Instructions: Apply hot wax

 

Hot Wax Instructions

Degrease the components beforehand according to the instructions.

Preliminary notes:

  • Put the wax in the smallest possible pot and melt the entire amount of wax. Alternatively, use our wax heater.

  • (Do not use a stove with an open flame under any circumstances, 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 is not "ruined" and can simply be reused.

Instructions:

  1. Thread the chain onto a wire, which makes it much easier to remove later.
  2. Place the chain in the pot at 90 °C; air bubbles should rise from the chain shortly after placing it in.

  3. The goal is for the chain and wax to reach the same temperature. To achieve this, temper the chain in the wax bath for 10 min., maintaining a temperature of 90 °C.
  4. The wax bath can be switched off. Let the wax and chain cool until a thin skin forms on the surface of the wax bath (approx. 60 °C). Note: The skin is the deciding criterion; thermometers can have measurement errors.

  5. Before removing the chain from the wax bath, wipe it back and forth slightly so that the additive, which deposits on the chain during the cooling process, can be washed off. The chain is then carefully hung over the wax bath.

  6. The chain should drip only slightly after removal.
  7. Move or "break in" the chain after at least two hours. The chain can then be installed.
  • The chain should last 800–1000 km on one treatment. After riding in wet conditions, the chain should be briefly wiped dry.
  • The chain must be ridden in for 50 km! After that, the chain should run smoothly again at the latest. Especially at the beginning, the chain may run a little roughly until the excess wax has been ridden 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!