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Chain waxing
Hello,
For those interested in this, after my last inquiry about chain lubing, I decided to wax my chain by immersing it in a hot mixture of solid and liquid paraffin (with a ratio of 50% of paraffin oil). After about 600 km, including some significant rain,, must say it works pretty well. My chain still runs smoothly, and is almost perfectly clean. When needed, I can simply wipe it with some paper towel. I do not know yet when I will have to wax it again, but it seems to hold pretty well. -- Tanguy |
Chain waxing
On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 09:05:25 -0000 (UTC),
Tanguy Ortolo wrote: Hello, For those interested in this, after my last inquiry about chain lubing, I decided to wax my chain by immersing it in a hot mixture of solid and liquid paraffin (with a ratio of 50% of paraffin oil). After about 600 km, including some significant rain,, must say it works pretty well. My chain still runs smoothly, and is almost perfectly clean. When needed, I can simply wipe it with some paper towel. I do not know yet when I will have to wax it again, but it seems to hold pretty well. I've used wax on my chains for about 25 years. I've always used an old coffee can and meat thermometer with 100% parrafin wax (GulfWax, found with canning supplies). My practice has been to put it on the stove and heat it to about 250 F, then dip chains into it one at a time--fishing them out with a piece of coat hanger wire, and laying them out on old newspaper to drain a bit. Recently we moved into a house that has a glossy black solid topped range, and I didn't want to put the process onto it. So I went out last weekend and got one of these multi-cookers: https://www.amazon.com/Presto-114324...SIN=B00006IUWH It worked great. The temperature control does away with the need for the meat thermometer, and the basket allows me to drain each dipped chain before putting it out onto paper. The drain basket does away with the need to fish around in the wax for the chains (sometimes the quick links have been awfully hard to find). I'm amazed at how much easier this is, plus I can do it all in the garage and not have the potential to make a mess in the kitchen. I've always kept an extra chain for each bike, and not re-dipped until most of them need it. This new process is so much simpler, I may be dipping more often--like when each bike has a chain (rather than two) that needs waxing. -- Ted Heise West Lafayette, IN, USA |
Chain waxing
Theodore Heise, 2018-06-06 13:54+0200:
Recently we moved into a house that has a glossy black solid topped range, and I didn't want to put the process onto it. So I went out last weekend and got one of these multi-cookers: Regarding the process, since I have an induction cooktop too, I simply have the wax mixture in a glass jar, which I double-boil until it is fully liquid. I then dip the chain into it, and keep heating for ten minutes, after which until I remove it with a twisted paperclip. -- Tanguy |
Chain waxing
Tanguy Ortolo wrote:
Hello, For those interested in this, after my last inquiry about chain lubing, I decided to wax my chain by immersing it in a hot mixture of solid and liquid paraffin (with a ratio of 50% of paraffin oil). After about 600 km, including some significant rain,, must say it works pretty well. My chain still runs smoothly, and is almost perfectly clean. When needed, I can simply wipe it with some paper towel. I do not know yet when I will have to wax it again, but it seems to hold pretty well. I waxed my chain this weekend and finally had the opportunity to take the bike out yesterday. The chain is very quiet and runs quite smoothly. Shifting wasn't as precise as it was before, but I'm thinking it should come back to normal once more of the excess wax flakes off. The only downside was that I didn't clean the chain scrupulously before waxing it, and once I started sliding it around in the pot, a black cloud emanated from the chain and engulfed the bottom of the pot, completely obscuring the chain. I now have a pot of dark black wax, which I may just chuck in the garbage. Hopefully the second waxing will be less expensive. |
Chain waxing
On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 13:18:53 +0000 (UTC),
Ralph Barone wrote: Tanguy Ortolo wrote: Hello, For those interested in this, after my last inquiry about chain lubing, I decided to wax my chain by immersing it in a hot mixture of solid and liquid paraffin (with a ratio of 50% of paraffin oil). After about 600 km, including some significant rain,, must say it works pretty well. My chain still runs smoothly, and is almost perfectly clean. When needed, I can simply wipe it with some paper towel. I do not know yet when I will have to wax it again, but it seems to hold pretty well. I waxed my chain this weekend and finally had the opportunity to take the bike out yesterday. The chain is very quiet and runs quite smoothly. Shifting wasn't as precise as it was before, but I'm thinking it should come back to normal once more of the excess wax flakes off. The only downside was that I didn't clean the chain scrupulously before waxing it, and once I started sliding it around in the pot, a black cloud emanated from the chain and engulfed the bottom of the pot, completely obscuring the chain. I now have a pot of dark black wax, which I may just chuck in the garbage. Hopefully the second waxing will be less expensive. Oh, let me add that even with 100% parrafin wax, it becomes dark and opaque after a use or two. I think it may be from dirt or wear debris from the chain itself. -- Ted Heise West Lafayette, IN, USA |
Chain waxing
On 2018-06-06 06:32, Theodore Heise wrote:
On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 13:18:53 +0000 (UTC), Ralph Barone wrote: Tanguy Ortolo wrote: Hello, For those interested in this, after my last inquiry about chain lubing, I decided to wax my chain by immersing it in a hot mixture of solid and liquid paraffin (with a ratio of 50% of paraffin oil). After about 600 km, including some significant rain,, must say it works pretty well. My chain still runs smoothly, and is almost perfectly clean. When needed, I can simply wipe it with some paper towel. I do not know yet when I will have to wax it again, but it seems to hold pretty well. I waxed my chain this weekend and finally had the opportunity to take the bike out yesterday. The chain is very quiet and runs quite smoothly. Shifting wasn't as precise as it was before, but I'm thinking it should come back to normal once more of the excess wax flakes off. The only downside was that I didn't clean the chain scrupulously before waxing it, and once I started sliding it around in the pot, a black cloud emanated from the chain and engulfed the bottom of the pot, completely obscuring the chain. I now have a pot of dark black wax, which I may just chuck in the garbage. Hopefully the second waxing will be less expensive. Oh, let me add that even with 100% parrafin wax, it becomes dark and opaque after a use or two. I think it may be from dirt or wear debris from the chain itself. It doesn't sound very healthy for the chain to soak it in dirty wax. I clean my chain thoroughly using interdental toothbrushes. My wive found a brand at Costco that is more rigid than the usual ones so the job goes faster now. First used for my teeth, then later some day for a chain. Afterwards scrubbing with an old regular toothbrush, followed by a good wipe-down with Kleenex. Once the chain is really shiny I apply White Lightning Epic Ride. If you shake the bottle well the waxy stuff in it dissolves and thus gets onto the chain as well. I use a Q-Tip to dab it onlto the links, then gently wipe off any excess with a Kleenex. That way a road bike chain can run 150-250mi between cleanings depending on whether I ride more roads or more bike paths. Gets dirtier on roads. 40-50mi on the MTB, mostly on dirt trails. The upside is that this method does not require me to take the chain off the bike which I would really dread. -- Regards, Joerg http://www.analogconsultants.com/ |
Chain waxing
On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 10:05:28 AM UTC+1, Tanguy Ortolo wrote:
Hello, For those interested in this, after my last inquiry about chain lubing, I decided to wax my chain by immersing it in a hot mixture of solid and liquid paraffin (with a ratio of 50% of paraffin oil). After about 600 km, including some significant rain,, must say it works pretty well. My chain still runs smoothly, and is almost perfectly clean. When needed, I can simply wipe it with some paper towel. I do not know yet when I will have to wax it again, but it seems to hold pretty well. -- Tanguy Seems to me chain cleaning and waxing is another sadomasochistic practice that cyclists without the imagination to do something more productive have brought on themselves. Socially, it's a leftover from when cycling was a workingman's sport, which has no place in an age when cycling is in the main middle-class virtue-signalling, and almost any bike the equivalent in quality of a between-wars Raleigh tourer costs an obscene amount of money. A little, a very little thought will tell any cyclist that he can run the chain for its entire life on the factory lube, and in the process win a permanently clean bike. All it takes is a hub gearbox (or a single speed of any flavor you fancy), a Hebie Chainglider or lesser chain enclosure, and a chain from a manufacturer who uses quality lube (KMC is good and cheap besides). Then you never again need to clean a chain or clusters or chainrings or anything else to which the chain has spread its filth. Of course, if chain cleaning and waxing defines who you are, like going to church on Sundays, don't pay any attention to me; I wouldn't dream of criticizing your religion. Andre Jute The derailleur should be granted a religious significance by the Pope as an instrument of self-mortification |
Chain waxing
Does Joerg have a sense of humor or is he just basically nuts? In a single paragraph he's proved the entirety of my thesis that the neurosis of chain-cleaning is a religious rite.
On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 3:35:23 PM UTC+1, Joerg wrote: I clean my chain thoroughly using interdental toothbrushes. My wive found a brand at Costco that is more rigid than the usual ones so the job goes faster now. First used for my teeth, then later some day for a chain. Afterwards scrubbing with an old regular toothbrush, followed by a good wipe-down with Kleenex. Once the chain is really shiny I apply White Lightning Epic Ride. If you shake the bottle well the waxy stuff in it dissolves and thus gets onto the chain as well. I use a Q-Tip to dab it onlto the links, then gently wipe off any excess with a Kleenex. |
Chain waxing
On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 07:44:01 -0700 (PDT),
Andre Jute wrote: On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 10:05:28 AM UTC+1, Tanguy Ortolo wrote: Hello, For those interested in this, after my last inquiry about chain lubing, I decided to wax my chain by immersing it in a hot mixture of solid and liquid paraffin (with a ratio of 50% of paraffin oil). After about 600 km, including some significant rain,, must say it works pretty well. My chain still runs smoothly, and is almost perfectly clean. When needed, I can simply wipe it with some paper towel. I do not know yet when I will have to wax it again, but it seems to hold pretty well. Seems to me chain cleaning and waxing is another sadomasochistic practice that cyclists without the imagination to do something more productive have brought on themselves. Socially, it's a leftover from when cycling was a workingman's sport, which has no place in an age when cycling is in the main middle-class virtue-signalling, and almost any bike the equivalent in quality of a between-wars Raleigh tourer costs an obscene amount of money. Of course, if chain cleaning and waxing defines who you are, like going to church on Sundays, don't pay any attention to me; I wouldn't dream of criticizing your religion. Well, for me it's as simple as wishing to throw the bike in the back of the car (or pack it for travel) without having to worry about a greasy chain. No religion, other than the spiritual boost I get from actually riding the darn thing. A little, a very little thought will tell any cyclist that he can run the chain for its entire life on the factory lube, and in the process win a permanently clean bike. All it takes is a hub gearbox (or a single speed of any flavor you fancy), a Hebie Chainglider or lesser chain enclosure, and a chain from a manufacturer who uses quality lube (KMC is good and cheap besides). Then you never again need to clean a chain or clusters or chainrings or anything else to which the chain has spread its filth. I assume this is all meant facetiously. -- Ted Heise West Lafayette, IN, USA |
Chain waxing
On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 8:12:20 AM UTC-7, Theodore Heise wrote:
On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 07:44:01 -0700 (PDT), Andre Jute wrote: On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 10:05:28 AM UTC+1, Tanguy Ortolo wrote: Hello, For those interested in this, after my last inquiry about chain lubing, I decided to wax my chain by immersing it in a hot mixture of solid and liquid paraffin (with a ratio of 50% of paraffin oil). After about 600 km, including some significant rain,, must say it works pretty well. My chain still runs smoothly, and is almost perfectly clean. When needed, I can simply wipe it with some paper towel. I do not know yet when I will have to wax it again, but it seems to hold pretty well. Seems to me chain cleaning and waxing is another sadomasochistic practice that cyclists without the imagination to do something more productive have brought on themselves. Socially, it's a leftover from when cycling was a workingman's sport, which has no place in an age when cycling is in the main middle-class virtue-signalling, and almost any bike the equivalent in quality of a between-wars Raleigh tourer costs an obscene amount of money. Of course, if chain cleaning and waxing defines who you are, like going to church on Sundays, don't pay any attention to me; I wouldn't dream of criticizing your religion. Well, for me it's as simple as wishing to throw the bike in the back of the car (or pack it for travel) without having to worry about a greasy chain. No religion, other than the spiritual boost I get from actually riding the darn thing. A little, a very little thought will tell any cyclist that he can run the chain for its entire life on the factory lube, and in the process win a permanently clean bike. All it takes is a hub gearbox (or a single speed of any flavor you fancy), a Hebie Chainglider or lesser chain enclosure, and a chain from a manufacturer who uses quality lube (KMC is good and cheap besides). Then you never again need to clean a chain or clusters or chainrings or anything else to which the chain has spread its filth. I assume this is all meant facetiously. No more than using an electric cooker to melt wax for a chain. Skip the whole thing and go with an IGH and chain guard. I personally run my chain through a sealed oil bath -- after carefully cleaning each link. https://www.sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.html -- Jay Beattie. |
Chain waxing
On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 4:12:20 PM UTC+1, Theodore Heise wrote:
On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 07:44:01 -0700 (PDT), Andre Jute wrote: On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 10:05:28 AM UTC+1, Tanguy Ortolo wrote: Hello, For those interested in this, after my last inquiry about chain lubing, I decided to wax my chain by immersing it in a hot mixture of solid and liquid paraffin (with a ratio of 50% of paraffin oil). After about 600 km, including some significant rain,, must say it works pretty well. My chain still runs smoothly, and is almost perfectly clean. When needed, I can simply wipe it with some paper towel. I do not know yet when I will have to wax it again, but it seems to hold pretty well. Seems to me chain cleaning and waxing is another sadomasochistic practice that cyclists without the imagination to do something more productive have brought on themselves. Socially, it's a leftover from when cycling was a workingman's sport, which has no place in an age when cycling is in the main middle-class virtue-signalling, and almost any bike the equivalent in quality of a between-wars Raleigh tourer costs an obscene amount of money. Of course, if chain cleaning and waxing defines who you are, like going to church on Sundays, don't pay any attention to me; I wouldn't dream of criticizing your religion. Well, for me it's as simple as wishing to throw the bike in the back of the car (or pack it for travel) without having to worry about a greasy chain. No religion, other than the spiritual boost I get from actually riding the darn thing. A little, a very little thought will tell any cyclist that he can run the chain for its entire life on the factory lube, and in the process win a permanently clean bike. All it takes is a hub gearbox (or a single speed of any flavor you fancy), a Hebie Chainglider or lesser chain enclosure, and a chain from a manufacturer who uses quality lube (KMC is good and cheap besides). Then you never again need to clean a chain or clusters or chainrings or anything else to which the chain has spread its filth. I assume this is all meant facetiously. No. Ted Heise West Lafayette, IN, USA Don't worry. When I tell a joke on RBT, I first tell you I'm going to tell you a joke, then I tell you the joke, then I tell you I told you a joke, and where you should laugh. Andre Jute No problem |
Chain waxing
On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 08:21:52 -0700 (PDT),
jbeattie wrote: On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 8:12:20 AM UTC-7, Theodore Heise wrote: On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 07:44:01 -0700 (PDT), Andre Jute wrote: On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 10:05:28 AM UTC+1, Tanguy Ortolo wrote: For those interested in this, after my last inquiry about chain lubing, I decided to wax my chain by immersing it in a hot mixture of solid and liquid paraffin (with a ratio of 50% of paraffin oil). After about 600 km, including some significant rain,, must say it works pretty well. My chain still runs smoothly, and is almost perfectly clean. When needed, I can simply wipe it with some paper towel. I do not know yet when I will have to wax it again, but it seems to hold pretty well. Seems to me chain cleaning and waxing is another sadomasochistic practice that cyclists without the imagination to do something more productive have brought on themselves. Socially, it's a leftover from when cycling was a workingman's sport, which has no place in an age when cycling is in the main middle-class virtue-signalling, and almost any bike the equivalent in quality of a between-wars Raleigh tourer costs an obscene amount of money. Of course, if chain cleaning and waxing defines who you are, like going to church on Sundays, don't pay any attention to me; I wouldn't dream of criticizing your religion. Well, for me it's as simple as wishing to throw the bike in the back of the car (or pack it for travel) without having to worry about a greasy chain. No religion, other than the spiritual boost I get from actually riding the darn thing. A little, a very little thought will tell any cyclist that he can run the chain for its entire life on the factory lube, and in the process win a permanently clean bike. All it takes is a hub gearbox (or a single speed of any flavor you fancy), a Hebie Chainglider or lesser chain enclosure, and a chain from a manufacturer who uses quality lube (KMC is good and cheap besides). Then you never again need to clean a chain or clusters or chainrings or anything else to which the chain has spread its filth. I assume this is all meant facetiously. No more than using an electric cooker to melt wax for a chain. Skip the whole thing and go with an IGH and chain guard. I personally run my chain through a sealed oil bath -- after carefully cleaning each link. https://www.sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.html OMG, I'm severally chastised. How will I survive? Seriously, it's a very simple process, and less work than cleaning and relubing a chain. I'm not advocating it as suitable for anyone else, just desribing how it works for me. If that warrants chastising, I have to wonder who are the real religious zealots. -- Ted Heise West Lafayette, IN, USA |
Chain waxing
On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 09:26:12 -0700 (PDT),
Andre Jute wrote: On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 4:12:20 PM UTC+1, Theodore Heise wrote: On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 07:44:01 -0700 (PDT), Andre Jute wrote: On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 10:05:28 AM UTC+1, Tanguy Ortolo wrote: For those interested in this, after my last inquiry about chain lubing, I decided to wax my chain by immersing it in a hot mixture of solid and liquid paraffin (with a ratio of 50% of paraffin oil). After about 600 km, including some significant rain,, must say it works pretty well. My chain still runs smoothly, and is almost perfectly clean. When needed, I can simply wipe it with some paper towel. I do not know yet when I will have to wax it again, but it seems to hold pretty well. Seems to me chain cleaning and waxing is another sadomasochistic practice that cyclists without the imagination to do something more productive have brought on themselves. Socially, it's a leftover from when cycling was a workingman's sport, which has no place in an age when cycling is in the main middle-class virtue-signalling, and almost any bike the equivalent in quality of a between-wars Raleigh tourer costs an obscene amount of money. Of course, if chain cleaning and waxing defines who you are, like going to church on Sundays, don't pay any attention to me; I wouldn't dream of criticizing your religion. Well, for me it's as simple as wishing to throw the bike in the back of the car (or pack it for travel) without having to worry about a greasy chain. No religion, other than the spiritual boost I get from actually riding the darn thing. A little, a very little thought will tell any cyclist that he can run the chain for its entire life on the factory lube, and in the process win a permanently clean bike. All it takes is a hub gearbox (or a single speed of any flavor you fancy), a Hebie Chainglider or lesser chain enclosure, and a chain from a manufacturer who uses quality lube (KMC is good and cheap besides). Then you never again need to clean a chain or clusters or chainrings or anything else to which the chain has spread its filth. I assume this is all meant facetiously. No. Don't worry. When I tell a joke on RBT, I first tell you I'm going to tell you a joke, then I tell you the joke, then I tell you I told you a joke, and where you should laugh. Oh, ha ha! I get it now. :) Andre Jute No problem Thanks. -- Ted Heise West Lafayette, IN, USA |
Chain waxing
On 6/6/2018 3:18 PM, Theodore Heise wrote:
On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 08:21:52 -0700 (PDT), jbeattie wrote: On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 8:12:20 AM UTC-7, Theodore Heise wrote: On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 07:44:01 -0700 (PDT), Andre Jute wrote: On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 10:05:28 AM UTC+1, Tanguy Ortolo wrote: For those interested in this, after my last inquiry about chain lubing, I decided to wax my chain by immersing it in a hot mixture of solid and liquid paraffin (with a ratio of 50% of paraffin oil). After about 600 km, including some significant rain,, must say it works pretty well. My chain still runs smoothly, and is almost perfectly clean. When needed, I can simply wipe it with some paper towel. I do not know yet when I will have to wax it again, but it seems to hold pretty well. Seems to me chain cleaning and waxing is another sadomasochistic practice that cyclists without the imagination to do something more productive have brought on themselves. Socially, it's a leftover from when cycling was a workingman's sport, which has no place in an age when cycling is in the main middle-class virtue-signalling, and almost any bike the equivalent in quality of a between-wars Raleigh tourer costs an obscene amount of money. Of course, if chain cleaning and waxing defines who you are, like going to church on Sundays, don't pay any attention to me; I wouldn't dream of criticizing your religion. Well, for me it's as simple as wishing to throw the bike in the back of the car (or pack it for travel) without having to worry about a greasy chain. No religion, other than the spiritual boost I get from actually riding the darn thing. A little, a very little thought will tell any cyclist that he can run the chain for its entire life on the factory lube, and in the process win a permanently clean bike. All it takes is a hub gearbox (or a single speed of any flavor you fancy), a Hebie Chainglider or lesser chain enclosure, and a chain from a manufacturer who uses quality lube (KMC is good and cheap besides). Then you never again need to clean a chain or clusters or chainrings or anything else to which the chain has spread its filth. I assume this is all meant facetiously. No more than using an electric cooker to melt wax for a chain. Skip the whole thing and go with an IGH and chain guard. I personally run my chain through a sealed oil bath -- after carefully cleaning each link. https://www.sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.html OMG, I'm severally chastised. How will I survive? Seriously, it's a very simple process, and less work than cleaning and relubing a chain. I'm not advocating it as suitable for anyone else, just desribing how it works for me. If that warrants chastising, I have to wonder who are the real religious zealots. As the doomed Heise stands on a bare stage, the chorus starts a rumbling 'rhubarb' with ascending volume pierced by shouts of 'stone the heretic'. Curtain closes. -- Andrew Muzi www.yellowjersey.org/ Open every day since 1 April, 1971 |
Chain waxing
On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 1:45:50 PM UTC-7, AMuzi wrote:
On 6/6/2018 3:18 PM, Theodore Heise wrote: On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 08:21:52 -0700 (PDT), jbeattie wrote: On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 8:12:20 AM UTC-7, Theodore Heise wrote: On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 07:44:01 -0700 (PDT), Andre Jute wrote: On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 10:05:28 AM UTC+1, Tanguy Ortolo wrote: For those interested in this, after my last inquiry about chain lubing, I decided to wax my chain by immersing it in a hot mixture of solid and liquid paraffin (with a ratio of 50% of paraffin oil). After about 600 km, including some significant rain,, must say it works pretty well. My chain still runs smoothly, and is almost perfectly clean. When needed, I can simply wipe it with some paper towel. I do not know yet when I will have to wax it again, but it seems to hold pretty well. Seems to me chain cleaning and waxing is another sadomasochistic practice that cyclists without the imagination to do something more productive have brought on themselves. Socially, it's a leftover from when cycling was a workingman's sport, which has no place in an age when cycling is in the main middle-class virtue-signalling, and almost any bike the equivalent in quality of a between-wars Raleigh tourer costs an obscene amount of money. Of course, if chain cleaning and waxing defines who you are, like going to church on Sundays, don't pay any attention to me; I wouldn't dream of criticizing your religion. Well, for me it's as simple as wishing to throw the bike in the back of the car (or pack it for travel) without having to worry about a greasy chain. No religion, other than the spiritual boost I get from actually riding the darn thing. A little, a very little thought will tell any cyclist that he can run the chain for its entire life on the factory lube, and in the process win a permanently clean bike. All it takes is a hub gearbox (or a single speed of any flavor you fancy), a Hebie Chainglider or lesser chain enclosure, and a chain from a manufacturer who uses quality lube (KMC is good and cheap besides). Then you never again need to clean a chain or clusters or chainrings or anything else to which the chain has spread its filth. I assume this is all meant facetiously. No more than using an electric cooker to melt wax for a chain. Skip the whole thing and go with an IGH and chain guard. I personally run my chain through a sealed oil bath -- after carefully cleaning each link. https://www.sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.html OMG, I'm severally chastised. How will I survive? Seriously, it's a very simple process, and less work than cleaning and relubing a chain. I'm not advocating it as suitable for anyone else, just desribing how it works for me. If that warrants chastising, I have to wonder who are the real religious zealots. As the doomed Heise stands on a bare stage, the chorus starts a rumbling 'rhubarb' with ascending volume pierced by shouts of 'stone the heretic'. Curtain closes. Waiting for Wippermann Act I (two men stand on a bare dirt mound with only a dead tree, a tattered bicycle and a crock pot, its cord stretching off to infinity) Vladamir: Wax must be put on every week, I'm tired telling you that. Why don't you listen to me? Estragon: What do you say? Hot wax? I am too old and tired. [intermission] -- Jay Beckett. |
Chain waxing
On 06/06/18 23:32, Theodore Heise wrote:
On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 13:18:53 +0000 (UTC), Ralph Barone wrote: Tanguy Ortolo wrote: Hello, For those interested in this, after my last inquiry about chain lubing, I decided to wax my chain by immersing it in a hot mixture of solid and liquid paraffin (with a ratio of 50% of paraffin oil). After about 600 km, including some significant rain,, must say it works pretty well. My chain still runs smoothly, and is almost perfectly clean. When needed, I can simply wipe it with some paper towel. I do not know yet when I will have to wax it again, but it seems to hold pretty well. I waxed my chain this weekend and finally had the opportunity to take the bike out yesterday. The chain is very quiet and runs quite smoothly. Shifting wasn't as precise as it was before, but I'm thinking it should come back to normal once more of the excess wax flakes off. The only downside was that I didn't clean the chain scrupulously before waxing it, and once I started sliding it around in the pot, a black cloud emanated from the chain and engulfed the bottom of the pot, completely obscuring the chain. I now have a pot of dark black wax, which I may just chuck in the garbage. Hopefully the second waxing will be less expensive. Oh, let me add that even with 100% parrafin wax, it becomes dark and opaque after a use or two. I think it may be from dirt or wear debris from the chain itself. Yes, and it doesn't seem to be an issue. My pot of wax/oil has been used dozens of times and the chains don't seem to wear faster now than before. -- JS |
Chain waxing
On 07/06/18 00:35, Joerg wrote:
It doesn't sound very healthy for the chain to soak it in dirty wax. Doesn't seem to make any difference as far as I can tell. I clean my chain thoroughly using interdental toothbrushes. My wive found a brand at Costco that is more rigid than the usual ones so the job goes faster now. First used for my teeth, then later some day for a chain. Afterwards scrubbing with an old regular toothbrush, followed by a good wipe-down with Kleenex. Once the chain is really shiny I apply White Lightning Epic Ride. If you shake the bottle well the waxy stuff in it dissolves and thus gets onto the chain as well. I use a Q-Tip to dab it onlto the links, then gently wipe off any excess with a Kleenex. That way a road bike chain can run 150-250mi between cleanings depending on whether I ride more roads or more bike paths. Gets dirtier on roads. 40-50mi on the MTB, mostly on dirt trails. The upside is that this method does not require me to take the chain off the bike which I would really dread. Wow. I leave the original chain lube on from the manufacturer to begin with. That probably lasts 1000km or more. I just checked a chain I put on in January. It's done over 3200km and "stretched" 1/8 of an inch over 50 inches, or about 0.25%. I've wax lubed it twice since I installed the chain, about every 1000km. There has been road works where I live for two months, so every ride I have to cross several hundred metres of dirt in each direction. I've also cycled some gravel roads for fun. I don't dread taking the chain off my bike because I use a Connex quick link, and once it is removed, it facilitates much easier cleaning of other parts, like the rear derailleur jockey wheels for example. -- JS |
Chain waxing
On 2018-06-06 16:21, James wrote:
On 07/06/18 00:35, Joerg wrote: It doesn't sound very healthy for the chain to soak it in dirty wax. Doesn't seem to make any difference as far as I can tell. I clean my chain thoroughly using interdental toothbrushes. My wive found a brand at Costco that is more rigid than the usual ones so the job goes faster now. First used for my teeth, then later some day for a chain. Afterwards scrubbing with an old regular toothbrush, followed by a good wipe-down with Kleenex. Once the chain is really shiny I apply White Lightning Epic Ride. If you shake the bottle well the waxy stuff in it dissolves and thus gets onto the chain as well. I use a Q-Tip to dab it onlto the links, then gently wipe off any excess with a Kleenex. That way a road bike chain can run 150-250mi between cleanings depending on whether I ride more roads or more bike paths. Gets dirtier on roads. 40-50mi on the MTB, mostly on dirt trails. The upside is that this method does not require me to take the chain off the bike which I would really dread. Wow. I leave the original chain lube on from the manufacturer to begin with. That probably lasts 1000km or more. I just checked a chain I put on in January. It's done over 3200km and "stretched" 1/8 of an inch over 50 inches, or about 0.25%. I've wax lubed it twice since I installed the chain, about every 1000km. There has been road works where I live for two months, so every ride I have to cross several hundred metres of dirt in each direction. I've also cycled some gravel roads for fun. KMC factory lube lasts me a about 500mi on the road bike but not on the MTB. There the chain becomes noisy after 50mi no matter what. Most singletrack is very dusty in this area and the chain gets a good dose of water when crossing little creeks. I don't dread taking the chain off my bike because I use a Connex quick link, and once it is removed, it facilitates much easier cleaning of other parts, like the rear derailleur jockey wheels for example. I also have a KMC quick disconnect on the MTB but it's not very easy to get off. BTW, I found the old Sachs-Sedis 7-speed chains to be the best in terms of rubustness and service life. Even better than the Wippermann chains I used before. Unfortunately they are no longer made :-( -- Regards, Joerg http://www.analogconsultants.com/ |
Chain waxing
On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 7:34:03 PM UTC-4, Joerg wrote:
On 2018-06-06 16:21, James wrote: On 07/06/18 00:35, Joerg wrote: It doesn't sound very healthy for the chain to soak it in dirty wax. Doesn't seem to make any difference as far as I can tell. I clean my chain thoroughly using interdental toothbrushes. My wive found a brand at Costco that is more rigid than the usual ones so the job goes faster now. First used for my teeth, then later some day for a chain. Afterwards scrubbing with an old regular toothbrush, followed by a good wipe-down with Kleenex. Once the chain is really shiny I apply White Lightning Epic Ride. If you shake the bottle well the waxy stuff in it dissolves and thus gets onto the chain as well. I use a Q-Tip to dab it onlto the links, then gently wipe off any excess with a Kleenex. That way a road bike chain can run 150-250mi between cleanings depending on whether I ride more roads or more bike paths. Gets dirtier on roads. 40-50mi on the MTB, mostly on dirt trails. The upside is that this method does not require me to take the chain off the bike which I would really dread. Wow. I leave the original chain lube on from the manufacturer to begin with. That probably lasts 1000km or more. I just checked a chain I put on in January. It's done over 3200km and "stretched" 1/8 of an inch over 50 inches, or about 0.25%. I've wax lubed it twice since I installed the chain, about every 1000km. There has been road works where I live for two months, so every ride I have to cross several hundred metres of dirt in each direction. I've also cycled some gravel roads for fun. KMC factory lube lasts me a about 500mi on the road bike but not on the MTB. There the chain becomes noisy after 50mi no matter what. Most singletrack is very dusty in this area and the chain gets a good dose of water when crossing little creeks. I don't dread taking the chain off my bike because I use a Connex quick link, and once it is removed, it facilitates much easier cleaning of other parts, like the rear derailleur jockey wheels for example. I also have a KMC quick disconnect on the MTB but it's not very easy to get off. Nothing works for Joerg. - Frank Krygowski |
Chain waxing
On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 11:41:09 PM UTC+1, jbeattie wrote:
Waiting for Wippermann Act I (two men stand on a bare dirt mound with only a dead tree, a tattered bicycle and a crock pot, its cord stretching off to infinity) Vladamir: Wax must be put on every week, I'm tired telling you that. Why don't you listen to me? Estragon: What do you say? Hot wax? I am too old and tired. [intermission] -- Jay Beckett. Now I can ride off into the sunset, knowing that my heritage is safe in your hands, dear Jay. Best Godot I ever saw was in Adelaide, the one in Australia, where an Aboriginal actor was cast as Lucky. The next day I was walking with this actor on North Terrace, inspecting Aboriginal art that was part of the biennial Festival of Arts, and we ran into the Governor of South Australia (we were literally in front of Government House), a clergyman who was also an Aboriginal but, unlike the usual Governor, not a politician, instead a scholar. Between the two of them they told me enough about the art on display that I wrote a double page spread for Nation Review about the Dreamtime, the cultural impetus of the Aboriginals, which much to my surprise I've several times seen quoted in scholarly texts; surprise because literally everything I knew -- then or since! -- I got from an actor and a clergyman in the space of an afternoon. I always meant to tell Beckett this story next time I was in Paris, but just never got around to it; a few years later, when we lived in the Forest of Devres, I drove through Paris several times on my way to Italy but was always in too much of a hurry. Beckett would have appreciated the absurdity of the tale, especially the detail about Richard Condon (The Manchurian Candidate, those Prizzi tales, lots of other clever novels) marching up to us in the killer Australian heat all done up in a black suit with a waistcoat and an Englishman's black umbrella above his head (we, even the Governor, were in shirtsleeves) to thank me for putting him straight about a researcher for his book on Queen Caroline who incredibly missed Captain Gronow's Diaries... Andre Jute Not that shaggy, sir! |
Chain waxing
On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 20:18:36 +0000 (UTC), Theodore Heise wrote:
On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 08:21:52 -0700 (PDT), jbeattie wrote: .... On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 07:44:01 -0700 (PDT), Andre Jute wrote: Seems to me chain cleaning and waxing is another sadomasochistic practice that cyclists without the imagination to do something more productive have brought on themselves. Of course, if chain cleaning and waxing defines who you are, like going to church on Sundays, don't pay any attention to me; I wouldn't dream of criticizing your religion. Seriously, it's a very simple process, and less work than cleaning and relubing a chain. I'm not advocating it as suitable for anyone else, just desribing how it works for me. If that warrants chastising, I have to wonder who are the real religious zealots. Really simple, and something I do ONCE in the chain's life. Hot wax bath, then on to the bike. 3000 miles and .25% elongation later, it's into the thrash and a new $12.50 chain (currently SRAM PC850s) gets installed. Cheap and easy. And I ride in the rain and snow as well as good weather in NYC. The best internally geared hubs don't have the efficiency of a dirty chain on derailure cogs. I'm much too lazy to waste energy on internal gears or on oiling a chain every 100 miles. |
Chain waxing
On Thursday, June 7, 2018 at 3:50:29 AM UTC+1, ERSHC wrote:
On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 20:18:36 +0000 (UTC), Theodore Heise wrote: On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 08:21:52 -0700 (PDT), jbeattie wrote: ... On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 07:44:01 -0700 (PDT), Andre Jute wrote: Seems to me chain cleaning and waxing is another sadomasochistic practice that cyclists without the imagination to do something more productive have brought on themselves. Of course, if chain cleaning and waxing defines who you are, like going to church on Sundays, don't pay any attention to me; I wouldn't dream of criticizing your religion. Seriously, it's a very simple process, and less work than cleaning and relubing a chain. I'm not advocating it as suitable for anyone else, just desribing how it works for me. If that warrants chastising, I have to wonder who are the real religious zealots. Really simple, and something I do ONCE in the chain's life. Hot wax bath, then on to the bike. 3000 miles and .25% elongation later, it's into the thrash and a new $12.50 chain (currently SRAM PC850s) gets installed. Cheap and easy. And I ride in the rain and snow as well as good weather in NYC. The best internally geared hubs don't have the efficiency of a dirty chain on derailure cogs. You might want to check your facts on that one before you express the same fallacy in a less forgiving venue. I'm much too lazy to waste energy on internal gears or on oiling a chain every 100 miles. Now that's the sort of cyclist I like hearing about. Though I don't quite see how an IGH would "waste" your energy. A Rohloff, for instance, has 14 evenly spaced gears, a fat range, and an instant change, through several gears in an instant, if you wish. Oh, and the Rohloff is definitely more efficient than a dirty chain and derailleur, according to reliable German tests. Even an 8-speed Shimano was faster for me once I sussed out optimum gear changes (made electronically, triggered by sensors, zero human input) than the derailleur system I had before the CyberNexus. Andre Jute Real men ride grungy derailleur systems |
Chain waxing
On 6/6/2018 9:25 PM, Andre Jute wrote:
On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 11:41:09 PM UTC+1, jbeattie wrote: Waiting for Wippermann Act I (two men stand on a bare dirt mound with only a dead tree, a tattered bicycle and a crock pot, its cord stretching off to infinity) Vladamir: Wax must be put on every week, I'm tired telling you that. Why don't you listen to me? Estragon: What do you say? Hot wax? I am too old and tired. [intermission] -- Jay Beckett. Now I can ride off into the sunset, knowing that my heritage is safe in your hands, dear Jay. Best Godot I ever saw was in Adelaide, the one in Australia, where an Aboriginal actor was cast as Lucky. The next day I was walking with this actor on North Terrace, inspecting Aboriginal art that was part of the biennial Festival of Arts, and we ran into the Governor of South Australia (we were literally in front of Government House), a clergyman who was also an Aboriginal but, unlike the usual Governor, not a politician, instead a scholar. Between the two of them they told me enough about the art on display that I wrote a double page spread for Nation Review about the Dreamtime, the cultural impetus of the Aboriginals, which much to my surprise I've several times seen quoted in scholarly texts; surprise because literally everything I knew -- then or since! -- I got from an actor and a clergyman in the space of an afternoon. I always meant to tell Beckett this story next time I was in Paris, but just never got around to it; a few years later, when we lived in the Forest of Devres, I drove through Paris several times on my way to Italy but was always in too much of a hurry. Beckett would have appreciated the absurdity of the tale, especially the detail about Richard Condon (The Manchurian Candidate, those Prizzi tales, lots of other clever novels) marching up to us in the killer Australian heat all done up in a black suit with a waistcoat and an Englishman's black umbrella above his head (we, even the Governor, were in shirtsleeves) to thank me for putting him straight about a researcher for his book on Queen Caroline who incredibly missed Captain Gronow's Diaries... Andre Jute Not that shaggy, sir! Thank you, Zelig. -- Andrew Muzi www.yellowjersey.org/ Open every day since 1 April, 1971 |
Chain waxing
On 2018-06-06 19:07, Frank Krygowski wrote:
On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 7:34:03 PM UTC-4, Joerg wrote: On 2018-06-06 16:21, James wrote: On 07/06/18 00:35, Joerg wrote: It doesn't sound very healthy for the chain to soak it in dirty wax. Doesn't seem to make any difference as far as I can tell. I clean my chain thoroughly using interdental toothbrushes. My wive found a brand at Costco that is more rigid than the usual ones so the job goes faster now. First used for my teeth, then later some day for a chain. Afterwards scrubbing with an old regular toothbrush, followed by a good wipe-down with Kleenex. Once the chain is really shiny I apply White Lightning Epic Ride. If you shake the bottle well the waxy stuff in it dissolves and thus gets onto the chain as well. I use a Q-Tip to dab it onlto the links, then gently wipe off any excess with a Kleenex. That way a road bike chain can run 150-250mi between cleanings depending on whether I ride more roads or more bike paths. Gets dirtier on roads. 40-50mi on the MTB, mostly on dirt trails. The upside is that this method does not require me to take the chain off the bike which I would really dread. Wow. I leave the original chain lube on from the manufacturer to begin with. That probably lasts 1000km or more. I just checked a chain I put on in January. It's done over 3200km and "stretched" 1/8 of an inch over 50 inches, or about 0.25%. I've wax lubed it twice since I installed the chain, about every 1000km. There has been road works where I live for two months, so every ride I have to cross several hundred metres of dirt in each direction. I've also cycled some gravel roads for fun. KMC factory lube lasts me a about 500mi on the road bike but not on the MTB. There the chain becomes noisy after 50mi no matter what. Most singletrack is very dusty in this area and the chain gets a good dose of water when crossing little creeks. I don't dread taking the chain off my bike because I use a Connex quick link, and once it is removed, it facilitates much easier cleaning of other parts, like the rear derailleur jockey wheels for example. I also have a KMC quick disconnect on the MTB but it's not very easy to get off. Nothing works for Joerg. Sure it does, I open those at times. It's just not all that convenient. As outlined, I have a method to clean and lube chains that works well. It took me a while to streamline the process but by now I can do that in 15-20mins if needed. While listening to talk radio in my garage which would make your toe nails curl :-) -- Regards, Joerg http://www.analogconsultants.com/ |
Chain waxing
On Wed, 06 Jun 2018 15:45:44 -0500,
AMuzi wrote: On 6/6/2018 3:18 PM, Theodore Heise wrote: On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 08:21:52 -0700 (PDT), jbeattie wrote: On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 8:12:20 AM UTC-7, Theodore Heise wrote: On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 07:44:01 -0700 (PDT), Andre Jute wrote: On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 10:05:28 AM UTC+1, Tanguy Ortolo wrote: For those interested in this, after my last inquiry about chain lubing, I decided to wax my chain... Seems to me chain cleaning and waxing is another sadomasochistic practice that cyclists without the imagination to do something more productive have brought on themselves... Well, for me it's as simple as wishing to throw the bike in the back of the car (or pack it for travel) without having to worry about a greasy chain. A little, a very little thought will tell any cyclist that he can run the chain for its entire life on the factory lube, and in the process win a permanently clean bike. All it takes is a hub gearbox (or a single speed of any flavor you fancy), a Hebie Chainglider or lesser chain enclosure, and a chain from a manufacturer who uses quality lube (KMC is good and cheap besides). Then you never again need to clean a chain or clusters or chainrings or anything else to which the chain has spread its filth. I assume this is all meant facetiously. No more than using an electric cooker to melt wax for a chain. Skip the whole thing and go with an IGH and chain guard. I personally run my chain through a sealed oil bath -- after carefully cleaning each link. https://www.sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.html OMG, I'm severally chastised. How will I survive? Seriously, it's a very simple process, and less work than cleaning and relubing a chain. I'm not advocating it as suitable for anyone else, just desribing how it works for me. If that warrants chastising, I have to wonder who are the real religious zealots. As the doomed Heise stands on a bare stage, the chorus starts a rumbling 'rhubarb' with ascending volume pierced by shouts of 'stone the heretic'. Curtain closes. Don't I even get a curtain call? -- Ted Heise West Lafayette, IN, USA |
Chain waxing
On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 7:50:29 PM UTC-7, ERSHC wrote:
On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 20:18:36 +0000 (UTC), Theodore Heise wrote: On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 08:21:52 -0700 (PDT), jbeattie wrote: ... On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 07:44:01 -0700 (PDT), Andre Jute wrote: Seems to me chain cleaning and waxing is another sadomasochistic practice that cyclists without the imagination to do something more productive have brought on themselves. Of course, if chain cleaning and waxing defines who you are, like going to church on Sundays, don't pay any attention to me; I wouldn't dream of criticizing your religion. Seriously, it's a very simple process, and less work than cleaning and relubing a chain. I'm not advocating it as suitable for anyone else, just desribing how it works for me. If that warrants chastising, I have to wonder who are the real religious zealots. Really simple, and something I do ONCE in the chain's life. Hot wax bath, then on to the bike. 3000 miles and .25% elongation later, it's into the thrash and a new $12.50 chain (currently SRAM PC850s) gets installed. Cheap and easy. And I ride in the rain and snow as well as good weather in NYC. The best internally geared hubs don't have the efficiency of a dirty chain on derailure cogs. I'm much too lazy to waste energy on internal gears or on oiling a chain every 100 miles. I got no problems with wax. People who wanna wax should wax. For me, a good waxing would probably last about a day or two of long rides in December, but then nothing stays on a chain very long in hard rain. I might try wax one day -- I've got race wax and teflon powder for my skis that I might put on my chain. I'll go super fast (but only downhill)! -- Jay Beattie. |
Chain waxing
On Thu, 7 Jun 2018 08:57:44 -0700 (PDT),
jbeattie wrote: On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 7:50:29 PM UTC-7, ERSHC wrote: On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 20:18:36 +0000 (UTC), Theodore Heise wrote: On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 08:21:52 -0700 (PDT), jbeattie wrote: ... On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 07:44:01 -0700 (PDT), Andre Jute wrote: Seems to me chain cleaning and waxing is another sadomasochistic practice that cyclists without the imagination to do something more productive have brought on themselves. Of course, if chain cleaning and waxing defines who you are, like going to church on Sundays, don't pay any attention to me; I wouldn't dream of criticizing your religion. Seriously, it's a very simple process, and less work than cleaning and relubing a chain. I'm not advocating it as suitable for anyone else, just desribing how it works for me. If that warrants chastising, I have to wonder who are the real religious zealots. Really simple, and something I do ONCE in the chain's life. Hot wax bath, then on to the bike. 3000 miles and .25% elongation later, it's into the thrash and a new $12.50 chain (currently SRAM PC850s) gets installed. Cheap and easy. And I ride in the rain and snow as well as good weather in NYC. The best internally geared hubs don't have the efficiency of a dirty chain on derailure cogs. I'm much too lazy to waste energy on internal gears or on oiling a chain every 100 miles. I got no problems with wax. People who wanna wax should wax. For me, a good waxing would probably last about a day or two of long rides in December, but then nothing stays on a chain very long in hard rain. I might try wax one day -- I've got race wax and teflon powder for my skis that I might put on my chain. I'll go super fast (but only downhill)! Jay makes a great point. If I rode in the rain a lot (or even much), I probably would not be using wax. -- Ted Heise West Lafayette, IN, USA |
Chain waxing
On 2018-06-07 08:57, jbeattie wrote:
On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 7:50:29 PM UTC-7, ERSHC wrote: On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 20:18:36 +0000 (UTC), Theodore Heise wrote: On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 08:21:52 -0700 (PDT), jbeattie wrote: ... On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 07:44:01 -0700 (PDT), Andre Jute wrote: Seems to me chain cleaning and waxing is another sadomasochistic practice that cyclists without the imagination to do something more productive have brought on themselves. Of course, if chain cleaning and waxing defines who you are, like going to church on Sundays, don't pay any attention to me; I wouldn't dream of criticizing your religion. Seriously, it's a very simple process, and less work than cleaning and relubing a chain. I'm not advocating it as suitable for anyone else, just desribing how it works for me. If that warrants chastising, I have to wonder who are the real religious zealots. Really simple, and something I do ONCE in the chain's life. Hot wax bath, then on to the bike. 3000 miles and .25% elongation later, it's into the thrash and a new $12.50 chain (currently SRAM PC850s) gets installed. Cheap and easy. And I ride in the rain and snow as well as good weather in NYC. The best internally geared hubs don't have the efficiency of a dirty chain on derailure cogs. I'm much too lazy to waste energy on internal gears or on oiling a chain every 100 miles. I got no problems with wax. People who wanna wax should wax. For me, a good waxing would probably last about a day or two of long rides in December, but then nothing stays on a chain very long in hard rain. I might try wax one day -- I've got race wax and teflon powder for my skis that I might put on my chain. I'll go super fast (but only downhill)! Or use silicone based lube like Clark did, for even more speed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rMcRJVY1-0 -- Regards, Joerg http://www.analogconsultants.com/ |
Chain waxing
On 07/06/18 07:13, Andre Jute wrote:
On Thursday, June 7, 2018 at 3:50:29 AM UTC+1, ERSHC wrote: On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 20:18:36 +0000 (UTC), Theodore Heise wrote: On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 08:21:52 -0700 (PDT), jbeattie wrote: ... On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 07:44:01 -0700 (PDT), Andre Jute wrote: Seems to me chain cleaning and waxing is another sadomasochistic practice that cyclists without the imagination to do something more productive have brought on themselves. Of course, if chain cleaning and waxing defines who you are, like going to church on Sundays, don't pay any attention to me; I wouldn't dream of criticizing your religion. Seriously, it's a very simple process, and less work than cleaning and relubing a chain. I'm not advocating it as suitable for anyone else, just desribing how it works for me. If that warrants chastising, I have to wonder who are the real religious zealots. Really simple, and something I do ONCE in the chain's life. Hot wax bath, then on to the bike. 3000 miles and .25% elongation later, it's into the thrash and a new $12.50 chain (currently SRAM PC850s) gets installed. Cheap and easy. And I ride in the rain and snow as well as good weather in NYC. The best internally geared hubs don't have the efficiency of a dirty chain on derailure cogs. You might want to check your facts on that one before you express the same fallacy in a less forgiving venue. I'm much too lazy to waste energy on internal gears or on oiling a chain every 100 miles. Now that's the sort of cyclist I like hearing about. Though I don't quite see how an IGH would "waste" your energy. A Rohloff, for instance, has 14 evenly spaced gears, a fat range, and an instant change, through several gears in an instant, if you wish. Oh, and the Rohloff is definitely more efficient than a dirty chain and derailleur, according to reliable German tests. Me, I'd keep my dérailleur clean and solve that problem. Save some weight as well. |
Chain waxing
On 2018-06-07 12:15, Tosspot wrote:
On 07/06/18 07:13, Andre Jute wrote: On Thursday, June 7, 2018 at 3:50:29 AM UTC+1, ERSHC wrote: [...] I'm much too lazy to waste energy on internal gears or on oiling a chain every 100 miles. Now that's the sort of cyclist I like hearing about. Though I don't quite see how an IGH would "waste" your energy. A Rohloff, for instance, has 14 evenly spaced gears, a fat range, and an instant change, through several gears in an instant, if you wish. Oh, and the Rohloff is definitely more efficient than a dirty chain and derailleur, according to reliable German tests. Me, I'd keep my dérailleur clean and solve that problem. Save some weight as well. And a TON of money. -- Regards, Joerg http://www.analogconsultants.com/ |
Chain waxing
On 6/6/2018 7:35 AM, Joerg wrote:
snip I clean my chain thoroughly using interdental toothbrushes. My wive found a brand at Costco that is more rigid than the usual ones so the job goes faster now. First used for my teeth, then later some day for a chain. Afterwards scrubbing with an old regular toothbrush, followed by a good wipe-down with Kleenex. Once the chain is really shiny I apply White Lightning Epic Ride. If you shake the bottle well the waxy stuff in it dissolves and thus gets onto the chain as well. I use a Q-Tip to dab it onlto the links, then gently wipe off any excess with a Kleenex. That way a road bike chain can run 150-250mi between cleanings depending on whether I ride more roads or more bike paths. Gets dirtier on roads. 40-50mi on the MTB, mostly on dirt trails. The upside is that this method does not require me to take the chain off the bike which I would really dread. OMG, is anyone really spending that much time on chain maintenance?! Get yourself a Park chain cleaner (or some other brand). Fill it with kerosene and run the chain through it. Repeat with clean solvent until the chain runs clean. Unless the chain is in the solvent, and moving, you won't get it clean on the inside. When it's clean, lubricate it with a foaming chain lube. Above all, avoid hot wax. http://nordicgroup.us/chain/ |
Chain waxing
On 6/7/2018 8:02 PM, sms wrote:
Above all, avoid hot wax. http://nordicgroup.us/chain/ From Scharf's "World's Greatest Expert" website just above: "Last Update: 2 December 2013" Since then: Tests of bike chain lubricants for the go-fast crowd: https://www.scribd.com/document/2620...ficiency-Tests Plain wax lube is best. "The most efficient lubes in perfect conditions are likely not the fastest when the going gets rough, with the exception of paraffin." And "Paraffin wax, our clear winner..." (including when the chain was doused with dust, gravel and mud). You could spice it up with a little teflon or moly and save another couple Watts: https://www.bikeradar.com/us/road/ne...formula-36424/ but I've never felt the need. I do add a small percentage of oil when I first melt the wax cake. YMMV. Experiences of cyclists who have actually tried it: http://www.ecovelo.info/2010/05/30/c...-clean-freaks/ That's as opposed to Scharf, who forms his opinion first, then looks for ways to justify it. Real world, on-road tests from back in 1977: https://www.flickr.com/photos/169722...posted-public/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/169722...posted-public/ And in industry? https://www.klueber.com/en/lubricant...icating-waxes/ All these links have been posted here many times since Scharf's "last update." But Scharf doesn't change his web sites even if he's been caught in a blatant lie. I don't sell wax or try to make any money from it. Some people try wax and don't like it, and that's fine. I don't care if people prefer rinsing their chains with smelly concoctions, scrubbing them with toothpicks, enclosing them in oddball cases, paying $100 per gallon for re-packaged chainsaw oil, or even replacing them with belts. But let's not _totally_ ignore actual data! -- - Frank Krygowski |
Chain waxing
On 07/06/18 21:40, Joerg wrote:
On 2018-06-07 12:15, Tosspot wrote: On 07/06/18 07:13, Andre Jute wrote: On Thursday, June 7, 2018 at 3:50:29 AM UTC+1, ERSHC wrote: [...] I'm much too lazy to waste energy on internal gears or on oiling a chain every 100 miles. Now that's the sort of cyclist I like hearing about. Though I don't quite see how an IGH would "waste" your energy. A Rohloff, for instance, has 14 evenly spaced gears, a fat range, and an instant change, through several gears in an instant, if you wish. Oh, and the Rohloff is definitely more efficient than a dirty chain and derailleur, according to reliable German tests. Me, I'd keep my dérailleur clean and solve that problem.* Save some weight as well. And a TON of money. Yep. IHGs are a bit of a niche market. 4 of my current bikes have them, one has a derailleur. That Derailleur is dry miles only and is a good solution. The others are rain, ice, snow, salt & grit. IHG are a better solution. I've tried the Hebie chain gliders as well, and haven't been so impressed with them, but if you have IHGs, a good chain case is really a must or you lose some of the advantages. I have two Rohloffs. Are they worth it, not compared to an Alfine-11 imho, but, they are very, very nice. In red of course, cos that goes faster :-) |
Chain waxing
On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 22:13:38 -0700 (PDT), Andre Jute wrote:
On Thursday, June 7, 2018 at 3:50:29 AM UTC+1, ERSHC wrote: On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 20:18:36 +0000 (UTC), Theodore Heise wrote: On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 08:21:52 -0700 (PDT), jbeattie wrote: ... On Wed, 6 Jun 2018 07:44:01 -0700 (PDT), Andre Jute wrote: Seems to me chain cleaning and waxing is another sadomasochistic practice that cyclists without the imagination to do something more productive have brought on themselves. Of course, if chain cleaning and waxing defines who you are, like going to church on Sundays, don't pay any attention to me; I wouldn't dream of criticizing your religion. Seriously, it's a very simple process, and less work than cleaning and relubing a chain. I'm not advocating it as suitable for anyone else, just desribing how it works for me. If that warrants chastising, I have to wonder who are the real religious zealots. Really simple, and something I do ONCE in the chain's life. Hot wax bath, then on to the bike. 3000 miles and .25% elongation later, it's into the thrash and a new $12.50 chain (currently SRAM PC850s) gets installed. Cheap and easy. And I ride in the rain and snow as well as good weather in NYC. The best internally geared hubs don't have the efficiency of a dirty chain on derailure cogs. You might want to check your facts on that one before you express the same fallacy in a less forgiving venue. Point me to something reasonably unbiased and more recent than the 2001 Cycling Science article that supports this, and I'll be glad to change my opinion. But not my gear train. Like chain waxing, it works for me, and that is really what I care about. |
Chain waxing
On 2018-06-07 17:02, sms wrote:
On 6/6/2018 7:35 AM, Joerg wrote: snip I clean my chain thoroughly using interdental toothbrushes. My wive found a brand at Costco that is more rigid than the usual ones so the job goes faster now. First used for my teeth, then later some day for a chain. Afterwards scrubbing with an old regular toothbrush, followed by a good wipe-down with Kleenex. Once the chain is really shiny I apply White Lightning Epic Ride. If you shake the bottle well the waxy stuff in it dissolves and thus gets onto the chain as well. I use a Q-Tip to dab it onlto the links, then gently wipe off any excess with a Kleenex. That way a road bike chain can run 150-250mi between cleanings depending on whether I ride more roads or more bike paths. Gets dirtier on roads. 40-50mi on the MTB, mostly on dirt trails. The upside is that this method does not require me to take the chain off the bike which I would really dread. OMG, is anyone really spending that much time on chain maintenance?! Get yourself a Park chain cleaner (or some other brand). Fill it with kerosene and run the chain through it. Repeat with clean solvent until the chain runs clean. Unless the chain is in the solvent, and moving, you won't get it clean on the inside. When it's clean, lubricate it with a foaming chain lube. So how long does that process take? And I mean with clean-up including the cleaning of the tools used. For most of those of us who are married clean-up is necessary, we can just leave the stuff sitting on some bench. Above all, avoid hot wax. http://nordicgroup.us/chain/ I know some people who boil their chains in wax and reported good results but it's a major chore. Such reports also have to be taken with a grain of salt because not everyone rides on pristine asphalt. Some of us ride singletrack where the front wheel generates a plume of dust and the chain is right in the middle of that. -- Regards, Joerg http://www.analogconsultants.com/ |
Chain waxing
On 08/06/2018 10:36 AM, Joerg wrote:
On 2018-06-07 17:02, sms wrote: On 6/6/2018 7:35 AM, Joerg wrote: snip I clean my chain thoroughly using interdental toothbrushes. My wive found a brand at Costco that is more rigid than the usual ones so the job goes faster now. First used for my teeth, then later some day for a chain. Afterwards scrubbing with an old regular toothbrush, followed by a good wipe-down with Kleenex. Once the chain is really shiny I apply White Lightning Epic Ride. If you shake the bottle well the waxy stuff in it dissolves and thus gets onto the chain as well. I use a Q-Tip to dab it onlto the links, then gently wipe off any excess with a Kleenex. That way a road bike chain can run 150-250mi between cleanings depending on whether I ride more roads or more bike paths. Gets dirtier on roads. 40-50mi on the MTB, mostly on dirt trails. The upside is that this method does not require me to take the chain off the bike which I would really dread. OMG, is anyone really spending that much time on chain maintenance?! Get yourself a Park chain cleaner (or some other brand). Fill it with kerosene and run the chain through it. Repeat with clean solvent until the chain runs clean. Unless the chain is in the solvent, and moving, you won't get it clean on the inside. When it's clean, lubricate it with a foaming chain lube. So how long does that process take? And I mean with clean-up including the cleaning of the tools used. For most of those of us who are married clean-up is necessary, we can just leave the stuff sitting on some bench. The bike is already on the stand for washing. I have a pan in my shed with a bottle of degreaser (not kerosene but something biodegradable) and the Park chain cleaner in the pan. Takes a few minutes to fill up the tool and run the chain through it. The pan catches the slosh. I don't usually change the degreaser. A couple minutes in the chain cleaner works well enough for me. Hose out everything and let it dry while the bike is drying. Certainly takes less time than what you describe with the toothbrushes. Not that I care much how you clean your chain. Just answering your question. Above all, avoid hot wax. http://nordicgroup.us/chain/ I know some people who boil their chains in wax and reported good results but it's a major chore. Such reports also have to be taken with a grain of salt because not everyone rides on pristine asphalt. Some of us ride singletrack where the front wheel generates a plume of dust and the chain is right in the middle of that. I think James uses wax and I doubt that he rides only on pristine asphalt. Why do you care what other people do to clean their chains? |
Chain waxing
On 2018-06-08 07:59, Duane wrote:
On 08/06/2018 10:36 AM, Joerg wrote: On 2018-06-07 17:02, sms wrote: On 6/6/2018 7:35 AM, Joerg wrote: snip I clean my chain thoroughly using interdental toothbrushes. My wive found a brand at Costco that is more rigid than the usual ones so the job goes faster now. First used for my teeth, then later some day for a chain. Afterwards scrubbing with an old regular toothbrush, followed by a good wipe-down with Kleenex. Once the chain is really shiny I apply White Lightning Epic Ride. If you shake the bottle well the waxy stuff in it dissolves and thus gets onto the chain as well. I use a Q-Tip to dab it onlto the links, then gently wipe off any excess with a Kleenex. That way a road bike chain can run 150-250mi between cleanings depending on whether I ride more roads or more bike paths. Gets dirtier on roads. 40-50mi on the MTB, mostly on dirt trails. The upside is that this method does not require me to take the chain off the bike which I would really dread. OMG, is anyone really spending that much time on chain maintenance?! Get yourself a Park chain cleaner (or some other brand). Fill it with kerosene and run the chain through it. Repeat with clean solvent until the chain runs clean. Unless the chain is in the solvent, and moving, you won't get it clean on the inside. When it's clean, lubricate it with a foaming chain lube. So how long does that process take? And I mean with clean-up including the cleaning of the tools used. For most of those of us who are married clean-up is necessary, we can just leave the stuff sitting on some bench. The bike is already on the stand for washing. Last time I washed my road bike was ... ahm ... nineteen-sumpthin. The MTB doesn't get washed either, it just wouldn't make sense. ... I have a pan in my shed with a bottle of degreaser (not kerosene but something biodegradable) and the Park chain cleaner in the pan. Takes a few minutes to fill up the tool and run the chain through it. The pan catches the slosh. I don't usually change the degreaser. A couple minutes in the chain cleaner works well enough for me. Hose out everything and let it dry while the bike is drying. Certainly takes less time than what you describe with the toothbrushes. Well, yeah, if you just put the bath, the pan and so on back on the shelf as is. Not gonna happen here. ... Not that I care much how you clean your chain. Just answering your question. Above all, avoid hot wax. http://nordicgroup.us/chain/ I know some people who boil their chains in wax and reported good results but it's a major chore. Such reports also have to be taken with a grain of salt because not everyone rides on pristine asphalt. Some of us ride singletrack where the front wheel generates a plume of dust and the chain is right in the middle of that. I think James uses wax and I doubt that he rides only on pristine asphalt. Why do you care what other people do to clean their chains? Never said I did. -- Regards, Joerg http://www.analogconsultants.com/ |
Chain waxing
On Friday, June 8, 2018 at 9:17:37 AM UTC-7, Joerg wrote:
On 2018-06-08 07:59, Duane wrote: On 08/06/2018 10:36 AM, Joerg wrote: On 2018-06-07 17:02, sms wrote: On 6/6/2018 7:35 AM, Joerg wrote: snip I clean my chain thoroughly using interdental toothbrushes. My wive found a brand at Costco that is more rigid than the usual ones so the job goes faster now. First used for my teeth, then later some day for a chain. Afterwards scrubbing with an old regular toothbrush, followed by a good wipe-down with Kleenex. Once the chain is really shiny I apply White Lightning Epic Ride. If you shake the bottle well the waxy stuff in it dissolves and thus gets onto the chain as well. I use a Q-Tip to dab it onlto the links, then gently wipe off any excess with a Kleenex. That way a road bike chain can run 150-250mi between cleanings depending on whether I ride more roads or more bike paths. Gets dirtier on roads. 40-50mi on the MTB, mostly on dirt trails. The upside is that this method does not require me to take the chain off the bike which I would really dread. OMG, is anyone really spending that much time on chain maintenance?! Get yourself a Park chain cleaner (or some other brand). Fill it with kerosene and run the chain through it. Repeat with clean solvent until the chain runs clean. Unless the chain is in the solvent, and moving, you won't get it clean on the inside. When it's clean, lubricate it with a foaming chain lube. So how long does that process take? And I mean with clean-up including the cleaning of the tools used. For most of those of us who are married clean-up is necessary, we can just leave the stuff sitting on some bench. The bike is already on the stand for washing. Last time I washed my road bike was ... ahm ... nineteen-sumpthin. The MTB doesn't get washed either, it just wouldn't make sense. ... I have a pan in my shed with a bottle of degreaser (not kerosene but something biodegradable) and the Park chain cleaner in the pan. Takes a few minutes to fill up the tool and run the chain through it. The pan catches the slosh. I don't usually change the degreaser. A couple minutes in the chain cleaner works well enough for me. Hose out everything and let it dry while the bike is drying. Certainly takes less time than what you describe with the toothbrushes. Well, yeah, if you just put the bath, the pan and so on back on the shelf as is. Not gonna happen here. What? No shelves? You can buy shelves at Home Depot you know. Is it about your wife? Does she check your wash buckets to make sure they're clean inside with no biodegradable solvent-filled chain cleaning machines in them? Mine too! She was up at like 2:00 AM this morning going through all my buckets in the garage . . . totally ****ed off at the condition of some of my bike cleaning brushes. So I asked her about the dust under the refrigerator . . . "have you seen that . . . have you? How could any self-respecting wife allow that disgusting accumulation? And your hair in the drain! It's like stringy snot! I want a divorce!" -- Jay Beattie. |
Chain waxing
On 08/06/2018 12:17 PM, Joerg wrote:
On 2018-06-08 07:59, Duane wrote: On 08/06/2018 10:36 AM, Joerg wrote: On 2018-06-07 17:02, sms wrote: On 6/6/2018 7:35 AM, Joerg wrote: snip I clean my chain thoroughly using interdental toothbrushes. My wive found a brand at Costco that is more rigid than the usual ones so the job goes faster now. First used for my teeth, then later some day for a chain. Afterwards scrubbing with an old regular toothbrush, followed by a good wipe-down with Kleenex. Once the chain is really shiny I apply White Lightning Epic Ride. If you shake the bottle well the waxy stuff in it dissolves and thus gets onto the chain as well. I use a Q-Tip to dab it onlto the links, then gently wipe off any excess with a Kleenex. That way a road bike chain can run 150-250mi between cleanings depending on whether I ride more roads or more bike paths. Gets dirtier on roads. 40-50mi on the MTB, mostly on dirt trails. The upside is that this method does not require me to take the chain off the bike which I would really dread. OMG, is anyone really spending that much time on chain maintenance?! Get yourself a Park chain cleaner (or some other brand). Fill it with kerosene and run the chain through it. Repeat with clean solvent until the chain runs clean. Unless the chain is in the solvent, and moving, you won't get it clean on the inside. When it's clean, lubricate it with a foaming chain lube. So how long does that process take? And I mean with clean-up including the cleaning of the tools used. For most of those of us who are married clean-up is necessary, we can just leave the stuff sitting on some bench. The bike is already on the stand for washing. Last time I washed my road bike was ... ahm ... nineteen-sumpthin. The MTB doesn't get washed either, it just wouldn't make sense. The problems you have with equipment failure start to make sense... ************************* ************ ... I have a pan in my shed with a bottle of degreaser (not kerosene but something biodegradable) and the Park chain cleaner in the pan.* Takes a few minutes to fill up the tool and run the chain through it.* The pan catches the slosh. I don't usually change the degreaser.* A couple minutes in the chain cleaner works well enough for me.* Hose out everything and let it dry while the bike is drying.* Certainly takes less time than what you describe with the toothbrushes. Well, yeah, if you just put the bath, the pan and so on back on the shelf as is. Not gonna happen here. You missed the part about hose everything down and let it dry with the bike. Cleanup doesn't take any time. **************** ... Not that I care much how you clean your chain.* Just answering your question. Above all, avoid hot wax. http://nordicgroup.us/chain/ I know some people who boil their chains in wax and reported good results but it's a major chore. Such reports also have to be taken with a grain of salt because not everyone rides on pristine asphalt. Some of us ride singletrack where the front wheel generates a plume of dust and the chain is right in the middle of that. I think James uses wax and I doubt that he rides only on pristine asphalt.* Why do you care what other people do to clean their chains? Never said I did. You sure write a lot about it then... |
Chain waxing
On 08/06/18 03:18, Theodore Heise wrote:
Jay makes a great point. If I rode in the rain a lot (or even much), I probably would not be using wax. I recently rode a one week supported tour over 800km with two wet days. I didn't bother re-applying my wax/oil lube for another few hundred kms after I got back home. No squeaks or dry chain sound. -- JS |
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