Overheard a guy at the bike shop say chain wax is a waste of time

I was at the local bike shop last week picking up some tubes and this older dude was talking to the mechanic about chain maintenance. He said waxing your chain is just a gimmick and that he's been using the same bottle of wet lube for 10 years with no issues. It got me thinking though because I've been fighting with a dirty drivetrain for months after switching to a wax based lube. My chain gets sticky after just two rides on dusty trails near me in Phoenix and I'm constantly cleaning it. Now I'm wondering if that guy has a point or if I just picked the wrong wax product. Has anyone else tried wax and then given up on it for something simpler?

2 comments

2 Comments

ellis.jennifer6d ago

Does that guy even ride dusty trails, because Phoenix grit will turn ANY lube into grinding paste within an hour.

craig.nathan6d ago

Yeah, dusty trails are a whole different beast. I switched to a thick chain wax a couple years back and that cut the grinding way down compared to standard wet lubes. It still needs a good wipe down after every ride, but it lasts the whole day without turning into sandpaper.