Chain waxing is interesting...the roads here in nutmeg land are heavily salted and leave a nasty mess on the bikes. I got out for an hour yesterday during lunch and the drivetrain was much nosier than I had expected or would really call acceptable. Granted, the previous ride was a night time rain and slush ride with a good helping of sand and small rocks in the mix. All I did from above was give the chain a good wipe, no other cleaning to speak of. That works with my current chain lube much of the year with very infrequent lube reapplication, but I guess it’s about time for a thorough cleaning and reapplication. Might be a good excuse to get the small jewelry ultrasonic cleaner out and give the chain a bath with some Dawn. Or maybe just strip and wax a fresh chain from the stash.

Good point on picking rocks out of the brake pads, DD. I need to get a dental pick, I’ll typically use the corner of an x-acto knife blade for that job. It was the sound of sandy pads on the rims that prompted this thread. The nice anodized tubular wheels don’t get ridden in this stuff...! Same with nicer vintage chains for that matter.

I’ll add that early this winter I picked up a waxed canvas saddle cover from Randi Jo Fabrications, along with a wool cap, and definitely recommend their stuff.