Shoutout to the guy at the co-op who made me switch to wax chain lube

I was dead set on using wet lube for years because I ride in the rain a lot here in Seattle. Started getting this nasty black gunk build up on my drivetrain after about 2 months and couldn't figure out why my shifts were getting rough even after cleaning. A mechanic at Bike Works down on Columbia City told me to try Squirt wax lube instead. I figured it would just wash off immediately but he said to apply it thin and let it dry overnight. Tried it on my commuter 3 weeks ago and the chain is still clean and shifts way smoother. Only downside is I have to reapply after every wet ride but wiping off the drivetrain is way easier than dealing with that tar like gunk. Has anyone else made the switch from oil to wax and noticed their components lasting longer?

3 comments

3 Comments

claire9991mo ago

Tbh, why'd it take you so long?

sean1191mo ago

@uma_mitchell83 That wax stuff is magic until you forget to reapply and it sounds like a coffee grinder.

uma_mitchell831mo ago

I actually used to think wax lube was just a gimmick for people who don't ride in real weather. A buddy at the shop put some on my chain after a rebuild and I was surprised how long it stayed quiet and clean. Now I'm starting to think he was right and I was just stubborn about trying something new.