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I have "Squirt" on my list but looking for other options for touch up application. I don't want any oil products at all if I can help it. Maybe this is why people are so anti wax. You have swap out chains so often.
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Originally Posted by Maelochs
(Post 20518439)
If you've already bought the Moulton's, no loss, but I have wrestled with the question, and most people who don't compete very seriously seem to say that they cannot see a difference ... and the ones who do use the high-tech. high-price option I think, are mostly using the placebo effect. They cannot feel the microscopically marginal drag reduction, but are sure it is there so ....
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I posted that when the dog got me up at 2:00 am.
Let me add to it. I used Squirt! as a top-off for about a year. It seemed to do the job. However, when I replaced the chain and cassette a couple of weeks ago, I gave the crank and chainrings a careful cleaning, and noticed there were large globs of grey waxy goo wedged in every crevice, so it isn't quite as clean as pure wax. I think for the next few months I am going to stick to just paraffin and see how it goes, rotating two chains that have Shimano quick-links on them (first-time user of those). The good news is sand in the drivetrain is a thing of the past. |
And when you guys talk about Squirt, I keep thinking of this:
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4954b73e9a.jpg |
Well, that is a lot more wholesome than what Google returns when the name of the product is put in a search.
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Originally Posted by wgscott
(Post 20519196)
Well, that is a lot more wholesome than what Google returns when the name of the product is put in a search.
now I am thirsty for a Squirt too. |
I'm thinking about switching to wax. Curious about one thing. When you're running a waxed chain, do you use anything to protect your cassette? I'm using a cheapo shimano freewheel and it doesn't have a nice anodized finish or chrome plating or anything. I'm worried it might rust without some oil on it.
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Originally Posted by clengman
(Post 20519466)
I'm thinking about switching to wax. Curious about one thing. When you're running a waxed chain, do you use anything to protect your cassette? I'm using a cheapo shimano freewheel and it doesn't have a nice anodized finish or chrome plating or anything. I'm worried it might rust without some oil on it.
I would think the use of the chain would keep the rust at bay though. The chain is always rubbing on the bare metal of the front chainrings and the teeth don’t rust there. I don’t use the small front ring very often and have never had an issue. I doubt its going to rust? |
[MENTION=386200]clengman[/MENTION]
If your drivetrain gets wet a lot, wax is probably not a good option for you. Try Demondtech or something like that. |
Originally Posted by wgscott
(Post 20520185)
[MENTION=386200]clengman[/MENTION]
If your drivetrain gets wet a lot, wax is probably not a good option for you. Try Demondtech or something like that. I do understand wet conditions and waxing don’t play well together. Heck after next years trial i mad drop it all together. Just something i have been wanting to try but want to wait for this outdoor riding season to end. Ride in the rain, how silly. |
Originally Posted by wgscott
(Post 20520185)
[MENTION=386200]clengman[/MENTION]
If your drivetrain gets wet a lot, wax is probably not a good option for you. Try Demondtech or something like that. |
Originally Posted by sdmc530
(Post 20520263)
this made me laugh. Who rides in the rain? Lol i very rarely ride in the rain and then its only if i get caught out in an unexpected shower. Here in SD excessive rain is not an issue normally. I do understand wet conditions and waxing don’t play well together. Heck after next years trial i mad drop it all together. Just something i have been wanting to try but want to wait for this outdoor riding season to end. Ride in the rain, how silly. And by adopting a 2 chain system you can plop your rain ride chain right into the crockpot when you arrive home. The heat and liquid wax appear to boil out any moisture thus preventing corrosion. At the same time you can quickly re-mount your back up chain and you’ll be prepared in advance for the next day’s ride... 2 suggestions to your waxing kit I would strongly suggest: 1) make the “swishy” tool with a coat hanger to the dimensions provided on the Molten Speed Wax website. It makes it more effective at agitating the full chain in the melted wax in a way that more evenly distributes the solid particles (the grey stuff). And: 2) Park Tool MLP-1.2 Chain Link Pliers. These come in handy on new chains where the quick link is very tight and difficult to release/remove +/or reinstall. I’m using different brands of 9 speed chain and each quick link is slightly different. The MLP-1.2 is the revised chain link tool from Park Tools. This one has the back sides of the pliers carved out to create a positive way of re-locking (reinstalling) stubborn quick links - definitely worth the ~15$ if you ask me. |
Originally Posted by masi61
(Post 20523753)
2 suggestions to your waxing kit I would strongly suggest: 1) make the “swishy” tool with a coat hanger to the dimensions provided on the Molten Speed Wax website. It makes it more effective at agitating the full chain in the melted wax in a way that more evenly distributes the solid particles (the grey stuff). And: 2) Park Tool MLP-1.2 Chain Link Pliers. These come in handy on new chains where the quick link is very tight and difficult to release/remove +/or reinstall. I’m using different brands of 9 speed chain and each quick link is slightly different. The MLP-1.2 is the revised chain link tool from Park Tools. This one has the back sides of the pliers carved out to create a positive way of re-locking (reinstalling) stubborn quick links - definitely worth the ~15$ if you ask me.
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As the lucky owner of the two KMC tools, i can vouch for their effectiveness on quick links from 6-78 through 11 speeds.
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Originally Posted by masi61
(Post 20523753)
For those who commute, leaving home in a downpour is not unheard of. While I agree that a waxed chain is not the best solution for rain riding, I would have to say that on rain rides I have been on this year (heavy downpours from thunderstorms moving quickly through Southwest Ohio - it happens all the time) the Molten Speed Wax (or “MSW” if you prefer - where I work that means “Masters in Social Work” - LoL) - it holds its own and remains silent. It stays put and stays clean. And by adopting a 2 chain system you can plop your rain ride chain right into the crockpot when you arrive home. The heat and liquid wax appear to boil out any moisture thus preventing corrosion. At the same time you can quickly re-mount your back up chain and you’ll be prepared in advance for the next day’s ride... 2 suggestions to your waxing kit I would strongly suggest: 1) make the “swishy” tool with a coat hanger to the dimensions provided on the Molten Speed Wax website. It makes it more effective at agitating the full chain in the melted wax in a way that more evenly distributes the solid particles (the grey stuff). And: 2) Park Tool MLP-1.2 Chain Link Pliers. These come in handy on new chains where the quick link is very tight and difficult to release/remove +/or reinstall. I’m using different brands of 9 speed chain and each quick link is slightly different. The MLP-1.2 is the revised chain link tool from Park Tools. This one has the back sides of the pliers carved out to create a positive way of re-locking (reinstalling) stubborn quick links - definitely worth the ~15$ if you ask me. |
Originally Posted by RGMN
(Post 20524230)
For "swishy" tool pick up a cheap milk frother. Ikea has one for $3. Works much better the coat hanger. And consider getting the KMC Missinglink Opener and Closer instead of the MLP-1.2. I found the KMC tools are much easier to use than the Park tool (particularly the closer,) and the pair doesn't cost much more.
I think you were referring to this little guy? https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30301167/?query=Milk-frother I have a couple of these to make gravy...great little tool. mmmmmm gravy |
Originally Posted by sdmc530
(Post 20525146)
the swishy tool is just a devise to put the chain in the wax and remove it. It doesn't do any agitating of the wax or anything.
I think you were referring to this little guy? https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30301167/?query=Milk-frother I have a couple of these to make gravy...great little tool. mmmmmm gravy |
Originally Posted by masi61
(Post 20525653)
The "swishy" tool I'm talking about is functional and does agitate the wax. The chain is threaded onto it so it is draped in like 5" strands that lay down into a 1.5 quart crockpot just right. It has a handle bent on the top which keeps your hand away from the hot wax. You can then "slosh" it in a clockwise and counterclockwise fashion vigorously so as to get better wax penetration. It also makes drips less of a problem when you pull it out since everything is contained and compact.
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I have been using wax on my chains for several years, and am happy with the results. I use a modification of a technique that was described by a guy who went by "Garth" back when Bicycling magazine's website had forums.
I lay the chain in a foil baking pan, sprinkle it with graphite powder, heat in a 180 degree oven and then rub with a votive candle (or paraffin block if you prefer). Heat again, then let it cool. I get about 5-600 miles before there starts to be any noise from the chain. This way I don't have to deal with a pot of melted wax, and there is a lot less that cracks off the chain than when it is dipped. |
Originally Posted by masi61
(Post 20523753)
For those who commute, leaving home in a downpour is not unheard of. While I agree that a waxed chain is not the best solution for rain riding, I would have to say that on rain rides I have been on this year (heavy downpours from thunderstorms moving quickly through Southwest Ohio - it happens all the time) the Molten Speed Wax (or “MSW” if you prefer - where I work that means “Masters in Social Work” - LoL) - it holds its own and remains silent. It stays put and stays clean. And by adopting a 2 chain system you can plop your rain ride chain right into the crockpot when you arrive home. The heat and liquid wax appear to boil out any moisture thus preventing corrosion. At the same time you can quickly re-mount your back up chain and you’ll be prepared in advance for the next day’s ride... 2 suggestions to your waxing kit I would strongly suggest: 1) make the “swishy” tool with a coat hanger to the dimensions provided on the Molten Speed Wax website. It makes it more effective at agitating the full chain in the melted wax in a way that more evenly distributes the solid particles (the grey stuff). And: 2) Park Tool MLP-1.2 Chain Link Pliers. These come in handy on new chains where the quick link is very tight and difficult to release/remove +/or reinstall. I’m using different brands of 9 speed chain and each quick link is slightly different. The MLP-1.2 is the revised chain link tool from Park Tools. This one has the back sides of the pliers carved out to create a positive way of re-locking (reinstalling) stubborn quick links - definitely worth the ~15$ if you ask me. |
I would like to add my vote to the “Garth” method. I use a Teflon pan from Goodwill with a one-quarter pound of Gulf wax and the micro fine graphite. Heat it slowly on the stovetop and when the wax is mostly melted, I remove it from the heat. The heated chain will melt the rest. I then swish the chain in the pan with the bent spoke. Pull it out and let it cool on a piece of cardboard. I get at least 250 miles out of it in dry weather. Last chain got 11,000+ miles. Works for me. Kindly - Don |
Originally Posted by sdmc530
(Post 20518769)
I have "Squirt" on my list but looking for other options for touch up application. I don't want any oil products at all if I can help it. Maybe this is why people are so anti wax. You have swap out chains so often.
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I use an old electric frying pan I got from a thrift store for $10. Works better than a crockpot, much faster and the thermostat gives excellent temperature control. I use this https://www.putoline.com/en/catalogu...hain-wax/1675/ from the smell of it it's a blend of wax and lanolin grease, so more flexible than straight wax, doesn't flake off and lasts really good in the rain As an example last tour was a month, rained at least a week of that, including a couple of solid rain days (which sucked) and it only needed one application of lube... It is black, so not really for the shiney chain brigade...
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Starting to come together. Waiting on the new chains at the moment. Might even get this goin for this fall yet. |
Originally Posted by masi61
(Post 20525653)
The "swishy" tool I'm talking about is functional and does agitate the wax. The chain is threaded onto it so it is draped in like 5" strands that lay down into a 1.5 quart crockpot just right. It has a handle bent on the top which keeps your hand away from the hot wax. You can then "slosh" it in a clockwise and counterclockwise fashion vigorously so as to get better wax penetration. It also makes drips less of a problem when you pull it out since everything is contained and compact.
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