibly better as both products contain agents which promote adhesion of the wax to the metal.

[@davidthorson4133]

thanks for the update

[@pnkpdlr]

I use bend spokes with the crockpot (need to do multiple chains at the same time). Now I like the cable coupler with this holder, are/will these be available separately?

[@fritzbudiyanto6825]

On a freshly installed waxed chain, some of the wax will stick to the cassette. Should you clean off this excess wax? It might be good for the chain system, but it looks ugly. Any comments on Silca from a technical perspective?

[@thejeffstreet]

This video might benefit from splitting into two versions: one focused on showing and describing each step, and a separate video that includes the steps as well as context, benefits, and motivation.

[@dangurtler7177]

I had the cable coupler slip into the wax the first time. No big deal, I used my scissors to pick it up from the hot mixture.

[@JimmJohny]

How many StripChips can a pot of wax handle before it gets diluted? Say I have 6 brand new chains to wax - do I just keep adding a new StripChip for every chain I wax? At what point will this wax become saturated with StripChip and drop in its performance? Or does it not matter?

[@JimmJohny]

Actually seems like you've addressed it - 6 StripChips per 500g of wax is the max..

[@AllenStauffer]

How are you getting the handle for the chain holder to just chill in the air like that 😅 Mine is like a fish out of water gasping for air trying to dive into the wax, it dunks itself in every time. I had to rig up something by bending a spoke to hang it from the red wall, and hook it on that (and even then it sometimes manages to hop off into the wax). Any plans for a hook piece to mount on there? I guess thinking about it again, I could use a chop stick or something braced across the melting pot so that it can’t submerge.

[@AllenStauffer]

Maybe I’m threading my cable coupler too wide so the cable doesn’t have as much slack to flex out and grip the sides of the pot. 🤔

[@stevemullin1195]

I run my chain with your wax. I also use the Drip wax lube. My question is what should I do when I go on a multi week or months long bike tour or bikepacking tour on my bike. How do I maintain my chain while out on the road on tour. I'll be camping most of the time so will be difficult to re-wax via hot melt method. Any suggestions as to how to keep the chain waxed and how often does the chain need to be rewaxed.

[@SILCAVelo]

For bikepacking we recommend using the drip wax as a top off, just be sure to apply it after your ride so that it has overnight to fully cure. I'd recommend wiping the chain with a microfiber cloth every 150-200km and reapplying the drip after that.

[@abmetta66]

Thanks Josh and Silca! Have been trying to order one to Singapore, but if I choose the eu type (we are 220) it says I can’t order it. Any advice to get one shipped here? Thanks

[@mdsrosa]

Great video. I'm new to cycling. I bought a new Road bike and have done 225km on it so far. I never used any bike oil or lube or wax on the chain, yet. I heard that waxing the chain for the first time ever is quite an involved process and I don't have the tools to do it at the moment. I live in Ireland and the weather can be a bit unpredictable (most of the time it rains though, sometimes we get nice sunny days). I want to keep the bike well maintained. I have an event this weekend (120km ride). What would you guys recommend? Thank you!

[@adriandavis2535]

Hi, have converted to waxing and loving it. Recently purchased the Chain Waxing System (long wait as in the UK) and really happy after the first use with a Strip Chip and new chain. Even better results than the Super Secret Chain Lube I initially started with. I have just come to do the first re-wax, so at 75°c and even after half an hour the wax would not fully melt. The pot was indicating 75°c. I was doing it in the garage and the outside temperature was 15°c, not that it should affect it. Does the Strip Chip prevent it from re-melting at the lower temperature? I had to turn it up to melt it then back down to put the chain in. Thanks, Adrian.

[@SILCAVelo]

This is the one downside with the PID control.. we can only measure temp in the metal of the pot, so the heating element heats until the pot is 75 and then stays right there.. to make it melt faster you can put the temp to 90 or 100 and then just turn it down when it gets to 75.

[@tommays56]

The secret wax is great at 1700 miles waxing every 250 with so far no measurable wear

[@howeshienchee1157]

I bought a fully built bike from the bike store. The chain is already installed. I've already put couple hundreds miles with the bike. As such, the chain is already collecting dirt and dust from multiple bike rides. If I need to wax the installed chain, would you recommend that I strip the chain with the StripChip? Or how would you recommend I treat the existing chain? Thanks.

[@SILCAVelo]

Definitely clean this one with Chain Stripper.. it will better remove all the factory grease as well as remove any dirt sticking to the factory grease. In this instance, StripChip will waxify the factory grease, but you'll still have any dirt stuck to the factory grease from use suspended and floating in your wax which you really don't want.

[@rinsto6212]

Hi there you guys have some great products. Question does the degreaser also work for used chains, to get rid of the oil?

[@chrisgrigsby4475]

Any tips for using this with a bag of hot melt wax that was used once before using the stovetop method? I haven’t looked, but I’m assuming it’s a big block now as opposed to the pellets that are in a brand new bag. Do I have to melt it again and then pour it in the Silca pot where it will stay from now on?

[@SILCAVelo]

You could try to cut the bag away from the wax and put it into the pot, but if it's too big to fit, you can just melt it in the bag and pour it into the pot.

[@LeeBoris974]

With the chain stripper is it safe to be rinsing it off in the sink and disposing the coffee filter in the garbage?

[@neutronpcxt372]

Ideally with all forms of oil/grease, no. Considering the chain stripper is made of "only" 3 very concentrated surfactants that are used to remove the oil, it's likely fine. It would be like if you dumped pure concentrated dish soap combined with cooking oil. Bad if you do that constantly, but not an issue if you only do it every once in a long while.

[@RegularJonMTB]

Could you strip a chain & just use the super secret wax lube?

[@LarsTore]

Brilliant! Do you sell spare cable couplers?

[@SILCAVelo]

We are expecting to have them in stock within the month.

[@sjb931x]

How important is temperature control? I'm using a small crockpot for waxing and constantly checking the temp with a candy thermometer is rather cumbersome. Will I lose the benefits of waxing if I don't hit the 125C and 75C temperature marks exactly?

[@SILCAVelo]

For just hot waxing, the temperature is not that important, but for using the Strip Chip it is very critical. I would recommend using chain stripper to strip the chains if you are using a crock pot.

[@Vam1500]

You would think at some point with the popularity of waxing that chain manufacturers would offer a nongreased or paraffin waxed chain so there would be no need to strip it.

[@mojomarc]

I'm guessing they don't because if they weren't stored in a pretty arid environment (and most shops don't control for humidity) the chances of the chain oxidizing before it was sold and installed would be a problem

[@Cheruzan]

Does the chain need to by dry (after rinsing it with water) when going into the wax pot?

[@SILCAVelo]

No, it can go in wet, but you will have to wait for the water to all boil off before pulling from the wax.. some blow the chain off with a compressor to remove excess moisture, but I generally just throw it in the wax and let it go 10 minutes or so and it's good.

[@martinnavarre745]

Not sure where to comment ... but I would very much appreciate a discussion on SRAM road chains. The current Rival, Force and Red chains do not wax as well as Shimano chains - can you discuss any tricks to help (higher melt temperature ... use a strip chip ... ??). And, what about the new Red chain - I have heard that the finish is different ... how does it take wax?

[@wernerbloemen1552]

What is the reason to let te temperature drop to 75° before removing the chain?

[@SILCAVelo]

Pulling it too hot will allow more wax to run out of the chain resulting in shorter application lifespan. It won't hurt anything to pull at higher temperature, but the application might not last as long.

[@chrisridesbicycles]

What was unfortunately cut out is what you did with the water after rinsing the chain. Is it safe to put in the drain? (In respect to the environment and in respect to the seals in the drainage system since we learned that it ate the seals of the bottles)

[@SILCAVelo]

Once diluted it can be put down the drain with no risk to environment or seals.

[@josephryan4920]

At what point do you shorten/size the chain? After the wax or does doing it before save some wax?

[@ellirhc11]

I do it before the stripping

[@StuckInTheM1ddle]

I'd suggest do it after the stripping as you won't be dealing with the grease from the chain. Definitely before the waxing as that will only interfere with moving the extra links not needed

[@f2performancelab]

Thinking of ordering this setup very soon, but have a question regarding your recommendation. Working with a few racers prepping for marathon mtb nationals, using e13 cassettes with sram axs drivetrain and was wondering what chain you'd recommend using for those marginal gains? I've heard you say how good and efficient the dura-ace/xtr 12spd chains are, would that be your recommendation over a sram or kmc chain? thanks in advance

[@macaross40]

I waxed my chain for the first time last week and was impressed by how quiet my drivetrain ran. However after 150km it sounds noisy again. I was under the impression I'd get more milage from a waxed chain before i have to top it up?

[@DionLewiis]

I feel like somebody in the market needs to capitalise on SRAM’s flattop 12 speed links only being single use.

[@junkailu5450]

Hi Silca, really appreciate your high quality videos. I have been looking for economic alternative of the wax pot, the 3rd-party pot I found can only reach to 120 degree celsius. I wonder if this 5 degree deficiency can affect the wax quality? Or can I just soak the chain into the wax for longer time to make this up?

[@b3tamal3]

Does the chain that was cleaned with the stripper and water rinse have to be completely bone dry before submerging into the wax? Or is some moisture ok as you drop it into the melted wax?

[@neutronpcxt372]

Unless you want to chase maximum longevity/performance, being dry to the touch is good enough. The water will be displaced from the hot wax solution as it heats up.

[@MikeKolcun]

And if the wax is over 100c the water will just boil off.

[@satchmojack]

Hey Josh and team. Thanks for this! I'm using a different slow cooker that just has warm / low / high settings but am monitoring with thermometer. Is there any harm done if I lose track and the wax gets hotter, like ~80C?

[@beams2002]

Josh, regarding chain stripper solution - is it better to return the filtered solution into the orig bottle, or keep in another bottle (eg. second ball jar) separately for next use?

[@SILCAVelo]

Totally up to you, I like to use the bottle so that I'm only using 1 ball jar in the process, but that's purely out of space constraint.

[@jimhansen5395]

My process is slightly different, in that have the bike sitting on the stand behind me, ready for the waxed chain. I put the chain on the bike straight out of the wax (using 9mil Nitrile Gloves) so it's still warm, then pedal while shifting through all of the gears. The pushes excess waxa off the plate junctions and results in much less wax flaking off, and not having to go through the break-in process with the very stiff chain.

[@comedyman112]

If you're pulling out the chain from the pot while the wax is still hot it will not hold the recommended amount of wax, because it drips. You basically under wax it this way

[@WyRmiE]

i would like to ask, you put 300g of hot wax and let it go to 125, then add strip chip when the video starts ?

[@SILCAVelo]

Yes, the pot had 300 grams of Silca Secret Blend hot wax in it when we started the video: silca.cc/products/secret-chain-wax-blend

[@WyRmiE]

@@SILCAVelo thanks! Can't wait my order should be shipped on 5th april. Counting days since 14th March :D