Instructions: How to apply liquid wax correctly

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

  1. Please do not shake the bottle vigorously. Just "turn it over" once. Any more will cause the emulsion to foam. This will reduce the lubricating performance.

  2. (More wax is used than was the case with oil. The rule here is: more is better)

  3. If previously degreased: Mount the chain and then wax it.

  4. Apply chain wax: Initially apply twice after degreasing, 5 minutes apart. Apply enough until a light film is on the chain (only necessary for a freshly degreased chain, then only apply once)

  5. Do not wipe the chain, crank it or shift it. The wax should only be on the chain.

  6. Allow to dry 8 hours before driving

  7. After 150 km - 200, sometimes even 300 km, the wax should be renewed (depending on the bike and the route). An insufficiently lubricated chain will give you a warning. The chain can remain mounted. Apply wax while turning the crank anti-clockwise until a light film of wax is on the chain. Do not wipe off!

  8. After a wet ride, be sure to wipe the chain dry and, if possible, apply liquid wax.

Known problems:

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

  • Rattling: assembly error or problem with degreasing (reference to the FAQ)

  • Squeaking: lubrication is at an end, if it occurs early please pay attention to the instructions when applying.

  • Chain runs loudly

  • Rust film: Wipe the chain dry and store the bike in a warm and dry place

Frequently asked question

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

Ich verwende Wachs eines anderen Herstellers muss ich dann auch entfetten?

Bei Heißwachs oder wasserbasierten Wachsen kann unser Flüssigwachs und Heißwachs direkt aufgetragen werden.

Wenn ihr euch unsicher seid fragt uns: kontakt@optimize.bike

Welches Equipment brauche ich sonst noch so?
  • Handschuhe
  • Einmachglas
  • Schutzbrille
  • Pinsel
  • Kettenzange oder Kettenieter
  • Kettenschloss

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.

Was muss alles außer der Kette entfettet werden?

Was muss alles außer der Kette entfettet werden?

  • Kassette
  • Kurbelblätter
  • Schaltwerkröllchen (bitte später nachfetten)

Problems or questions?

Feel free to contact us!