Waxing for indoor bike

Equipment
21

Yeah, should be no problem.

22

15 hrs = 250 to 300 miles then yes

23

Yea, I have and that’s also a huge pro. I don’t want that oily mess indoors.

24

What about the power adapter? I haven’t heard anything about that yet. Link?

25

I would think that the wax would stick to some surfaces really well too. If it’s ground in to a surface, it seems like it’s not coming out easily. :person_shrugging:

But I used White Lightning and it stunk so bad, and did drip, so stopped using that immediately.

26

I use REX Black Diamond Chain Lube (probably the best for dry conditions according to ZFC), and Im good for 1000kms +

27

I have my bike on a mat, so I haven’t seen anything get ground into the carpet or anything, but I could see it happening. I would guess you’d be able to vacuum up the flakes much easier than any liquid lube though. The vacuum has always worked for me.

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28

You can’t use a Tacx Neo smart plus with a power adapter due to a fire warning from Garmin. Issued world wide a short week ago.

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29

I have the Silca hot wax pot and super secret drip on wax as well. I have two chains that I alternate between. Typically I ride the trainer during the week and an outdoor ride on Saturday mornings. I hot wax both chains, put one wrapped in a microfiber towel in my tool box next to my trainer in the garage and throw one on the bike. Assuming I start the month with a new chain I will apply the drip on once a week, usually the day before my outdoor ride. After two week I throw the new chain on and repeat the process. Gives me a month of little hassle. Potentially means I rewax more often than needed, but I enjoy the process and the quietness of a dipped chain.

SInce my setup is in the garage I just use a leaf blower to blow the wax flakes out, but you typically only need to do this after the first 1-2 rides after a hot dip. The flakes that are on the chainstay and trainer legs (Kickr Core) i just wipe up with a microfiber and they look good as new.

30

I just use Squirt on the indoor bike. Cheaper than the high end drip waxes. Less hassle than immersing it in wax. Lasts for ages. Flakes off but easy to sweep or vacuum up. I stopped using Squirt outside since as a softer wax it picked up more dirt, but that’s not an issue on an indoor bike.

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31

The notice, in case anyone needs to read it. :disguised_face:

32

Just reflecting on this comment - the only real issue here is the friction modifiers that make the wax bike-specific - and make it stain things grey/black.

If I were to get really serious about a dedicated trainer setup then I think I’d probably get a second slow cooker and just use straight parrafin wax with no additives for the indoor bike. Treatments won’t last quite as long, but then it’s totally clear and if some flakes get tracked onto a hardwood floor or something you’re literally just polishing your floorboards. And if it gets on/in anything it shouldn’t then you can easily remove it with heat or some kind of solvent, depending on what’s least likely to damage the item/surface you’re cleaning.

I think Gulf brand wax is the most popular in the US but I’ve not seen that sold here in the UK, so just whatever the DIYers in your local market favour.

33

The wax flakes are easy to wipe or vacuum, wax still prevents chain marks and prepping/waxing 1 chain or 5 really isn’t anymore work or effort.

34

I want to share a great tip msspeedwax shared with me that will make your wax life way easier.

When pulling the chain out of the pot, wipe it with a microfiber cloth directly. It will make everything better:
*Much less flakes
*Much easier to put on
*Easier to do the break link procedure

The con is that you’ll use up microfibers.

I was so impressed when I tried this yesterday that I’ll use it on my outdoor bike as well.

35

I use this, it is much stronger than regular kitchen wipes, so it doesn’t tear

https://www.ah.nl/producten/product/wi48585/nalys-xtra-multi-gebruik

36

You also wipe the chain like I explained above?

37

Yeah but with “expensive” kitchen wipes not microfiber

38

Curios to ask, did you find the same findings I wrote?

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39

I finally started wiping down after setting up waxing again and it definitely reduces the initial flinging a lot.

I just end up using my end of life microfibers for bike stuff so throwing one out at this point isn’t a concern for me. After a few washes and I don’t trust them on car paint they become bike rags.

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40

Most of the excess wax will be between the plates but wiping will keep them looking nice and shiny