On Mon, 10 Apr 2006 01:08:46 GMT, "Mike Jacoubowsky"
wrote:

The issue with hot waxing a chain isn't about protecting the chain or
squeaking, but rather shifting performance. I can't tell you how many "hot
waxers" (which were especially prevalent in the 90s, for whatever reason)
would come in complaining their bikes weren't shifting well. We'd re-lube
the chain with more-conventional products, and voila, shifting problem gone.
This repeated itself far too many times to be any sort of random thing.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com

Mike, with all due respects, hot waxing does not deteriorate shift
performance. By hot waxing, I don't mean the double boiler getting
the wax to melt. I mean wax that is liquified at 300 F. Wax means
parrafin and not melted candles. The modern, thin chains, stay supple
and free moving, even when dry and not lubed...when they are clean.
Most waxers, include small amounts of oil in the wax blend. I use
about a shot glass of oil to ½ lb. of wax.

In support of your conclusion, I built up a bike that did Ragbrai 2
seasons. The owner only used if for that event. For the 3rd year she
complained about skipped shifts before packing up the bike. She had
not touched the chain since I built it. I no longer wax new builds
but use Prolink and give some to the owners.