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Chain waxing pioneers started applying paraffin wax to the chain instead of oil decades ago, basically using candle wax. A drive lubricated with this hardly attracts any dirt, and where there is no dirt, there is also less wear. Much less wear. On the road anyway, but especially, for example, when cross-country or gravel biking in damp tannery. However, because waxing requires a lot of preparation - the parts must be completely free of grease before application so that wax can adhere at all - waxing was a niche topic for a long time. That has changed. Nowadays, pretty much every well-known lubricant manufacturer has wax in its programme, and there are also countless companies that have made waxing their main focus. The market has literally exploded. There are essentially two product lines: Hot waxes and drip waxes. The former have to be melted and chains dismantled before the bath in the hot wax - which makes the procedure time-consuming. Drip waxes, on the other hand, are applied from the bottle - similar to oil. According to manufacturers, however, hot waxes are supposed to be better. However, as drip waxes are easier to use, the market seems to be moving more in this direction. Both methods can also be combined. For example, the hot-waxed chain can be relubricated with drip waxes before being immersed in the hot wax bath again after a few cycles for a general overhaul.
10 liquid waxes in the TOUR test
- Dry Fluid High End chain lubricant >> e.g. available here
- Dynamic Slick Wax >> e.g. available here
- Finish Line Halo Wax Lubricant >> e.g. available here
- Motorex Chainwax >> e.g. available here
- Muc-Off Dry Lube >> e.g. available here
- Silca Super Secret Chain Lube
- Toniq Chain Wax All Weather >> e.g. available here
- Wend Wax-On Liquid Lube Dry
- Wend Wax-On Liquid Lube Wet
- Zefal Extra Dry Wax >> e.g. available here
6 hot waxes in the TOUR test
Splendour in the deepest muck
We can confirm from years of practical experience that waxed chains hardly attract any dirt. Even after a ride through the thickest mud, the waxed chain is still amazingly clean. And this in turn is the basis for a significantly longer service life of chains, sprockets and chainrings - waxed chains last several times longer! As replacing worn chains, sprockets and chainrings on modern bikes can cost hundreds of euros - cassettes cost up to 500 euros - durability is an immensely important factor in ongoing operating costs. However, cleanliness is not only beneficial to the technology; waxed chains leave few marks, only a little wax trickles out when the bike is run in. This makes handling the bike more pleasant. The advantages are particularly noticeable during transport (in the car) and frequent wheel changes. Problems in practice mainly concern riding in the rain. Putting a wet bike in the garage has never been a good idea - especially not with a waxed drive, as this offers less corrosion protection than oil, which, unlike wax, can creep in. The first rust can therefore bloom overnight on a wax chain that has been parked wet. Waxed drives should therefore be dried and ideally relubricated after every ride in the rain. How long the chain will last with waxing varies. Some manufacturers promise mileages of up to 1,000 kilometres per application. This may be true under certain conditions on the road, but in our experience 200 kilometres is more practical in everyday road cycling, and significantly less in winter conditions. An oiled chain tends to buzz for more kilometres per oiling without complaint.
The test field - enjoyable hot and cold
Our test field comprises 16 products from eleven manufacturers. Six hot waxes meet ten drip waxes. The price per gram varies between 9 and 50 cents. Waxes are therefore relatively expensive. This is certainly less due to the price of the base material paraffin than to the additives that are added to the waxes. Solid-state lubricants such as tungsten disulphide or special ceramics, which are designed to adhere to the metal surface, are expensive ingredients. Wax is also economical. Only around four grams of wax are actually needed for a hot waxing. A 400 gram pack therefore lasts for a small eternity. With drip waxes, how long a bottle lasts depends on the viscosity and application. Even a small container can be economical, as is the case with Dry Fluid, which is very thin and has a fine dosing tip. To estimate: To keep a fleet of eight bikes running, the author needed 240 millilitres of dripping wax in a year. Estimated total mileage: just under 20,000 kilometres (wax costs: 0.23 cents/kilometre). The manufacturers divide the waxes into low-mileage products and endurance waxes, which are intended to deliver higher mileage. Three manufacturers (Dynamic, Motorex and Toniq) also advertise biodegradable waxes. For the test, we applied the waxes to degreased Shimano XT chains and subjected them to an efficiency test on a special test stand at high to very high loads of between 370 and 680 watts. We compared the waxes with the original lubrication of the Shimano chains and a very good chain oil.
Wax has clear advantages
Our test shows that the manufacturers' promises are actually true: Waxes lubricate very well, the best ones more efficiently than a very good high-end chain oil - but only just. The efficiency gain compared to the original lubrication from Shimano, which can be considered more as corrosion protection, is clear. A good wax saves 5.5 watts with 370 watts of drive power. That's 1.5 per cent after all. Is that a little or a lot? That's in the eye of the beholder. Replacing the original lubrication of the chain with something faster should at least be a duty for racers. When worn or dirty, the differences between the products are presumably even greater than determined in our test. At higher power levels, the efficiency of the chain transmission generally increases. The ranking for high performance is therefore not completely identical to that for lower performance (see chart on the right). Our measurements show that most waxes work very well even at very high power. A recognisable trend is that hot waxes work reliably well and lead the ranking. However, some drip waxes are also among the front runners. A wax-free dry lubricant, Dry Fluid, also performs very well.
Waxing does the trick. More speed, more durability, clean fingers. The biggest effort is degreasing the chains. Pre-waxed chains make it particularly easy to get started. Once waxing is running, it is only slightly more time-consuming than oiling and saves money, as the drive lasts longer, which more than compensates for the cost of waxing. - Robert Kühnen Test Engineer
Robert Kühnen has long been associated with the magazine as an author and tester, has played a key role in the TOUR test stands and has also developed the chain test stand. The engineer also offers measurements for the bike industry and top-class sport. bike-engineering.de
Wax concepts
Hot wax
The wax is melted and the dismantled chain is placed in the wax bath. Advantage: Complete filling of the chain with wax, Disadvantage: Higher expenditure
Drip wax / liquid wax
It is applied like oil from a bottle.
- Advantage: Easy handling
- Disadvantage: takes several hours to dry, slightly less efficient than hot wax.
The combination of both methods is practical. Preparation with hot wax, relubrication with drip wax. Pre-waxed interchangeable chains are another option.
10 liquid waxes in an individual test
Dry Fluid High End chain lubricant
- Manufacturer and product: Dry Fluid High End chain lubricant
- Price: 24,80 Euro >> available here
- Size / Price per litre: 50 millilitres / 496 euros
- Solvent: Alcohol
- Additives: Sliding particles
- Power loss 370 / 680 watts: 12.2 watts / 16.3 watts
TOUR rating
- Lubrication performance (80 %): 2.0
- Handling (20 %): 1.0
- Overall grade (100 %): 1.8
Conclusion
Wax-free lubricant. Very economical, very small quantities are sufficient. Also ideal for relubricating on tour
Dynamic Slick Wax
- Manufacturer and product: Dynamic Slick Wax
- Price: 12,99 Euro >> available here
- Size / price per litre: 100 millilitres / 130 euros
- Solvent: Water
- Additives: none
- Power loss 370 / 680 watts: 15.9 watts / 21.1 watts
TOUR rating
- Lubrication performance (80 %): 4.0
- Handling (20 %): 1.0
- Overall grade (100 %): 3.4
Conclusion
All-weather wax without additives. Inexpensive, biodegradable, but not particularly greasy
Finish Line Halo Wax Lubricant
- Manufacturer and product: Finish Line Halo Wax Lubricant
- Price: 38,50 Euro >> available here
- Size / Price per litre: 120 millilitres / 321 euros
- Solvent: Water
- Additives: tungsten, ceramic
- Power loss 370 / 680 watts: 15.2 watts / 17.7 watts
TOUR rating
- Lubrication performance (80 %): 3.0
- Handling (20 %): 1.0
- Overall grade (100 %): 2.6
Conclusion
Ingredients like Hot Wax, but significantly more expensive and less effective. Integrated application sponges
Motorex Chainwax
- Manufacturer and product: Motorex Chainwax
- Price: 9,95 Euro >> available here
- Size / price per litre: 100 millilitres / 100 euros
- Solvent: Water
- Additives: none
- Power loss 370 / 680 watts: 13.7 watts / 14.3 watts
TOUR rating
- Lubrication performance (80 %): 2.0
- Handling (20 %): 1.0
- Overall grade (100 %): 1.8
Conclusion
Water-based drip wax. Biodegradable. Solid, especially at high outputs. Favourable
Muc-Off Dry Lube
- Manufacturer and product: Muc Off Dry Lube
- Price: 16,99 Euro >> available here
- Size / Price per litre: 120 millilitres / 142 euros
- Solvent: Alcohol
- Additives: none
- Power loss 370 / 680 watts: 13.3 watts / 16.3 watts
TOUR rating
- Lubrication performance (80 %): 2.0
- Handling (20 %): 1.0
- Overall grade (100 %): 1.8
Conclusion
It says oil on the label, but it contains wax: Alcohol as a carrier liquid makes this wax frost-compatible
Silca Super Secret Chain Lube
- Manufacturer and product: Silca Super Secret Chain Lube
- Price: 54 Euro
- Size / Price per litre: 240 millilitres / 225 euros
- Solvent: Water
- Additives: Tungsten sulphide
- Power loss 370 / 680 watts: 13 watts / 16.3 watts
TOUR rating
- Lubrication performance (80 %): 2.0
- Handling (20 %): 1.0
- Overall grade (100 %): 1.8
Conclusion
Water-based drip wax, very good with medium performance. High yield. Requires hardly any running-in time
Toniq Chain Wax All Weather
- Manufacturer and product: Toniq Chain Wax All Weather
- Price: 13,90 Euro >> available here
- Size / Price per litre: 100 millilitres / 139 euros
- Solvent: Water
- Additives: none
- Power loss 370 / 680 watts: 16.7 watts / 17 watts
TOUR rating
- Lubrication performance (80 %): 3.0
- Handling (20 %): 2.0
- Overall grade (100 %): 2.8
Conclusion
Viscous wax. Also available in 500 and 15 ml bottles. Biodegradable
Wend Wax-On Liquid Lube Dry
- Manufacturer and product: Wend Wax-On Liquid Lube Dry
- Price: 15,40 Euro
- Size / Price per litre: 120 millilitres / 128 euros
- Solvent: Water
- Additives: Ceramic, HDPE
- Power loss 370 / 680 watts: 12.6 watts / 13.6 watts
TOUR rating
- Lubrication performance (80 %): 2.0
- Handling (20 %): 1.0
- Overall grade (100 %): 1.8
Conclusion
Low viscosity wax for dry conditions. Same coefficient of friction as the wet version, but more economical
Wend Wax-On Liquid Lube Wet
- Manufacturer and product: Wend Wax-On Liquid Lube Wet
- Price: 15,40 Euro
- Size / Price per litre: 120 millilitres / 128 euros
- Solvent: Water
- Additives: Ceramic, HDPE
- Power loss 370 / 680 watts: 13 watts / 13.6 watts
TOUR rating
- Lubrication performance (80 %): 2.0
- Handling (20 %): 2.0
- Overall grade (100 %): 2.0
Conclusion
Viscous wax for wet conditions. Surprisingly fast, especially at high outputs
Zefal Extra Dry Wax
- Manufacturer and product: Zefal Extra Dry Wax
- Price: 9,95 Euro >> available here
- Size / Price per litre: 120 millilitres / 83 euros
- Solvent: Water
- Additives: not specified
- Power loss 370 / 680 watts: 14.4 watts / 17 watts
TOUR rating
- Lubrication performance (80 %): 3.0
- Handling (20 %): 1.0
- Overall grade (100 %): 2.6
Conclusion
Inexpensive water-based drip wax from France. Medium friction values
6 hot waxes in the TOUR test
Cyclowax Performance Pro Wax
- Manufacturer and product: Cyclowax Performance Pro Wax
- Price: 27,49 Euro
- Size / Price per litre: 190 grams / 147 euros
- Solvent: none
- Additives: Tungsten disulphide
- Power loss 370 / 680 watts: 13.3 watts / 14.3 watts
TOUR rating
- Lubrication performance (80 %): 2.0
- Handling (20 %): 3.0
- Overall grade (100 %): 2.2
Conclusion
Hot wax with tungsten disulphide. Decently fast mixture, but small pack size
Dynamic Hyper
- Manufacturer and product: Dynamic Hyper
- Price: 39,99 Euro >> available here
- Size / price per litre: 240 grams / 167 euros
- Solvents / additives Power loss 370 / 680 watts: none / none / 11.5 watts / 14.3 watts
TOUR rating
- Lubrication performance (80 %): 1.0
- Handling (20 %): 3.0
- Overall grade (100 %): 1.4
Conclusion
The fastest wax for medium performance. Is relatively soft when hardened. Biodegradable
Dynamic Wander Wax
- Manufacturer and product: Dynamic Wander Wax
- Price: 39,99 Euro >> available here
- Size / price per litre: 240 grams / 167 euros
- Solvent: none
- Additives: none
- Power loss 370 / 680 watts: 11.8 watts / 12.9 watts
TOUR rating
- Lubrication performance (80 %): 1.0
- Handling (20 %): 3.0
- Overall grade (100 %): 1.4
Conclusion
Endurance hot wax with very low friction. Cured relatively soft. Biodegradable
Finish Line Halo Hot Wax
- Manufacturer and product: Finish Line Halo Hot Wax
- Price: 51,50 Euro >> available here
- Size / Price per litre: 600 grams / 86 euros
- Solvent: none
- Additives: Tungsten and ceramics
- Power loss 370 / 680 watts: 12.6 watts / 15 watts
TOUR rating
- Lubrication performance (80 %): 2.0
- Handling (20 %): 1.0
- Overall grade (100 %): 1.8
Conclusion
All-round hot wax in a large container. Packaging serves as a cooking bag. Good friction values
Molten Speed Wax Mspeedwax
- Manufacturer and product: Molton Speed Wax Mspeedwax
- Price: 44,90 Euro
- Size / Price per litre: 520 grams / 86 euros
- Solvents / additives Power loss 370 / 680 watts: none / tungsten disulphide / 12.2 watts / 12.2 watts
TOUR rating
- Lubrication capacity (80 %): 1.o
- Handling (20 %): 3.0
- Overall grade (100 %): 1.4
Conclusion
Classic from the USA with very good performance, especially at high power levels
Silca Secret Chain Blend
- Manufacturer and product: Silca Secret Chain Blend
- Price: 49,95 Euro >> available here
- Info: silca.cc
- Size / price per litre: 500 grams / 100 euros
- Solvents / additives Power loss 370 / 680 watts: none / tungsten disulphide / 12.6 watts / 13.6 watts
TOUR rating
- Lubrication performance (80 %): 2.0
- Handling (20 %): 1.0
- Overall grade (100 %): 1.8
Conclusion
Very fast hot wax that performs well under all conditions. The bag can be placed directly in the water bath
How TOUR tests
Wax defies the classic isolated lubricant test. That's why we tested it the way we use it - while driving. In doing so, we measured how efficiently the drive works. However, we drove on the spot, because such precise measurements are only possible in the laboratory. Test setupOur test machine measures the difference between incoming and outgoing power in the chain transmission. This is technically demanding because the chain efficiency is generally very high. The measurement technology must be able to withstand coarse forces, but still provide a fine resolution. This is achieved by the structure consisting of a 1.5 kW drive and two industrial burster torque sensors, which can handle up to 200 Newton metres of torque - more than the strongest cyclists can squeeze out of their muscles. In contrast to humans, the machine stays on the ball even at performance levels that would leave us with lactate in our ears.
Test procedure: To compare the lubricants, we prepared 20 Shimano XT chains from a production batch with our test waxes after degreasing, allowed them to harden and then rode them for an hour at 370 watts - which for most of them corresponds to a fairly strenuous uphill ride. We record the development of the efficiency. The average value of the final 20 minutes is our measured value. We ride at 92 revolutions per minute and a gear ratio of 32/17 - without skewing. The chain is routed via a rear derailleur, the sprockets are made of steel. In the second part of the test, the run-in chains are loaded with 680 watts for ten minutes. Here, too, we record the efficiency. This test provides information on the extent to which the lubricants also work under brute force. Finally, we subject a waxed chain to a tough endurance test after a mud bath. We also monitor the development of the efficiency during this test.
