CYCLEPATH PDX | SERVICES
Chain Waxing
The cleanest, longest-lasting, and most efficient drivetrain treatment available - drop off your chain or bike and we'll do the rest.
Why wax?
Waxed chains last longer, run quieter, and stay dramatically cleaner than wet or dry lubed chains. We strip your chain down, hot-wax it properly, and have it back to you ready to ride.
Cleaner drivetrain
Wax doesn't attract grit and grime the same way oil-based lube does - your chain stays clean ride after every ride
Faster
Properly waxed chains are among the most efficient drivetrains you can run. Plus, add specialty speed or endurance additives depending on your event or needs
Longer chain life
Wax reduces metal-on-metal wear significantly vs. oil-based lubes, getting you more use out of your drivetrain
HOW IT WORKS
Chain wax process:
- We strip the chain of factory grease or existing chain lube using Silca Stripper for new chains, or our parts cleaner for used ones
- Submerge the chain in melted Silca Wax in our ultrasonic cleaner
- Let the wax dry, and let excess come off in the first few miles of riding
- Enjoy a quiet, mess-free, drivetrain that will last 200-500 miles
- Top up with drip wax once the chain starts to make some noise
- Repeat hot wax every ~1000 miles (depending on conditions)
Waxed chain
✓ Stays clean - doesn't attract grit
✓ Lower friction than wet lube
✓ Longer chain life
✓ No black grease on hands or kit
✓ Quiet, smooth shifting
Oil-based lube
✓ Attracts dirt and grit quickly
✓ Higher friction over time
✓ Faster chain wear
✓ Greasy, messy to handle
✓ Needs frequent reapplication
Wax at home:
Available at both locations:
Common Questions:
What is chain waxing, and how is it different from regular lube?
Chain waxing involves immersing your chain in molten paraffin wax (often blended with additives like PTFE or Molten Speed Wax). When the wax cools and solidifies inside the chain's rollers and links, it creates a dry, self-contained lubricant that repels dirt rather than attracting it like a wet or dry oil lube does.
Traditional liquid lubes sit on the surface and act as a magnet for grit. Wax encapsulates the moving parts internally, so your drivetrain stays cleaner, lasts longer, and runs more efficiently.
Does wax wash off in the rain?
The wax inside the chain's rollers and links is largely unaffected by rain — that's where the lubrication actually happens. However, heavy sustained rain will flush the wax off the outside of the chain and accelerate the interval between re-waxes.
For very wet conditions, many riders use a drip wax top-up (Silca drip wax works well here) after rainy rides to extend the service interval. We'd suggest re-waxing after every prolonged wet ride if you're doing regular wet-weather training.
Do I need a new chain to start waxing?
Not necessarily. If your current chain measures under 0.5% wear and has been thoroughly stripped of all previous lube, it can be waxed successfully.
That said, starting with a fresh chain is ideal — you get the full benefit of wax lubrication from the very first miles, and you have a clean baseline for tracking wear. We always recommend at least checking chain wear before investing time in a full strip and wax.
Can I bring my complete bike, or just the chain?
Either works! If you bring in your complete bike, we can check the rest of your drivetrain wear to make sure you're in good shape.
How do I wax at home?
After hot-waxing at Cyclepath, we recommend topping up with drip wax once the chain starts to make noise. After 2-3 applications of drip-wax, it's best to hot-wax again.
Can I wax multiple chains?
Yes - we can wax as many as you need. Waxing multiple chains is also a way to keep your drivetrain wear extremely low, while rotating between 3-2 waxed chains, swapping and re-waxing as the chain starts to make noise.