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Debate: Did switching to waxed chain lube actually save me time or just shift the work?

I used to just drip oil on my chain every few rides and call it good, but after a muddy 40-mile ride last fall I switched to a wax-based system and now I clean the chain every 200 miles instead. The thing is, waxing takes way more setup upfront - like melting and dipping - but I don't have to wipe down black gunk off my frame every week. Am I the only one who thinks the trade-off is worth it for less drivetrain wear, or do you guys prefer the old messy method for speed?
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3 Comments
barbara_jenkins66
Yo @charles_coleman I was totally with you on that tubeless comparison honestly. But then I actually committed to the wax system for a full season and it changed my mind big time. Less gunk on everything plus my chain and cassette still look new after 800 miles so that sold me on the trade off.
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lucasw84
lucasw843d ago
The real time saver is less drivetrain replacement over a full season.
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charles_coleman
The whole wax setup reminds me of when I tried to switch to tubeless tires on my gravel bike. Spent a whole Saturday wrestling with sealant and tape, then a week later the bead popped off on a fire road and I was covered in sticky white goo. I mean, maybe I just did it wrong but that experience made me think wax might be the same kind of trap. At least with drip lube you can just reapply after a wet ride without any melting or prep. I guess if you're super organized and have a dedicated workspace the upfront work pays off, but my garage is a mess so I'll probably stick with the messy method.
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