Instructions: Degrease the chain

  1. How do I degrease a chain for use with chain wax?
  2. Dismantle chain.
  3. For heavily soiled chains, pre-clean.
  4. Place the chain in a preserving jar and cover completely with degreaser. For new chains: use nitro thinner or Optimize Chain Degreaser Plus; for used chains: use brake cleaner or Optimize Chain Degreaser Plus.A person spraying chain degreaser from a can into a glass jar with a bicycle chain, preparing it for chain wax treatment. In the background, an ultrasonic cleaner with buttons is visible on a dark surface.
  5. Allow to soak for five minutes, then shake for 2 minutes.
    Repeat the process at least once with fresh degreaser until the liquid remains relatively clear. Please dispose of solvents professionally at a recycling center.
  6. Cassette, chainrings, and derailleur pulleys can remain assembled and are cleaned with drivetrain cleaner and degreaser (they should then shine and appear visually clean). Alternatively, our Drive Train Cleaning Set can be used. Minor oil or dirt deposits are not a problem. However, the chain must be all the cleaner.


Degreasing with ultrasonic cleaner:
Additionally clean the chain in an ultrasonic bath (cleaner + water).
Then rinse thoroughly with clear water. However, the main benefit of the ultrasonic bath is for cleaning hot-waxed chains in preparation for the next wax bath.


 

Frequently asked question

Here we give you all the answers to your most frequently asked questions.

I am using wax from a different manufacturer, do I still need to degrease?

For hot wax or water-based waxes, our liquid wax and hot wax can be applied directly.

If you are unsure, ask us: kontakt@optimize.bike

What other equipment do I need?
  • Gloves
  • Mason jar
  • Safety glasses
  • Brush
  • Chain pliers or chain rivet tool
  • Chain lock

Do I need to clean the chain again?

No, the degreasing process is completely eliminated and is therefore only necessary once when switching to chain wax.

Chain is running louder, what to do?

I have applied chain wax but now the chain is running much louder? What did I do wrong?


1 General:
After 50km of hot wax (break-in period) or generally after waxing, does the chain still run unevenly, loudly and do the chain links feel tough?

=> Then it is because the chain was not degreased correctly! Put the chain in a saucepan and let it boil in water for 15 minutes. The oil and wax will dissolve, then degrease again with brake cleaner, let it air out and re-wax!
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2. Hot wax: Chain gets louder before 800-1000km? Then the wax was boiled too hot! The wax is too liquid and drips out of the chain, which affects the mileage. It is also possible that the wax was not heated up enough, which makes it harder for the wax to penetrate the chain. Moving the chain in the pot can also help to release air bubbles etc. from the chain.
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3. Installation problems: Derailleur pulleys are directional (rattle if installed incorrectly). There is also a metal pin in the derailleur between the upper and lower derailleur pulleys (the chain must not run over it). Worn chainrings can sometimes make noise. Very rarely: chainrings installed the wrong way round (inside).

Can I mix hot and liquid wax?

Yes, all hot and liquid chain waxes are completely compatible with each other (including graphene, graphite, etc.). You don't have to pay attention to anything, just put the chain in the cooking pot or apply the wax.

What else needs to be degreased besides the chain?

What else needs to be degreased besides the chain?

  • Cassette
  • Chainrings
  • Derailleur pulleys (please re-grease later)

Problems or questions?

Feel free to contact us!