Bike Repair and Service

Chain Waxing Service

Curious about waxing…your chain, that is?  Campus Cycles now offers chain waxing service, using quality Silca products. Immersive chain waxing has proven to significantly increase chain life, reduce friction for higher performance and smoother shifting, and quiet your drivetrain.  

 It involves stripping any lubricant or grease off your new or lightly used chain then dipping it in a molten, wax based lubricant.  After a short drying period, it is reinstalled on your bike, ready to roll.  As an added bonus, your drivetrain stays clean, as dirt does not stick to the wax.  

 Given the cost of today’s high-performance 11 and 12 speed chains, along with cassettes and chainrings, increasing the lifespan of those components with wax lubricant can save a lot of money.  It is not uncommon for a chain that has been regularly maintained and waxed to last significantly longer before needing to be replaced (some reports note 6,000 to 7,000 miles, instead of around 1,500 miles).  

 Got a big race coming up?  Bring your bike in for a tune up, and we can also wax your chain for the ultimate in high performance.

 Chain waxing can be a bit of an onerous process, particularly the preparation of the chain, so Campus Cycles is happy to take care of this for you.  
We charge $40 for the waxing of a new chain (plus the cost of the chain)
and $50 for the cleaning and waxing of a chain that already has some miles on it.  (It is not recommended that initial waxing be performed on a chain with more than 1000 miles or so on it). 

 What does maintenance look like? Ideally you get a new wax coating every 100-150 miles, but that can be unrealistic for many. Silca makes a partner lubricant that extends the time in between full waxing's which can be done at home. Simply wipe the chain down of any debris, apply two drops of lubricant per link, then let dry for at least 12 hours. Some riders will pre-wax 2-3 chains, and cycle through them. Once on their last chain, they will re-wax the first two and have them ready for reinstall. 

 Want to try waxing at home? Come talk to us and we can set you up with just about everything you need to take the performance of your bike’s drivetrain to the next level.  

 
A few things to consider:

• Waxing isn’t ideal in regularly wet conditions, but we rarely see that here in Colorado
• The wax penetrates along the pin rollers and plates, and can initially feel stiff when shifting 
• Maintenance is more involved and intentional than a typical drip lubricant
• Makes for great conversation in your riding groups

Questions?  Give Campus Cycles Service Department a call at 303-698-2811 and we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.