Originally Posted by
jerrymcdougal
It will keep out dust and grime but doesn't do much for lubing the chain moving against itself. Also, maybe you don't mind, but wax creates such a hard to clean mess all over you chain rings and derailers. Ive had to clean many a messy wax clogged bikes before.
You see wax does not flow. When one chain part moves against another on a waxed chain, it creates a mark groove whatever in the wax. The wax is permanently scraped away. The next time the chain moves in the same way, there is nothing between metal and metal. With a liquid lubed chain. The lube flows back into any areas that it has been displaced from almost instantly, ready for another cycle of lubrication.
The down side is yes a liquid holds more particulate matter. Thats why I suggested frequent wipe, and application of Tri-Flow.
Just my .02
With all lubes/waxes they're area specific. Triflow doesn't do a good job around here with the dust, its so problematic I would have to clean my chain thoroughly with every ride (been there, done that). When I feel like my chain needs more lubrication (you can hear it) I usually will follow it up with Pedro's Extra Dry or Pedro's Ice Wax (which is obviously also a wax). If I'm riding closer to the gulf coast... like Houston, then I'll usually go with the ice wax, because its so much more hydrophobic, around here in Oklahoma, I usually go for the extra dry.
I use triflow on my cables and dérailleurs, not my chain or cassette. And for the love of God, WD-40 doesn't even get to look at my bike. The real proof comes with experience, my chains last about as long as anyone else's... I just don't have to clean them as often.