Instructions: How to apply liquid wax correctly


The chain must be degreased beforehand (even new chains)!

These instructions apply to the following products: Optimize Liquid Waxes

Do I need to degrease my chain beforehand?

Yes, a bicycle chain must be thoroughly degreased before the first waxing. Here's how: Chain Degreasing Instructions

How to store chain wax correctly?

  • Shake thoroughly every 4 weeks, otherwise the emulsion can slowly separate
  • Shake thoroughly before each use
  • Store at 5-30 °C

How to apply chain wax correctly?

  1. (More wax is used than with oil. Here, more is more. The chain should be completely covered with a wax film)

  2. If the chain has been degreased beforehand: Now mount the chain

  3. Apply chain wax: First application: Initially, after degreasing, apply twice with a 5-minute interval. Apply enough to create a light film on the chain (only necessary for a freshly degreased chain, thereafter only one application). The wax is applied to the inside of the chain or the rollers. We recommend constantly pedaling the chain while doing so (approx. 2 chain rotations).

  4. Do not wipe the chain or shift gears. The wax should only be on the chain (we want the wax on the chain and try not to distribute it over the cassette etc., the lubricant must be in the chain and not on the sprockets).

  5. Apply 8 hours before riding and let it dry (varies depending on temperature, 8 hours is the maximum here)

  6. After 250-300km, the wax should be reapplied (applies to road bikes, good weather etc.; for MTBs, deduct 50% of the mileage, Gravel 25%). An insufficiently lubricated chain runs noticeably louder and squeaks. The chain can remain mounted. Apply wax while turning the crank counter-clockwise until there is a light wax film on the chain (approx. 2 chain rotations). Do not wipe!

  7. After a wet ride, always wipe the chain dry and, if possible, apply liquid wax.

  8. The best running and lubrication performance is only built up over several applications, as a wax layer slowly accumulates inside the chain

What problems can occur with liquid wax?

If anything goes wrong, please always ask us, we can easily solve most problems!

Here's a video: https://youtu.be/vp80INS-9ME?si=Tvrf7_r0Iiqa4qq7

  • Chain is stiff, sticky: The chain was not degreased correctly.

  • Rattling: Installation error (reference to the FAQ)

  • Loud running: Wear on chain, cassette or chainrings. Interaction of chain and cassette is disturbed.

  • Squeaking: Lubrication is at its end; if it occurs prematurely, please pay attention to the application instructions.

  • Flash rust: Wipe the chain dry and store the bike as warm and dry as possible

  • Chain slips in small gears: Cassette is worn out. Even if the gear is used very little, the wear is extremely high. The flatter the teeth of the cassette become, the faster the chain slips over it/with less force. By degreasing the chain, a lot of dirt and sand are released from the inside, sometimes the chain then "slips through" on the smallest gear under heavy load after switching to wax, this is due to the cassette, not the lubricant.

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!