Quoted By:
>WAX
My final verdict on wax (and wax-based) lubricants: IT'S A MEME
After going through the whole ordeal of degreasing the chain and making it sterile (which costs time and money) I waxed the chain and rode a few times.
Does it lubricate the chain? Yes. Very well actually. It's probably the smoothest it ever felt. Feels like the chain doesn't even exist. It's max comfy.
Does it keep the chain clean? Yes. It's truly fascinating to see how no major debris or sand sticks to it. Quite cool. If you don't look closely, the chain appears almost 'bare' it looks so clean.
Then why is it a meme? Because it makes your fucking chain rust like crazy. Even a tiny bit of humidity will immediately cause your chain to rust after a single ride. Also wax is 100% FUCKED if you ever entertain the idea of riding in wet conditions. At this point the wax mixes with the water and you get a grey paste that prohibits your chain from drying, so you need to thoroughly wipe it down after each ride. So basically you can choose grey gunk with rusty chain, or black gunk with protected chain. Oil has the advantage that it can easily be cleaned with a quick spray of brake cleaner and subsequent application of new oil.
If you're the type of guy who changes his chain twice a year, go ahead and enjoy the wax. Anyone else (especially those with expensive chains) stay with oil.
