Instructions: Apply hot wax

 

Hot Wax Instructions

Degrease the components beforehand according to the instructions.

Preliminary notes:

  • Place wax in the smallest possible pot and melt the entire quantity of wax.
  • (Under no circumstances use a stove with an open flame, as this can cause the wax to ignite. Please do not leave the wax unattended!)
  • If the wax gets hotter than 90°C, the wax will not "break" and can simply continue to be used.

Instructions:

    1. Thread the chain onto a wire; this will make it much easier to remove later.
    2. Place the chain into the pot at 90°C; shortly after placing it, air bubbles should rise from the chain.
    3. The goal is for the chain and wax to reach the same temperature. To do this, the chain is tempered in the wax bath for 10 minutes, maintaining a temperature of 90°C.
    4. The wax bath can be switched off; the wax and chain cool down until a thin layer of skin forms on the wax bath (approx. 60°C). Note: the skin layer is the decisive criterion; thermometers can have measurement errors.
    5. Before removing the chain from the wax bath, wipe it back and forth a little so that the additive, which deposits on the chain during the cooling process, can rinse off. The chain is then carefully hung above the wax bath.
    6. The chain should only drip a little after removal (approx. 3-5 drops).
    7. Move/"break" the chain after at least two hours. The chain can then be mounted.
  • The chain should last 800-1000 km with one treatment. After riding in wet conditions, the chain should be wiped dry briefly.
  • The chain must be broken in for 50 km! After that, the chain should run smoothly again at the latest. Especially at the beginning, the chain may run a bit rough until the excess wax has worn off.

Questions or problems? Kontakt@optimize.bike


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!