Winter presents the biggest challenge for cyclists. Some are quite trivial such as cold, snow, ice and wetness. However, these conditions also take a considerable toll on the bicycle, be it dirt, salt or moisture.
This leads to the question of all questions: Is chain wax the right choice for winter too? Because we know that a waxed chain offers less corrosion protection than oil?
=> The quick answer: Yes
The advantages of chain wax in winter:
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Less dirt: In winter, there is the most dirt on the roads. The wintry road dirt can easily stick to oiled chains and massively increase wear. With chain wax, the outside of the chain remains untreated and thus very smooth, so dirt can hardly stick. The wax is only inside the chain and, due to its solid properties, does not attract dirt.
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Less wear: Wear is significantly less compared to oil. If the lubricant does not pick up dirt, the lubricating effect is maintained. Oil picks up dirt and turns into an abrasive paste, which significantly reduces the lifespan of the components.
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More durable: Chain wax, unlike oil, is not liquid and adheres to the chain, which means that the lubricating performance lasts significantly longer even during extremely wet rides, but as with any lubricant, rain doesn't exactly extend the mileage...
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Cleaning: Since wax and dirt do not combine, the chain can be cleaned very quickly and easily with lukewarm water or a cloth after a muddy ride, for example.
Disadvantages of chain wax in winter:
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Regular application is required: In winter, especially with intensive use of the bicycle, it may be necessary to apply chain wax more often than in the warmer and particularly dry months. However, the maintenance interval is usually longer than with oil. Especially after wet rides, a little wax should be applied to prevent corrosion.
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Corrosion, wiping dry is a must: The main disadvantage of chain wax is the lower corrosion protection, as the chain is not coated like with oil. Here, the chain must be wiped dry after a wet ride. What also has a positive effect are high-quality, preferably nickel-plated/coated chains and optimally a dry or even warm storage place. So unfortunately not ideal for the classic commuter who then parks their bike outside...
Conclusion:
Despite some potential disadvantages, the advantages of chain wax for winter clearly outweigh them. The lower wear and effort in cleaning make it a worthwhile investment for every cyclist.
