Chain wax -vs- Chain lube

dpl096 · 04-28-2016, 02:08 PM

Anxious to hear everyone's input as to which they feel is better or should both be used together ?

AdventureDad · 04-28-2016, 03:00 PM

I use wax. Seems to hold better. You will get every response you can imagine. Some use one, some the other, some use none. I use the wax. I only clean my chain every few thousand miles. I use mineral spirits,use wd40 to displace the water, wipe it off, let it dry. then wax. The wax seems to hold better on a warm, freshly ridden chain, so I do it after I ride, or every couple hundred miles, or after a ride in the rain. I use Belray wax.

I tried Lucas chain lube, and that stuff flung EVERYWHERE. I would not consider using it again. My back wheel was black. I want the product to stay where it's going to do some good.

Mudflap · 04-28-2016, 03:03 PM

Wax is my favorite (paraffin) on non Oring chains. Remove chain, clean, immerse in melted wax for a few minutes, remove, cool, install. Very clean as well as effective. I use spray chain wax for a quick touch up.

Weldangrind · 04-28-2016, 03:08 PM

I like Maxima Chain Wax, and one of the reasons is that it doesn't end up on the back of my jacket.

Eco Mouse · 04-28-2016, 03:26 PM

Spray Wax is the way to go.

keithmaine · 04-28-2016, 03:37 PM

spray wax

Juanro · 04-28-2016, 04:27 PM

Whatever is Valvoline White Synthetic. Clean with WD40, spray on. Holds fine and no dirt magnet.
Of course this topic is almost as controversial as the dreaded "wich oil", but it's always good to gather statistic group knownledge... and then do whatever suits you, anyway haha

SpudRider · 04-28-2016, 05:00 PM

If you are riding off road in dusty conditions, definitely use wax rather than oil. If you ride exclusively on pavement, some people actually install a chain oiler.

I only use X-ring (O-ring) drive chains on my motorcycle, since they are self lubricated. Whenever I wash my bike, I remove the water and clean the O-rings with WD-40. If the chain is dry, I also clean the O-rings with WD-40. Then I apply a small amount of 90W gear oil to the bushings and rollers of the drive chain.

You don't need to lubricate the O-rings; you only need to keep the O-rings clean, and supple. However, you should always lubricate the rollers and bushings of any drive chain.

detours · 04-28-2016, 06:53 PM

I spray Maxima chain wax on my chain every 300-500 miles. Over time, the original oil/packing grease gradually goes away and I'm left with a clean chain that doesn't attract dirt.

I started using spray-on chain wax on my mountain bike years ago. Dirt and dust just accelerate wear, and the last thing you want is to attract it with a wet lube. Anyway, works for me in Denver's dry climate.

ughmas · 04-28-2016, 07:56 PM

I use maxima chain wax normally, however just started using a tube of the new Motul Chain Paste, pretty good results so far, although it does fling a little bit.

Azhule · 04-28-2016, 08:46 PM

Being in a Dusty/Dirty environment, I use Finish or Maxima Chain Wax, I order whatever one is less expensive at the time I need more

bogieboy · 04-29-2016, 05:44 AM

i use this... was turned on to it by fellow road bicycling friends, and it works wonderfully for motorcycles too... its a penetrating paraffin wax...and you can use it on damn near anything that is supposed to be able to move...LOL

http://boeshield.com/bike/

2LZ · 04-29-2016, 10:54 AM

I use this. Works great, doesn't fling, affordable....and delivered to Volcano for free! Saves me a bunch in gas right there......

http://www.amazon.com/DuPont-Chain-S...ilpage_o00_s00

willy dog · 09-10-2016, 07:34 AM

has anyone had to replace rear sprocket yet on there Zong i have 3500 miles starting to wear the links on chain, sprocket looks fine was going to just replace chain but some people say replace both at same time remember i am a newb just thought if chain is sub standard would wear before sprocket?

pyoungbl · 09-10-2016, 11:18 AM

Willy Dog, the chain and both sprockets act as a system and that's how you should treat them. A worn chain will have more distance from pin to pin so instead of putting even pressure on all the sprocket teeth you get a situation where all the force is being carried by fewer and fewer teeth. It might not look like the teeth are wearing but they are. If you just replace the chain because the sprockets look so good you are actually shortening the life of the new chain. As Joe noted in his book, 5K @ 8K, the OEM chains only lasted about 5K miles before they were totally shot. The sprockets were not much better. CSC sells an upgraded chain at a good price (less than $150 for X-Ring chain and both sprockets) and I'd expect to get at least 10K out of that setup....maybe double that if you really take good care of it. My last Ducati went 20K miles on one set of chain and sprockets but I was also using an automatic oiler.

04-28-2016, 02:08 PM	#1
dpl096 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: East Central Hellinois Posts: 1,344	Chain wax -vs- Chain lube Anxious to hear everyone's input as to which they feel is better or should both be used together ? __________________ ************************************************ * " Time you enjoy wasting, is not wasted." - John Lennon “I predict future happiness for Americans, if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.” ― Thomas Jefferson "If you don't know where you're going any road will take you there" ....George Harrison song
	0

04-28-2016, 03:08 PM	#4
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	I like Maxima Chain Wax, and one of the reasons is that it doesn't end up on the back of my jacket. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	2

04-28-2016, 03:37 PM	#6
keithmaine Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: White Mtns. NH Posts: 488	spray wax __________________ 2016 Versys 650 LT, 2015 RX3 Red, 2011 Ural GearUp,
	1

04-28-2016, 05:00 PM	#8
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	If you are riding off road in dusty conditions, definitely use wax rather than oil. If you ride exclusively on pavement, some people actually install a chain oiler. I only use X-ring (O-ring) drive chains on my motorcycle, since they are self lubricated. Whenever I wash my bike, I remove the water and clean the O-rings with WD-40. If the chain is dry, I also clean the O-rings with WD-40. Then I apply a small amount of 90W gear oil to the bushings and rollers of the drive chain. You don't need to lubricate the O-rings; you only need to keep the O-rings clean, and supple. However, you should always lubricate the rollers and bushings of any drive chain. __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	2

04-28-2016, 06:53 PM	#9
detours Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Arvada, CO Posts: 1,004	I spray Maxima chain wax on my chain every 300-500 miles. Over time, the original oil/packing grease gradually goes away and I'm left with a clean chain that doesn't attract dirt. I started using spray-on chain wax on my mountain bike years ago. Dirt and dust just accelerate wear, and the last thing you want is to attract it with a wet lube. Anyway, works for me in Denver's dry climate. __________________ Red 5 standing by! 2015 CSC red RX3 with 19" front wheel, Shinko 804/805, skid plate, tall seat, 13T/45T sprockets, progressive shock, Winyoochanok windshield, GENSSI LED headlight, SW-Motech tankbag, Shorai Lithium battery 2014 Ural Patrol
	2

04-28-2016, 03:00 PM	#2
AdventureDad Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 253	I use wax. Seems to hold better. You will get every response you can imagine. Some use one, some the other, some use none. I use the wax. I only clean my chain every few thousand miles. I use mineral spirits,use wd40 to displace the water, wipe it off, let it dry. then wax. The wax seems to hold better on a warm, freshly ridden chain, so I do it after I ride, or every couple hundred miles, or after a ride in the rain. I use Belray wax. I tried Lucas chain lube, and that stuff flung EVERYWHERE. I would not consider using it again. My back wheel was black. I want the product to stay where it's going to do some good.
	1

04-28-2016, 03:03 PM	#3
Mudflap Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 1,870	Wax is my favorite (paraffin) on non Oring chains. Remove chain, clean, immerse in melted wax for a few minutes, remove, cool, install. Very clean as well as effective. I use spray chain wax for a quick touch up.
	1

04-28-2016, 03:26 PM	#5
Eco Mouse Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 158	Spray Wax is the way to go.
	1

04-28-2016, 04:27 PM	#7
Juanro Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 321	Whatever is Valvoline White Synthetic. Clean with WD40, spray on. Holds fine and no dirt magnet. Of course this topic is almost as controversial as the dreaded "wich oil", but it's always good to gather statistic group knownledge... and then do whatever suits you, anyway haha
	1

04-28-2016, 07:56 PM	#10
ughmas Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: NY Posts: 172	I use maxima chain wax normally, however just started using a tube of the new Motul Chain Paste, pretty good results so far, although it does fling a little bit. __________________ 2005 CBR600RR 2016 CSC TT250 Coming Soon
	1

04-28-2016, 08:46 PM	#11
Azhule Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: CO Posts: 1,525	Being in a Dusty/Dirty environment, I use Finish or Maxima Chain Wax, I order whatever one is less expensive at the time I need more __________________ "Think as you like... but this self proclaimed Professor is always right" - Buckshot "You never know what someone is hiding beneath their smile..." - NinjaTom - R.I.P.
	1

04-29-2016, 05:44 AM	#12
bogieboy Join Date: May 2013 Location: finger lakes NY Posts: 2,042	i use this... was turned on to it by fellow road bicycling friends, and it works wonderfully for motorcycles too... its a penetrating paraffin wax...and you can use it on damn near anything that is supposed to be able to move...LOL http://boeshield.com/bike/
	2

04-29-2016, 10:54 AM	#13
2LZ Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Volcano, Ca Posts: 7,078	I use this. Works great, doesn't fling, affordable....and delivered to Volcano for free! Saves me a bunch in gas right there...... http://www.amazon.com/DuPont-Chain-S...ilpage_o00_s00 __________________ "Light a fire for a man, and you heat him for a day. Light a man on fire, and you heat him for the rest of his life." 2007 Suzuki DRZ400S (SM convert) 2009 Q Link XP 200 1967 BSA B25 250cc Starfire 2022 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 1948 Royal Enfield Model G 350
	1

09-10-2016, 07:34 AM	#14
willy dog Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: vermont Posts: 238	has anyone had to replace rear sprocket yet on there Zong i have 3500 miles starting to wear the links on chain, sprocket looks fine was going to just replace chain but some people say replace both at same time remember i am a newb just thought if chain is sub standard would wear before sprocket? __________________ Peace and Zong Life
	0

09-10-2016, 11:18 AM	#15
pyoungbl Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portsmouth, Virginia, USA Posts: 632	Willy Dog, the chain and both sprockets act as a system and that's how you should treat them. A worn chain will have more distance from pin to pin so instead of putting even pressure on all the sprocket teeth you get a situation where all the force is being carried by fewer and fewer teeth. It might not look like the teeth are wearing but they are. If you just replace the chain because the sprockets look so good you are actually shortening the life of the new chain. As Joe noted in his book, 5K @ 8K, the OEM chains only lasted about 5K miles before they were totally shot. The sprockets were not much better. CSC sells an upgraded chain at a good price (less than $150 for X-Ring chain and both sprockets) and I'd expect to get at least 10K out of that setup....maybe double that if you really take good care of it. My last Ducati went 20K miles on one set of chain and sprockets but I was also using an automatic oiler.
	3