Use ProBikeGarage app to track chains and bike maintenance.
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Thanks I came to roughly that conclusion and waxed a couple of used chains yesterday. Boy did it take a lot time to get them clean! I’m using some old plastic takeaway containers to keep them in with a bit of paper with the number of links and bike written on it. Like you I plan on using Squirt when I have to.
Thanks - just downloaded it to give it a go
Can you use a ziplock sandwich bag with the chain and degreaser inside hot water in the ultrasonic cleaner? Or do you need something heavier duty than the sandwich bag…like a freezer bag or something?
Yes, this is exactly what I do. It made sense to me as Squirt is wax based, and it worked well on my MTB through the UK winter.
I’ve just switched to a waxed chain on the road bike and will apply Squirt as required to avoid the hassle of removing it to apply hot wax.
The only problem is that chain stays clean, so I’m never quite sure when it needs a top up!
Thanks that’s good to know. I’ve just finished cleaning and waxing my chains for my stable. It took a looooong time to get them clean.
You know when it’s time for adding more Squirt, the chain squeaks as if running dry.
I’ve converted to wax (Molten Speedwax) and am generally happy, though I don’t get as much mileage as many seem to. I’m more in the 100-150 range before it starts to sound dry. Not that much of a problem, as I have three chains I rotate through. The problem is that I have a 500 mile weekend coming up, with the first leg at 215miles. I’ll bring the extra chains, but I doubt I’ll get through that first day, especially if it’s wet.
So for those who do ‘top up’, what do you use and what does it do to your next waxing? Can you just re-dip as normal, or do you have to deep-clean again?
Thanks.
Page 17 here → https://zerofrictioncycling.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/waxing-how-to-zen-master-guide-v2.pdf
States:
Q –I’m going on a cycling holiday, what should I use when I can’t wax?
SmooveLube. Not only has testing shown it is one of the best drip lubes you can get, it also gets along very well with msw. You can apply it straight on top of wax, and then when get back you can clean it with boiling water (and a bit of smoove prep if you like for bonus points followed of course by methylated spirits), and then just go back to re waxing
And I would clean cassette(s) and chainrings too when you get home. Adding a drip lube to your wax is a right PITA, but in your situation, you might have to unfortunately.
Although, if it is not wet, I wouldn’t. 345km (215mi) isn’t that much to ask from MSW. If it’s a dry course and day, I wouldn’t add Smoove as it’ll add a heap of work when you get back.
Regarding wet and mud, have a read of the next question in that PDF “Q –What are the main differences to the above if I am a mtb / cx rider?”
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So are you saying a squirt vs waxed chain will last a measurably longer time when comparing the two. Just based on a hunch or actual data?
You think there is a 3-4W difference between Squirt and wax?
I am saying, my personal experience is wax lasts reliably for me at around 300 miles for road and around 7 hours for mtb. My personal experience with squirt as it requires the same process of recleaning the chain to make it equal, otherwise it gets clumpy and messy after multiple uses. I have used Smoove as well. It seems to play well with wax.
I used it. I had read about waxing and thought it was way too much work. So when UFO Drip came out, I thought beauty! Here I can have a waxed chain without the hassle. Boy was I wrong! Here in Sydney, for 8 months of the year, the ambient temperature is such that UFO Drip is so viscous it just sits in lumps on top of the chain. So then I tried using a heat gun. But was concerned about cooking my bike frame and wheels, so then tried taking the rear wheel off and putting it in the stand. Still had to be careful of the chain stays and seat tube. So then tried heating the container. This meant stopping to heat it every 1/4 chain. Then found it was only lasting 80-100km before the chain was louder than a drunk on a Saturday night. A royal PITA. But it had that clean feel to the chain which surprised me. It is that clean feel that piqued my interest in proper waxing. So I sold my 3 bottles of UFO to a club mate for 1/2 price. Happy to just get rid of it.
So my conclusion is, sounds good, but it is not. It is time consuming and I doubt it is getting onto the rollers like it needs to, even in warmer weather.
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I’m using UFO drip on a track chain this year. AARN chainring, EAI cog, Izumi ECO chain… the same setup I’ve used for years. I was using Finish line Wax lubricant for the past 3 years. Never had any real issue other than it was dirty as hell and while not a wet lube it picked up a lot of grit on it eventually.
I have about 1400 miles on UFO drip this season with that drivetrain. I degreased the chainring and cog and took a brand new chain, stripped it clean in spirits and alcohol and applied UFO drip to it as a clean chain. A few things I have noticed about UFO drip;
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The amount of wear you get out of an application is very temperature dependent. In sub 50F weather I got maybe 40-60miles out of an application. Weather over 60F, even better at 70F, is giving me about 90-120miles out of an application
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The first 20-30 miles, regardless of temperature is buttery smooth and silent, even with a sloppy chainline. (again, this is a fixed gear chainline)
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After 2-3 applications, especially in cooler temps, I get a lot of build up on the chain. CeramicSpeed said not to worry about it as it is adding to the lubrication. The issue is the build up starts to attract dirt and gunk.
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So when the chain gets buildup, I will use Muk chain degreaser and a brush to strip it all off the chain during a bike wash and will start new UFO drip application post.
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After wet rides I’ll just apply a new application of UFO Drip to the chain.
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I also try to give the chain, at least 12 hours (longer if I can), to dry after an application (i.e. night before a ride).
Overall I’m very happy with UFO Drip and will keep using it (I just bought a second bottle).
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do you have to wax the quick link???
I don’t wax it with the chain but once the chain has soaked in the wax I just put the quick links on the hanger with the chain and dip for a few seconds to coat them.
I have been, but not sure you really need to. It makes installation harder if you do, but not that much harder, so I figure it’s not hurting anything, and might help.
Thanks for the info! I do appreciate it.
@DaveQB - thanks for the info. Unfortunately Smoove really wants to be put on at least a while pre-ride, best the night before (according to their website). I’m trying to deal with the mid-ride situation - either the sky opens up at mile 100, and the wax gives out at mile 110, or the wax just gives out around mile 160.
I was thinking something like Wend would be a good band-aid, but your earlier posting on that lube confirmed my concerns, so that’s out. Right now I’m thinking just going with a regular wax-based drip, and dealing with the chain cleaning project when I get home.
-Tim
Been thinking about doing this for awhile and have finally decided to jump in, but a question. I would prefer not to use mineral spirits for a variety of reasons. Is there another good alternative for cleaning the factory lube off of new chains? I guess worst comes to worst I can ride them for a bit and then get as much wax in as possible? But some alternative suggestions would be lovely!