this post was submitted on 18 May 2026
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Bicycles

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And yes, that year-old chain is stretched to hell and actively destroying my brand new cassette. Don't shame me for it - look how shiny it is!

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[–] theskyisfalling@lemmy.dbzer0.com 7 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Mine looks like this permanently!

The wonders of waxing instead of oil <3 (although I won't be nearly as positive about it in winter when I'm rewaxing that cunt every 200km)

[–] MajorMajormajormajor@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

How far do you go before rewaxing when it's dry out?

[–] theskyisfalling@lemmy.dbzer0.com 4 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

Using the silca "secret chain blend" wax and using one application of their "super secret chain wax" direct lubricant at the first signs of a squeak that indicates it is going to need rewaxing soon I average around 400km per waxing during the dry months of the year.

I just make sure I give the chain a wipe with a dry microfibre cloth every now and then to remove any dirt and it is pretty much good to go.

I have only been waxing for just over a year and I am still honing my technique, particularly in regards to the chain cleaning in between each waxing. The cleaner the chain the better the adhesion of the wax so I'm hoping to improve those numbers a little bit over time but I don't think I have too much room for improvement.

The best I have had so far was 550km on one chain waxing. The worst I had was 150km when it was very wet.

[–] MajorMajormajormajor@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Interesting, I've just been running straight wax that I melt myself with a tiny crock pot, and two chains that I alternate. Just trying to gauge how long to run them between waxings.

Have you tried other waxes, or just that brand?

[–] theskyisfalling@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I haven't, no, just that brand. The one package of wax I bought lasted me a year before I decided to empty out my pot (I use a wax melting pot designed for body waxing but is basically the same thing as a crock pot) and replace the whole thing with clean stuff.

I have just bought some more of the same brand because I had had good success with that one and when I looked at what else was available it was either more expensive or contained Teflon which i didn't want due to the environmental aspect.

I also did a bit of research into making my own (see the video I posted to another reply in this thread as an example) but came to the conclusion it would cost me the same or a bit more in money and last me less kms so I just went with what I have experience with already.

I too do the two chain swap although I'm considering getting a third just for winter. My pot takes 3 to 4 hours to heat up and melt all that wax so especially in winter if I can spend a day at home switching through and waxing all the chains I think having 3 will make my next winter more bearable as I really don't want to go back to disgusting, dirty oil!

[–] MajorMajormajormajor@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 week ago

Thanks for all the info, it's great to hear about the process more.