Chain wax test: Liquid or hot? 16 chain waxes put through their paces in TOUR’s comprehensive test

Pioneers of chain waxing began decades ago to apply paraffin instead of oil to the chain – in essence, using candle wax. A drivetrain lubricated in this way attracts hardly any dirt, and where dirt doesn’t stick, there’s less wear and tear. Much less wear and tear. On the road, of course, but particularly when cyclo-crossing or gravel biking in damp woodland, for example. However, as waxing requires quite a bit of preparation – the parts must be completely free of grease before application so that the wax can adhere at all – it remained a niche activity for a long time. That has changed. Nowadays, pretty much every well-known lubricant manufacturer has wax in its range, joined by countless companies that have made waxing their speciality. The market has literally exploded. Essentially, there are two product lines: hot waxes and drip waxes. The former must be melted down, and chains must be dismantled before being immersed in the hot wax – which makes the procedure rather laborious. Drip waxes, on the other hand, are applied straight from the bottle – just like oil. According to manufacturers, however, hot waxes are said to be superior. As drip waxes are easier to use, however, the market seems to be moving more in this direction. Both methods can also be combined. For example, you can re-lubricate a chain that has been treated with hot wax using drip waxes before immersing it in the hot wax bath again for a general overhaul after a few cycles.

10 liquid waxes put to the test by TOUR

• 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 put to the test by TOUR

• Cyclowax Performance Pro Wax
• Dynamic Hyper >> e.g. available here
• Dynamic Touring Wax >> e.g. available here
• Finish Line Halo Hot Wax >> e.g. available here
• Molten Speed Wax Mspeedwax
• Silca Secret Chain Blend >> e.g. available here

Splendour amidst the deepest filth

We can confirm from years of practical experience that waxed chains hardly attract any dirt. Even after a ride through the thickest mud, a waxed chain remains remarkably clean. And that, in turn, is the basis for a significantly longer service life for chains, sprockets and chainrings – with wax, they can 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 running costs. However, cleanliness doesn’t just benefit the mechanics; waxed chains leave little trace; only a little wax trickles out during the running-in period. This makes handling the bike more pleasant. The benefits are literally tangible, particularly when transporting the bike (in a car) and when frequently changing bikes. Practical problems mainly arise during rides in the rain. Putting a wet bike into the garage has never been a good idea – and certainly not with a waxed drivetrain, as this offers less protection against corrosion than oil, which, unlike wax, can seep into the surface. Consequently, the first signs of rust can appear overnight on a waxed chain that has been parked whilst wet. That is why waxed drivetrains should be dried off after every ride in the rain and, ideally, re-lubricated. How long a waxed chain lasts varies. Some manufacturers promise mileage of up to 1,000 kilometres per application. Whilst this may be true under certain road conditions, in our experience 200 kilometres is a more realistic figure for everyday road cycling, and significantly less in winter conditions. Generally speaking, an oiled chain will run for more kilometres between oilings without any problems.

The test range – can be enjoyed hot or cold

Our test range comprises 16 products from eleven manufacturers. Six hot waxes are compared with ten drip waxes. The price per gramme varies between 9 and 50 cents. Waxes are therefore relatively expensive. This is certainly due less to the price of the base material, paraffin, than to the additives mixed into the waxes. Solid lubricants such as tungsten disulphide or special ceramics, which are designed to adhere to the metal surface, are expensive ingredients. Wax is also economical. For a hot waxing session, only around four grams of wax is actually needed. A 400-gram packet therefore lasts a small eternity. With drip waxes, how long a bottle lasts depends on its viscosity and how it is used. Even a small container can go a long way, as is the case with Dry Fluid, which is very thin in consistency and fitted with a fine dispensing tip. To give an idea: To keep a fleet of eight bikes running, the author required 240 millilitres of liquid wax in one year. Estimated total mileage: just under 20,000 kilometres (wax cost: 0.23 cents per kilometre). Some manufacturers categorise waxes according to their intended use, distinguishing between smooth-running products and endurance waxes, which are designed 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 specialised test rig, under high to very high loads ranging from 370 to 680 watts. We compared the waxes with the original lubrication on the Shimano chains as well as with a very good chain oil.

Wax has clear advantages

Our test shows that the manufacturers’ claims are indeed true: waxes lubricate very well, with the best ones being more efficient than a very good high-end chain oil – albeit only just. The gain in efficiency compared with Shimano’s original lubrication – which is really more of a corrosion inhibitor – is, however, significant. A good wax saves 5.5 watts here at a drive power of 370 watts. That’s 1.5 per cent, after all. Is that a lot or a little? That’s in the eye of the beholder. Replacing the original chain lubrication with something faster should be a must, at least for competitive cyclists. When the chain is worn or dirty, the differences between the products are presumably even greater than those determined in our test. At higher power outputs, the efficiency of the chain drive generally increases. The ranking for high power is therefore not entirely identical to that for lower power (see chart on the right). Our measurements show that most waxes perform very well even at very high power. A clear trend is emerging: hot waxes perform reliably well and top the rankings. However, some drip waxes are also right up there with the leaders. A wax-free dry lubricant, Dry Fluid, also performs very well.

Waxing makes a difference. Faster speed, longer life, and clean fingers. The most time-consuming part is degreasing the chains. Pre-waxed chains make getting started particularly easy. Once you’ve got the hang of waxing, it’s only slightly more time-consuming than oiling and saves you money, as the drivetrain lasts longer, which more than makes up for the cost of waxing. - Robert Kühnen, Test Engineer

Robert Kühnen has long been associated with the magazine as a writer and tester; he has played a key role in developing TOUR’s test benches and also designed the chain test bench. The engineer also provides measurement services for the cycling industry and elite sport. bike-engineering.de

Waxing Concepts

Hot wax

The wax is melted down and the dismantled chain is placed in the wax bath. Advantage: complete filling of the chain with wax, Disadvantage: greater effort

Dripping wax / Liquid wax

It is applied just like oil from a bottle.

• Advantage: ease of use
• Disadvantage: takes several hours to dry; it is slightly less efficient than hot wax.

A practical approach is to combine both methods: preparation with hot wax, followed by re-waxing with drip wax. Pre-waxed replaceable chains are another option.

10 liquid waxes put to the test

Dry Fluid High-End Chain Lubricant

• Manufacturer and product: Dry Fluid High-End Chain Lubricant
• Price: 24.80 euros >> available here
• Volume / Price per litre: 50 millilitres / 496 euros
• Solvent: alcohol
• Additives: Lubricating particles
• Power loss 370 / 680 watts: 12.2 watts / 16.3 watts

TOUR rating

• Lubrication capacity (80 %): 2.0
• Handling (20 %): 1.0
• Overall mark (100 per cent): 1.8

Conclusion

Wax-free lubricant. Very economical – only a small amount is needed. Also ideal for re-lubricating whilst out and about

Dynamic Slick Wax

• Manufacturer and product: Dynamic Slick Wax
• Price: 12.99 euros >> available here
• Size / Price per litre: 100 millilitres / 130 euros
• Solvent: water
• Additives: none
• Power dissipation 370 / 680 watts: 15.9 watts / 21.1 watts

TOUR rating

• Lubrication capacity (80 %): 4.0
• Handling (20 %): 1.0
• Overall mark (100 %): 3.4

Conclusion

All-weather wax without additives. Inexpensive, biodegradable, but not particularly easy to apply

Finish Line Halo Wax Lubricant

• Manufacturer and product: Finish Line Halo Wax Lubricant
• Price: 38.50 euros >> available here
• Volume / Price per litre: 120 millilitres / 321 euros
• Solvent: water
• Additives: tungsten, ceramics
• Power dissipation 370 / 680 watts: 15.2 watts / 17.7 watts

TOUR rating

• Lubrication capacity (80 %): 3.0
• Handling (20 %): 1.0
• Overall mark (100 %): 2.6

Conclusion

Contains ingredients similar to Hot Wax, but is significantly more expensive and less effective. Comes with application sponges included

Motorex Chainwax

• Manufacturer and product: Motorex Chainwax
• Price: 9.95 euros >> available here
• Volume / Price per litre: 100 millilitres / 100 euros
• Solvent: water
• Additives: none
• Power dissipation 370 / 680 watts: 13.7 watts / 14.3 watts

TOUR rating

• Lubrication capacity (80 %): 2.0
• Handling (20 %): 1.0
• Overall mark (100%): 1.8

Conclusion

Water-based drip wax. Biodegradable. Durable, particularly at high power levels. Good value for money

Muc-Off Dry Lube

• Manufacturer and product: Muc Off Dry Lube
• Price: 16.99 euros >> available here
• Volume / Price per litre: 120 millilitres / 142 euros
• Solvent: alcohol
• Additives: none
• Power dissipation 370 / 680 watts: 13.3 watts / 16.3 watts

TOUR rating

• Lubrication capacity (80 %): 2.0
• Handling (20 %): 1.0
• Overall mark (100 %): 1.8

Conclusion

It says ‘oil’ on the label, but it’s actually wax: alcohol as a carrier fluid makes this wax frost-resistant

Silca Super Secret Chain Lube

• Manufacturer and product: Silca Super Secret Chain Lube
• Price: 54 euros
• Volume / 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 capacity (80 %): 2.0
• Handling (20 %): 1.0
• Overall mark (100 %): 1.8

Conclusion

Water-based drip wax, performs very well at medium power. Goes a long way. Requires hardly any running-in time

Toniq Chain Wax All Weather

• Manufacturer and product: Toniq Chain Wax All Weather
• Price: 13.90 euros >> available here
• Size / Price per litre: 100 millilitres / 139 euros
• Solvent: water
• Additives: none
• Power dissipation 370 / 680 watts: 16.7 watts / 17 watts

TOUR rating

• Lubrication capacity (80 %): 3.0
• Handling (20 %): 2.0
• Overall mark (100 %): 2.8

Conclusion

Thick wax. Also available in 500 ml and 15 ml bottles. Biodegradable

Wend Wax-On Liquid Lube Dry

• Manufacturer and product: Wend Wax-On Liquid Lube Dry
• Price: 15.40 euros
• Size / Price per litre: 120 millilitres / 128 euros
• Solvent: water
• Additives: ceramics, HDPE
• Power dissipation 370 / 680 watts: 12.6 watts / 13.6 watts

TOUR rating

• Lubrication capacity (80 %): 2.0
• Handling (20 %): 1.0
• Overall mark (100 per cent): 1.8

Conclusion

A low-viscosity wax for dry conditions. Has the same coefficient of friction as the wet version, but goes further

Wend Wax-On Liquid Lube Wet

• Manufacturer and product: Wend Wax-On Liquid Lube Wet
• Price: 15.40 euros
• Size / Price per litre: 120 millilitres / 128 euros
• Solvent: water
• Additives: ceramics, HDPE
• Power loss 370 / 680 watts: 13 watts / 13.6 watts

TOUR rating

• Lubrication capacity (80 per cent): 2.0
• Handling (20%): 2.0
• Overall mark (100 %): 2.0

Conclusion

Thick, viscous wax for wet conditions. Surprisingly fast, particularly at high speeds

Zefal Extra Dry Wax

• Manufacturer and product: Zefal Extra Dry Wax
• Price: 9.95 euros >> available here
• Size / Price per litre: 120 millilitres / 83 euros
• Solvent: water
• Additives: not specified
• Power dissipation 370 / 680 watts: 14.4 watts / 17 watts

TOUR rating

• Lubrication capacity (80 %): 3.0
• Handling (20 %): 1.0
• Overall mark (100 %): 2.6

Conclusion

Affordable, water-based dripping wax from France. Medium coefficients of friction

6 hot waxes put to the test by TOUR

Cyclowax Performance Pro Wax

• Manufacturer and product: Cyclowax Performance Pro Wax
• Price: 27.49 euros
• Size / Price per litre: 190 grams / 147 euros
• Solvents: none
• Additives: tungsten disulphide
• Power dissipation 370 / 680 watts: 13.3 watts / 14.3 watts

TOUR rating

• Lubrication capacity (80 %): 2.0
• Handling (20 %): 3.0
• Overall mark (100 %): 2.2

Conclusion

Hot wax with tungsten disulphide. – Mixes quite quickly, but comes in a small pack

Dynamic Hyper

• Manufacturer and product: Dynamic Hyper
• Price: 39.99 euros >> available here
• Size / Price per litre: 240 grams / 167 euros
• Solvents / Additives Power dissipation 370 / 680 watts: none / none / 11.5 watts / 14.3 watts

TOUR rating

• Lubrication capacity (80 %): 1.0
• Handling (20%): 3.0
• Overall mark (100 %): 1.4

Conclusion

The fastest wax for medium performance levels. Remains relatively soft once set. Biodegradable

Dynamic Touring Wax

• Manufacturer and product: Dynamic Hiking Wax
• Price: 39.99 euros >> available here
• Size / Price per litre: 240 grams / 167 euros
• Solvents: none
• Additives: none
• Power loss 370 / 680 watts: 11.8 watts / 12.9 watts

TOUR rating

• Lubrication capacity (80 %): 1.0
• Handling (20 %): 3.0
• Overall mark (100 %): 1.4

Conclusion

Endurance hot wax with very low friction. Relatively soft when cured. Biodegradable

Finish Line Halo Hot Wax

• Manufacturer and product: Finish Line Halo Hot Wax
• Price: 51.50 euros >> available here
• Size / Price per litre: 600 grams / 86 euros
• Solvents: none
• Additives: Tungsten and ceramics
• Power dissipation 370 / 680 watts: 12.6 watts / 15 watts

TOUR rating

• Lubrication capacity (80 per cent): 2.0
• Handling (20 %): 1.0
• Overall mark (100%): 1.8

Conclusion

All-purpose hot wax in a large container. The packaging serves as a boiling bag. Good friction coefficients

Molten Speed Wax Mspeedwax

• Manufacturer and product: Molton Speed Wax Mspeedwax
• Price: 44.90 euros
• Size / Price per litre: 520 grams / 86 euros
• Solvents / Additives Power dissipation 370 / 680 watts: none / tungsten disulphide / 12.2 watts / 12.2 watts

TOUR rating

• Lubrication capacity (80 per cent): 1.0
• Handling (20 %): 3.0
• Overall mark (100 %): 1.4

Conclusion

A classic from the US offering excellent performance, particularly at high power levels

Silca Secret Chain Blend

• Manufacturer and product: Silca Secret Chain Blend
• Price: 49.95 euros >> available here
• Info: silca.cc
• Size / Price per litre: 500 grams / 100 euros
• Solvents / Additives Power dissipation 370 / 680 watts: none / tungsten disulphide / 12.6 watts / 13.6 watts

TOUR rating

• Lubrication capacity (80 %): 2.0
• Handling (20 %): 1.0
• Overall mark (100 %): 1.8

Conclusion

Very fast-setting hot wax that performs well in all conditions. The bag can be placed directly into the water bath

How TOUR carries out its tests

Wax cannot be tested using conventional methods for isolated lubricants. That is why we tested it in the same way we use it – whilst driving. In doing so, we measured how efficiently the drive system operates. However, we drove on the spot, as such precise measurements are only possible in a laboratory. Test set-up: Our test rig measures the difference between the input and output power in the chain drive. This is technically challenging because the chain’s efficiency is generally very high. The measurement technology must be able to withstand substantial forces whilst still providing high resolution. This is achieved by a setup comprising a 1.5-kW drive and two industrial Burster torque sensors, which can handle up to 200 Newton-metres of torque – more than even the strongest cyclists can muster from their muscles. Unlike humans, the machine keeps going even at intensities where we’d be sick to our hearts with lactic acid.

Test procedure: To compare the lubricants, we prepare 20 Shimano XT chains from a single production batch by degreasing them with our test waxes, allow them to set, and then cycle for an hour at 370 watts – which for most people is the equivalent of a fairly strenuous climb. We record the change in efficiency throughout this process. The average value over the final 20 minutes is our measured value. We cycle at 92 revolutions per minute and a gear ratio of 32/17 – without any chain drift. The chain is guided through a derailleur, and the sprockets are made of steel. In the second part of the test, the run-in chains are subjected to a load of 680 watts for ten minutes. Here, too, we record the efficiency. This test provides insight into the extent to which the lubricants function even under extreme loads. Finally, as an example, we subject a waxed chain to a gruelling endurance test following a mud bath. We also monitor the change in efficiency throughout this test.