Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
Had I seen this new product from Silca before I penned last week’s column on the Effetto Mariposa chain cleaner, I would have mentioned it in that story.
But it’s so interesting – potentially game-changing actually, that I wanted to keep the chain chatter going for another week and tell you about it. What Silca’s come up with is a chain cleaning system for new chains that prepares them for waxing in a very special and clever way.
Cleaning New Chains Still in a Box the “Old Way”
The standard practice with new chains that you’re going to lube with your favorite wax lube is to remove them from the package and thoroughly clean them with solvent. They need to be cleaned because new chains come covered with factory lube, which is usually thick, and that means the chain is very likely to rapidly attract dirt and grime. The factory lube also prevents wax based lubes from working properly.
There are different ways people remove the factory lube from new chains. Some like to put the chain in a liter bottle filled with solvent and shake, shake, shake to clean the links. Others purchase ultrasonic cleaner machines. These use sound waves plus solvent to get the chain super clean. But both methods take time and effort. As does putting it in a baking pan with solvent and brushing it clean or using a chain cleaner tool such as the one I reviewed last week.
A couple of years ago I wrote about ultrasonic cleaning machines and chain cleaning including your comments: https://www.roadbikerider.com/ultrasonic-cleaners-wrap-up/.
Silca’s New Idea
Ingeniously, the engineers at Silca looked at these traditional ways of cleaning new chains and asked the question, “What if instead of cleaning new chains we could find a way to turn the factory lube already on the chains into a complementary lube that works in harmony with wax-based lube?”
And that’s what they set out to achieve. Which has resulted in a new and easier way to clean and wax a new chain with their Chain Waxing System.
It’s easier because it’s a one-step system, cleaning and waxing happens simultaneously.
What’s included is their new machine for treating new chains, and what they call StripChips that look like little bars of black soap. To clean the chain and turn its factory lube job into a wax like lubricant, you set the machine to 125c, place one StripChip into the machine and allow it to melt, dip the chain in and give it a little agitation. Then set the machine to 75c and wait for it to reach that temperature. You can then remove the chain. It’s ready for use. So in one step and in about 12-15 minutes total you can clean and wax lube a new chain.
I haven’t Used it Yet
I just checked again and Silca’s new Chain Waxing System, both the machine and the StripChips are still sold out. The machine is $99.99, the StripChips are $24 for 6 chips (use 1 per chain). You can check the availability here: https://silca.cc/collections/chain-waxing.
I have not had a chance to test the system. But if it works as promised, I see it as a great new product because it will save the time and hassle of chain cleaning, while ensuring new chains start off with a proper wax job.
Josh Poertner at Silca explains how the system works much better than I did in his video:
Jim Langley is RBR’s Technical Editor. A pro mechanic & cycling writer for more than 40 years, he’s the author of Your Home Bicycle Workshop in the RBR eBookstore. Tune in to Jim’s popular YouTube channel for wheel building & bike repair how-to’s. Jim’s also known for his cycling streak that ended in February 2022 with a total of 10,269 consecutive daily rides (28 years, 1 month and 11 days of never missing a ride). Click to read Jim’s full bio.
Harvey Miller says
The bottom line question: how does this method compare to the current recommended methods, using (for example) MSpeed wax, in terms of chain longevity, all other variables being equal? I point this out because chain longevity due to the lubricant used is highly associated with chain friction and efficiency and, after all, that’s what motivates most cyclists when it comes to waxing their chains, not to mention the benefits of having a chain that doesn’t leave black residue over things that come in contact with it.
Rick Ankrum says
The Silca system looks similar to the Cyclowax kit.
https://youtu.be/VMSK25B4O-I
Brian Nystrom says
I also found what appears to be the same melting pot that Silca sells on Amazon for less than $30.
https://tinyurl.com/Electronic-Wax-Pot
Harvey Miller says
MSpeed wax, after I inquired about their thoughts about this product, replied back to me as follows:
“There’s a lot of dirt and metal debris in a brand-new chain that should be removed before the first waxing. In addition, I doubt whether the chip will increase the lubricity of the wax, but in theory could do the opposite. I also noticed in what seemed like an objective first review of the chip that the chip softened the wax so that the chain wasn’t stiff after it cooled. When we prep a chain it’s possible to hold the chain in the middle and it will stay completely rigid for a second or two before collapsing in the middle. This is the goal for a properly waxed chain.”
R. Groves says
Right you are, especially concerning minute particles of metal debris that still might be in a new chain. My solution was always to clean a new chain using automotive brake cleaner applied via a spray can after first spraying enough of the brake cleaner into a clear jar to cover the chain, close the lid, then shake the jar vigorously for a minute or two. The amount of debris that settles on the bottom of the jar is mind boggling. any residual foreign material will be removed via the second spray with the chain hanging from a coat hanger. Then proceed lubricating the chain using whatever lube system floats your boat after the chain dries. However the quickest, simplest, but not the cheapest, way is to just buy a Silca pre-waxed chain and start from there.
Ron Neher says
I will be interested to read review of StripChips once completed by — https://zerofrictioncycling.com.au/
Until then — I put together a summary of steps for waxing a chain based on several sites.
https://rneher-igel.github.io/Neher/Docs/Bicycle-Chain-Waxing/
Jim Langley says
Great summary Ron, thanks a lot for creating and sharing it with everyone!
Jim
Kerry Irons says
The key question regarding chain waxing is how long the wax will last compared to other lube systems. My own experience (and that of many others) is that wax lasts 100-200 miles and much less if you are caught in the rain. Perhaps the Silca wax is more durable, but if it is not, I would be looking at 2 chain waxes a week and $240 per year in chain wax cost alone. Even if the wax lasts 400 miles, my waxing costs would be over $50 per year. Until somebody tells us that the wax lasts a lot of miles, this seems a very expensive chain lube.
Harvey Miller says
Though one may think that waxing is more expensive than another lubricant, one must consider the total savings by factoring in that the chain will last up to 5 to 8 times longer, as well will the cassette, etc. By prewaxing several chains all one need do is change the chain, thereby only having to do the actual waxing once every several chains and saving time. Considering, also, that the wax can lube from 10 to 20 times, the cost may be less than your calculations.
Brian Nystrom says
In the Silca video, Josh doesn’t claim long life for their wax lubes, so give him props for honesty. I can easily get 500-700 miles per application of the home-brew lube I use (in dry conditions), it provides decent protection in wet conditions, my chain stays reasonably clean and it’s dirt cheap to make. Conesquently, I don’t see the point in waxing.
BTW, Josh has done another video where he answers the top 9 questions they’ve received about the system, and he gives very candid answers.
Harvey Miller says
Though one may think that waxing is more expensive than another lubricant, one must consider the total savings by factoring in that the chain will last up to 5 to 8 times longer, as well will the cassette, etc. By prewaxing several chains all one need do is change the chain, thereby only having to do the actual waxing once every several chains and saving time. Considering, also, that the wax can lube from 10 to 20 times, the cost may be less than your calculations.
Jim Langley says
Thanks for the excellent thoughts, comments and tips everyone!
Jim