How is hot wax applied step by step?
Step 1 - Clean the Drive
Fully degrease your drivetrain and chain so that it is free of dirt, oil and grease.
Use a water-soluble degreaser, such as Drivetrain Detox, in which the chain can be submerged. The best method is an ultrasonic cleaner, but we have found that submerging the chain in a bottle of Drivetrain Detox is also sufficient to adequately degrease the chain.
Rinse the chain with water and dry it with a microfibre cloth. Let the chain dry completely or bathe it in isopropyl alcohol to remove water and degreaser residues.
Step 2 - Melt Wax
Melt Hyper or Wander Wax in a dedicated wax heater such as the Waxifyer, a slow cooker, or an ultrasonic cleaner at 70 to 80 degrees Celsius. Wait until all the wax has liquefied.
Pass the chain through the Chain Coupler and tighten the fastener securely. Thanks to the Chain Coupler, you now have a handle on your chain, making it easy to place it in the Waxifyer.
Step 3 - Dip chain in wax
Fully immerse the chain in the now liquid wax for at least 15 minutes, making sure that no air bubbles form. Then slowly remove the chain from the wax and allow it to cool until it feels cold. The easiest way to dry your chain is to hang it on the Drip Dock with the Chain Coupler.
Step 4 - Follow-up
Once the chain is completely cool, move each link to ensure the chain is smooth again. Use a clean microfiber cloth to remove excess wax from the outside of the chain. Reinstall the chain on the bike, and you're ready to ride.
On the first ride, the excess wax will shed, leaving flakes on the chainstay and drivetrain. These flakes will fall off during the ride or can be removed with a clean, damp microfiber cloth.
Don't worry, Dynamic wax is biodegradable!
Care after the chain has been waxed.
A waxed chain does not need to be degreased, but it can attract small amounts of dust and light dirt particles. Clean the chain between waxing phases with a clean, dry cloth. Use a dry brush to remove wax residue from other drivetrain components.
If you want to thoroughly clean your bicycle and drivetrain, remove the chain to protect the wax layer from cleaning and degreasing agents.
The wax should be reapplied when the chain sounds "dry". Follow the steps in the waxing instructions, but omit the degreasing. The waxed chain can be wiped clean and dipped directly into the liquid wax.
Furthermore, a chain treated with hot wax can also be re-treated with Dynamic liquid waxes such as Slick Wax or Speed Potion Wax.
After 10-15 repetitions, you should replace the wax in the Waxifyer to prevent dirt from affecting the efficiency and wear of the drivetrain.
Pros and Cons of Hot Waxing
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Benefits:
- It penetrates deep into the chain, providing long-lasting and fast lubrication.
- It attracts little dirt, keeping the drivetrain clean.
- Super weather-resistant and usable in any terrain.
- Less wear on your drivetrain, which can double the lifespan of your drivetrain components.
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Disadvantages:
- Applying hot wax requires special materials/tools, such as: a wax heater, a completely degreased chain, and a method for hanging the chain.
- Applying hot wax to the chain takes longer than applying an ordinary liquid drip wax.
In summary, hot waxing provides an effective and long-lasting lubrication solution for your chain, especially useful for long rides, races, or harsh conditions. However, it does require some effort and time to apply.
The Dynamic Hot Waxes: Hyper & Wander Wax
Dynamic Bike Care offers two types of hot wax: Hyper and Wander Wax. This allows you to choose the formula that best suits your riding style and goals.
Hyper Wax is focused on performance and speed.
Wander Wax is designed for durability on long rides and enjoyable road and bikepacking tours.
You can find the properties of both waxes in the overview:
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Dynamic Bike Care Hyper Hot Wax
Dynamic Bike Care Hyper Hot Wax✔️ The world's fastest hot wax
✔️ Provides ultimate friction reduction and minimizes drivetrain losses
✔️ Keeps your drivetrain clean and quiet
✔️ Advanced, biodegradable formula
✔️ Developed with UCI World Tour Teams
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Dynamic Bike Care Wander Hot Wax
Dynamic Bike Care Wander Hot Wax✔️ The ultimate endurance hot wax
✔️ Extremely durable, suitable for all weather conditions and terrains
✔️ Keeps your drivetrain clean and quiet
✔️ Advanced, biodegradable formula
✔️ Developed with UCI World Tour Teams