Why Bike Mechanics HATE You For Waxing Your Chain...
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- Опубликовано: 4 мар 2024
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This video is brought to you by Big Quick Link.
I've seen Nick change his mind before and I'm confident that a few years down the line he will become a convert. I'm also a professional bike mechanic and until something better comes along there's no way oil will ever touch my drivetrain again.
Definitely a man who is very stuck in his ways.
💯
how many years until hes up to speed?
Nick is delusional on this one.
how often do you need to wax a chain for an all season commuter bike?
Nick is demonstrating smug Ignorance. There is so much data on the utility of MODERN waxes and drivetrain extension in REAL WORLD CONDITIONS. The comments are DISAPPOINTINGLY uninformed. As far as Quicklinks, it is hard to see the problem. If they link, and are secure, what is the problem? I get a shop might not recommend. But…when they have messed with my chain, I know the SHOP reused the Quicklink as I was not charged a new one. So, I reuse. And I carry spare quicklinks as well as a breaker tool if the links become unusable. If you are waxing you are probably already more adept than the usual rider.
Spot on! He strikes me as a guy that forms an opinion and sticks to it regardless of any new information. I like Nick but I sure as hell won’t be taking much advice from him 😅
Yeah, totally opinionated. I wouldn't like him as a mechanic. I bet he was/is against disc brakes.
Yeah it’s kind of scary a bike mechanic is so ignorant on chain lubrication. The cynic in me thinks he doesn’t want people waxing chains because he’ll sell less chains & cassettes.
There is no scientific data on the subject whatsoever 😂
@@papalegba6796 Yes there is mate.
If you are really worried, you can stick to 11s and use KMC unlimitedly re-usable quick link.
its not unlimited tho, KMC states in their manual that they recommend changing the missing link after 3 times of connecting and disconnecting
@@reiszrieThey definitely do wear out. For a new one you need a tool. After opening and closing it a couple times you can open it by hand.
Ah you are right. It says reusable for 3-5 times.
I came here to say exactly this 😉
As far as I can tell, Wippermann are the only quick links that can practicality be re-used for the lifespan of the chain (because no single component based on current tech last forever).
Wax gunk is better than dirt/oil gunk. It is cleaner and it doesn't wear out your chain. I deep waxed my chain only once and liquid wax drops solution as weekly light maintenance and my chain is 15000Km and still like new. I will never go back to oil.
if the wax gunk gets into your bearings, that might not be a downside either haha
Why would it?
No problem, using a Wipperman Connex RE-USABLE quick link on a KMC 11 speed chain.
Make sure that the Connex Wippermann quick link (when above the chainstay) , has the bottom of the "V" facing down when looking at the bicycle from the drive side .
Only six uses for Connex link up to eleven speed .
The Connex link would be satisfactory but not great . The KMC one would be preferable . The Connex one has slightly different dimensions to KMC .
"You cant use a new split link on an old chain."
Why do they sell them?
That is quite profound and no one else picked up on it.
I think he was referring to Campy only saying that
@@_Zane__ he was. Also, you can buy them for a new chain
Exactly. And why put one on at the factory when as soon as it’s used the chain is rubbish.
@@_Zane__ I have checked campy website and i cant find this at all. And campy have been doing master links for about 5 minutes - just how much testing do you think they have done to assess putting a new link on chain removed for cleaning maintenance thats say 1000 or 2000 or whatever kms old, and from that found concerns.
I can tell you right now that would be zero.
I would love to know where that information came from, and how it would have been derived if it actually has been put out by any mfg.
Why did you delete zero friction cycling’s first comment?
He didnt, Adam. How many accounts do you have? 😂
So if I am hearing correctly, the benefits of waxing a chain (significantly less wear, a more efficient, faster, drivetrain, and a cleaner drivetrain) are all erased by the fact that someone might sue Nick. Because Campag? And this after he admitted that he sells Connex chains with unlimited quick-link re-use? So what about those people then, who buy a Connex chain, Nick? The argument put forth is lazy at best and no real alternatives were offered. Either this was done to drive views and comments (yep, you got me) or Nick doesn't have the faintest idea of what he is talking about.
That's not a lazy answer, he's just looking out for his business. If he recommends this, let's say there's an accident that can be traced back to that link.. It might be the home mechanic installing it wrong, but it's not clear and yadi yada - Shimano, SRAM or Campag take their hands off it. Guess who's liable then? Right, the mechanic that recommended it knowing the chain manufacturer sent out a notice.
He's literally just saying, "Hey, if it works for you, go ahead, but I can't take any liability if something goes horribly wrong"
@@zomgsekk So then he does not recommend bicycles, right? Because by your logic: If he did, let's say there's an accident that can be traced back to that link. I t may may be the rider decided ride at traffic, but it's not clear and... manufacturer would take their hands off of it. You can make this argument for literally anything (you know, like derailleur hanger alignment tools). In other words rather than taking the time to consider it and formulating a researched answer to the question I could simply "no cause I might get sued". This is, by definition, lazy.
There are no mechanical benefits to waxing. If there were, industrial applications would use wax lubricants. But they don't, ever 🤔😂
@@papalegba6796 Oh wow the NPC really has no life, replying to old comments with absolute rubbish because it’s butt-hurt about something
@@discbrakefan tell me one industrial chain lubrication method that uses wax, Adam. Just one. You can't, can you? 😂
Not reusing split links is hokey bull shit money grab for manufacturers to bleed more money out of you. Ridiculous.
I pay about 25$ for a pack of 20 on Ali 😂
Which works too, and I’m a user of Ali Express quite often, and here in lies the debate, what’s better a Shimano split link used twice or a new off brand Ali express link 🤷🏼♂️ I mean the answer is, they are probably both just fine.
@@LaurentiusTriarius You overpayed
The non-reusable quick links are not designed to be reused (that's the money grab not the company saying that they're non-reusable). Personally I reuse SRAM and Shimano 12 speed links a few times, but realize too that each time I open one up it damages the mating surfaces and causes the link to be less secure than new. Reusable and non-reusable quick links are manufactured differently.
Not everything is a conspiracy, Alex Jones
I love waxing my chain. Far less effort than I previously spent cleaning chains.
Hot wax once a month with two chains on rotations and top up with a drip wax in between.
I reuse links 3-5 times, but pay attention to how it snaps apart and back together, the moment it’s not a solid, well defined click it goes in the bin.
But to be fair, the cost of replacing the link every time when you do it once a month is not really prohibitive. Cheaper than replacing your chain 3 times as frequently when you don’t clean it properly.
Pretty much the perfect riposte. Also convinced me to wax my chain.
All lies 😂
I second all of that !
so i put an informative comment up yesterday - checking for replies today - its gone? was it removed? why?
@@daveanolik8837 I sell whichever products, wax, wax drip and wet - that test as genuinely top products. So my bias is rather clearly towards what performs, and a huge amount of resources goes into determining that. So no, it is rather unlikely they should delete a balanced comment helping provide information on immersive waxing just because one of the products i sell out of a stellar line up of products overall including numerous drip lubricants is a silca hm wax. That would be rather weird yes? And honestly you dont know anything re what ZFC actually does if you believe we are biased. Everything i sell, everything i recommend, is led by the worlds most exhaustive independent testing. If you check out the testing, the leaderboard, and the products stocked and recommended, you would understand.
Cade media shld be well above having any counter information presented from the leading independent test facility and just deleting it methinks.
Cheap stunt by this site, really disappointing as have enjoyed their content for some time now. Looking ahead, red flag to their output.
@@stephencharles6932 why? The guy tests the hell out of lubes to see what's best and then sells the best stuff. Wouldn't someone have more incentive to tell consumers to just use whatever lube they can find and then change their chain and cassette when it wears down (and buy it from their shop).
erm, no, not at all! Why would a retailer want to do that? I want help, advice, research, expertise and guidance to help me make the best choices right away. Doh!
* and deleting polite comments from the actual subject of their edition is extremely poor judgement so shows a bias and hidden agenda.@@gilleek2
Adam , before you post any comments on YT, copy and save the text to a file local to your computer or use a clipboard manager. That way it saves you some re-typing should YT or a channel owner decide they don't like it. Do you see many Cade Media replies to the storm of comments on here ... NO . Why do Cade Media even enable comments when none or very few get replied to ?
This all speech is not about wax. Users also reuse quick link for many other reasons.
Ok chatbot 😂
@@papalegba6796 ok npc
@@shellderp ok Adam 😂
I can tell you from experience that waxing a chain is not only easy and worth it, but also so much better than oil-based lubes for many reasons. I am a home mechanic, but not a guy with a set of wrenches and a bike stand. I regularly build bikes, I am the go-to mechanic for our cycling club, I teach people how to perform maintenance on their own bikes, I have a better shop than most bike shops, and I have the best maintained bikes in a club of thousands of riders. After the initial immersion waxing, the care for it is no more difficult than oil lubed chains, in fact, it much less care. Now if you’re the lazy bloke that likes to jump on his bike and ride it hard and put it away wet, then this isn't for you. But if you’re the type of person that takes care of his investments and treats his equipment well, then this is for you. I’d hate to see the disrepair that your home, car, or life is in if you just don’t care about the things you have. On the rare occasion of a puncture on the rear wheel, I can change it and not worry about dirtying my hands. I don’t worry about the sudden rain washing off my lube. When I rinse my bike off with clean water, I don’t worry about the chain. Wash and dry and put it away after every ride.
all yes
The vast majority of chain-waxing deniers I see on social media don’t pay full-fare for replacement drivetrain components. For me, I’ll take the clean, dry chain and 3x the chain/chainset/cassette lifespan, thank you very much!
Nobody is a "denier". Some think it looks like a pain in the bum, and don't feel like learning a new skill. That's me.
@@phoffen3829It’s easy and has so many benefits. Just do it.
@@phoffen3829 chain waxing is either a cult, or there are a lot of marketing accounts promoting it, because that "denier" comment is truly insane 😂
the durability of a well-maintained chain should be at least 6x, it's hard to say about the teeth because I reshape them as soon as the chain starts skipping, but certainly at least 3x longer
YBN chains offer quick links that can be reused 5 times. They also state that they are the only company that offers a truly reusable quick link.
And they work.
Check out the Connex chains. I think their links are infinitely reusable.
I use the YBN quick links on both Campagnolo and Shimano chains. 10, 11 & 12 speed. MTB, gravel & road bikes. For nearly 5 years now. Can reuse them multiple times like you say. Never had any problems.
YBN is great going by experiences I've read, but them offering the only re-usable quick link is bollocks.
I haven't had an issue with a quick-link failing. But you can definitely feel it getting looser and looser every time. Good idea to only use it a few times. Or use KMC reuseable ones.
In 999 cases out of a 1000 reusing a split link is completely fine. Those companies just don't want to be responsible for that one oddball case when it fails. Also why would they tell you to reuse anything when you can just buy a new one? Thankfully Apple doesn't sell groupsets, they'd make you buy a whole new drivetrain every time you need to lube a chain 😂
If Apple made groupsets you'd never have to lube them.
that's a good job
You can use a connex quick link that doesn't really wear out. Also I've used the KMC missing links up to 20 times probably until they get too loose. Only quick link that's failed me is a shimano one not designed to be re-used.
I have waxed for years now, and I have never had an issue. I always use the same split link. However, I have 3 chains that I rotate. so I'm not breaking the same link excessively
I have been immersion waxing for a decade and have always reused my quick link hundreds of times in the chains life.
Connex links and chains are indeed the solution. Though the links will also work with most other chains and in an emergency a 10s links will work with a 11s chain or a 11s links even with a 12s chain and the other way around. One up or down. Will get you home for sure. The connex quick link must be installed in the right direction otherwise it might open. I never had one fail on me in 4 years and 100-120.000km and they also work perfectly fine with most other chains from other manufacturers. For immersive waxing it is the best solution. And you do not need any tools to open the link either. I like it also better than the KMC links and any other quick links I have ever used.
1. The quicklink argument is bogus. If you want, KMC makes quicklinks that are designed for multiple use, are readily available, inexpensive and work on chains from different manufacturers. 2. In the 'real world' there is WAY less dirt that accumulates on the drivetrain of a waxed chain - fact. 3. It may not be practical for a bike shop mechanic, but for home use, waxing is easy and saves a lot of time over other methods, just in ease & speed of drivetrain cleaning alone.
there is a simple and good method for hot waxing a chain on a bicycle but they are too stupid to use it and then they would sell less chains and other parts
I got 9,000 miles on my SRAM Force chain using Squirt wax and still had 50% life remaining. Only reason I put a new chain on is because my cassette was getting worn. Quieter, cleaner and extends your drivetrain lifespan. Easy as lube to apply to your chain. I don't think there's anything to even discuss...
you can renew the cassette and it will never skip, so you could use up the chain to the end
@@makantahi3731 In theory yes but in reality no. The chain and cassette are really mated to each other after that many miles. A new chain on an old cassette, or vice versa, and they wouldn't mesh well. Would end up being inefficient.
@@DrewAreYou if you just take a new chain and put it on the old cassette, the chain will probably skip. but if you reshape the teeth on the cassette and the front ring gear (I have a video how to) then you can use the same cassette almost indefinitely and you can save a lot of money that you would have spent on cassettes. it takes 10 seconds per tooth.I've been doing it for years (over 20) and I haven't bought a new cassette in that long.
I love that we are meant to take the advice of a person that has "self confessed" never used wax as to not use wax🤣. I'm now in my mid 50ies. I was waxing my chain back when I was in my teens. Iv broken many many chains (I'm 95kg, so to be expected) and the only time I ever broken a quick link, is when I put it together incorrectly.
I’ve been using wax for 3-4 years now on all my bikes. 11s Shimano chain with Wipperman link. Wipperman isn’t perfect, but it’s very convenient.
In all that time I have had 2 links “unlink” while riding. Both times were on my Tandem bike and both times the links didn’t break. It happened over very rough road while changing gears under power (of 2 people). I put this down to crazy bouncing chain and easy connect/disconnect mechanism of the link. Once they were still on opposite sides of the chain and I could reattach and continue on. The other required me to use my spare link. For this reason, I now always ride with a spare link on the tandem.
I recently undid my quick link on my KMC chain for the first time since I stripped and hot waxed it from new. I wasn't rewaxing, but I just wanted to remove it to give the frame a deep clean. I went to put it back on and it was comically loose. Normally you have to get some tension on it with the brake and push down on the pedal but I could just take it on and off with my fingers. I immediately bought some replacement KMC quick links to replace it. They aren't that much money so if someone is obsessed with the whole waxed chain thing (I love it) it would absolutely be worth it to buy a stash of quick links for maintenance. Also, if you use the Silca stuff, they have chain lube to complement the wax system so you don't have to take it on and off as often. It's SO much cleaner. I won't touch traditional chain lube ever again.
I believe when they’re saying you can’t reuse a quick link means you shouldn’t use for a new chain but only use it for the life of the current chain. New chain = new quick link. I’ve seen a quick link fail when using an old one on a current chain but never from taking the chain off and putting it back on with the chain you’re currently using. I’ve taken a chain off and put it back on many times for cleaning without an issue! As far as waxing is concerned, I’ve never had good luck with wax based dry lubricants working well so I question the efficacy of chain waxing. I’ve never tried the Silca product (zero friction cycling’s favorite) but if it’s as good as their other products it may be worth a try!
I get why most manufacturers say you can't re-use the quick links. I do re-use mine, but if I've re-used it more than 10 times of breaking the chain, I will just replace the link. The only time I've had a quick link fail was when it was damaged because of a stick getting caught up in my drivetrain.
As far as waxing is concerned, I hot wax and re-apply with a wax drip and it's been great. By re-applying the wax using the drip wax, I don't have to do the hot wax treatment as often. I do, however, make sure to go through my drivetrain and scrap off any excess was that can accumulate in the drivetrain.
I reuse the split link about 5 times before I change the link out. I wax bath and then use the drip wax in between and rebath about 1K miles , and that has worked pretty well for me and saved me from having to insert a new link each time. Or if I feel like the link is not connecting tightly, then I will replace it. I buy the sram links in groups of 6 so I always have some available as needed. Would love for someone to make a re-usable split link for the AXS flat top chains like the Wipperman's I had on my Shimano 11 speed chains.
Waxing chain is the best thing I've done on my road bike.
Not only am I getting more life out of my components but my ride is completely silent now.........
Drip on wax is fine.
Although I apply it after every ride.
Cleaning the chain with soapy water drying it then adding wax each time.
Many years ago I used quick links on my 8 speed chain and they did fall apart on a couple of occasions. No injury or harm other than not being able to find the missing pieces and put the chain together. I think it tended to happen going over bumps on light pedaling. Modern split links have not ever failed on my 10 speed chains (more than 10 years), but have had riveted joins fail twice. I think that the better chain tension on modern drive systems helps to prevent the split links separating. It is also easy to stuff up a rivet join on 10 speed chains and they will fail under high load (very bad).
Just replace the split link?
I had a quicklink on my 9-speed chain come apart, it didn't break just unclipped. put another quick link on and it's good to go, I now buy KMC reusable quick links and I only reuse the original quick link once (even though I know there;s a risk of failure) Recently waxed all my operational bike's chains and it's been amazing thus far. I use SIlca wax and makes cleaning so much quicker. I also run more fixed gear drivetrains waxed and it's been epic too and those master links are reusable.
you should have fallen off your bike and sued someone for it
I hot wax my chains and use KMC reusable quick links for 11sp since 11sp is what almost all my bikes run. So far no issues with their quick links, but I replace them every 1500-2000 miles, and wax every 150-200, so around 10x uses each is what I aim for.
I've only ever used Squirt drip on wax for the last 5 years. I change my chains at just over 9,000 miles and the .75 tool doesn't drop between the links at that mileage. I'm very happy with that. I ride in UK(North Wales) conditions. Don't re use split links after having been advised not to some years ago, by a bike shop.
I have had a derailleur and hanger get destroyed by a broken quick link that I believe broke from removing it repeatedly. I was pedaling hard and fast, the chain unhooked when the quick link snapped, the quick link got stuck in a jockey wheel, and it ripped the derailleur and hanger off of my frame. I was reusing the quick link and removing the chain every 4-6 weeks for hot wax and applying drip on wax between hot waxes. I have since changed back to oil for chains.
You could have also just switched to re-usable links instead.
I once fell of my bike because I didn't use the quick release properly, so I went back to riding a Big Wheel.
Solution for less missinglink use, hotwax once and topup with bottle wax lube like zerofriction cycling recommend. Then you will have a safe, long lasting low friction chain.
Still less lifespan than recurring immersive wax treatments, as this cleans your chain surprisingly well, even on the inner parts.
But yeah, might be a safe route to go.
Beauty of using an 8spd transmission is you don't need a joining link, very easy just to join and split with a chain tool
Doing it with a chain tool, is why quick links were designed. Its not easier or quicker to use a chain tool. + a quick link requires no skill.
Wippermann (8-speed) missing links are tool-less
yes, but you have to be careful not to disassemble the chain in the same place/pin
I'm not even a bike mechanic, but I hate you for waxing your chain, the same way I hate Kardashians wearing Metallica shirts. It's the same thing.
I don't do full wax, but I do use drip wax, which starts with removing the chain for a really thorough cleaning to remove as much of whatever was on there before. I've been occasionally removing my chains to do this full cleaning and re-using quick links, which I didn't know until the just a few days ago were one use. I have broken several quick links, including on my e-bike which resulted in some pretty annoying but not dangerous injuries, but none since I've started using drip wax.
In addition to full chains, Wipperman sells their Connex quick links individually, which you can use to replace your standard quick links. They're about $30 USD a piece, but considering my reservations about quick links generally, I'm going to start using them on all my bikes, at least once the 12-spd gold is back in stock, lol.
Interesting comment about Campag saying you can only use one quicklink once per chain. I have just bought a new Campag Chorus 12-speed (not to wax) and it came with two quick links!
didn't think about it ! in fact one of my links fell apart when i was disconnecting my chain .... (i just used new one)
so Connex Link could be the answer ?!
I use a connex 12 speed chain on my road wheels with a 10-36 sram cassette and a flat-top sram chain on my gravel wheels with 10-44 cassette.
The connex has a quick link that can be opened/closed by hand.
For the sram chain I just use a new power link. Doesn’t cost a lot.
I do a deep clean followed by a hot bath dip waxing every 900-1200km or so and for the intermediate intervals a drip-on wax. Saves for some powerlinks. Intervals can vary depending on weather type of riding etc.
I do reuse my quick links, but only two or three times. I recognize that doesn’t resolve the issue.
But you can buy quick links that are reusable.
A local bike shop told me much the same about wax buildup. But I keep my bike pretty clean and avoid it building up on other components. I’d hazard a guess that many who are fastidious enough to wax are also pretty careful with maintenance and cleaning.
I've always reused quick links. I go by the principle that as long as they need to be fitted with quicklink pliers then they are still OK. If I can do them by hand then I consider changing them. It hasn't happened so far, but I do have spares just in case.
Stayed on 7 and 9 speed chains as I like to be able to remove chain when I like. I have noticed the links are tighter than in the past when it was easy to do by hand. Use mainly YBN or KMC fully nickel plated chains. Wipperman chains are lovely and their link is the best design but either expensive or not enough links. Haven't tried immersion waxing yet but will do, probably get the Silca System kit when in stock. Using Tru Tension Wet Lube / Juice Lube's Viking Juice at moment, Squirt or Juice Lubes Wax rest of year.
I did n't get it, even if you're not gonna wax your chain, shouldn't you remove your chain for a proper cleaning process regardless of the lubricant you use?
Exactly. If you use the “hybrid” wax technique (initial hot wax, then just top up with drip wax), there’s less need to remove your chain than with oil-based lubes
No
It was my understanding that you hot wax only a new chain and from there you just clean then drip on new wax until you replace the chain again. That’s what I’ve been doing and been working great. Waxed chains clean up so much easier
Or you can hot wax a chain every time. The hot wax treatment does reduce wear better than drip waxes, but the difference isn't huge. I hot wax my chains as needed because I want to extend the life of my drivetrain as long as possible. Besides, it's dead simple and doesn't take long to do.
Truly the most important 1st step is stripping a new or used chain to bare steel so the melted wax can form a durable bond with the pins and rollers... Re-waxing is simply a matter of placing your chain in the kitchen sink and pouring boiling water over it to flush out road grit and other contaminants before dipping the chain into the hot melt in your crockpot or double-boiler.
I don’t understand why Nick’s making such a strong connection between quicklinks and waxing. You need to unhook your chain to degrease periodically even if you’re using non-wax lubes.
Yes I snapped a speedlink right in front of the Furka Pass. Had to walk back to the town to buy a new one. Great start of the day!
Never had a problem with quick links. I do immersive waxing its a big improvement over alternatives.
Totally. I've been waxing and rotating chains a couple of times a month for a decade with no problems. I will never stop.
There is a reason why I will stick to Wippermann chains.
Just dumped a KMC chain (11 gear) after only 4000 km.
Waxed it once, rewaxed by dripping only. Maybe that's what wore it put so quickly.
But I would not think abouty link too much. Got more issues with punctures anyway.
I believe current guidelines would be re-wax (hot) about every 500 to 1000km, depending on the type to environment. More rain and dust, shorter interval. If you ride in very bad, wet conditions, the chain may need cleaning and hot wax after only 100km for best life.
I use squirt drip wax, but I’ve been intrigued recently with the new Silca system and the so called “strip chip”. But I thought…”wait, but then I have to put on a new quick-link every time…that would get expensive”. Good convo. I’m sticking with the drip wax. It works great. I have a LOT of marginal gains to make around my waist line before I start worrying about any difference between hot wax and drip 🤣
Waxing every week? It's more like a hot wax every two months if you dry it off after wet or winter rides. I don't take my bikes in for service so I'm the only one that works on them
mainly used drip wax, i thought my long nose could open the kmc reusable quick link, but did not budge. so i used drip wax instead. chain stays clean even after all the dust and mud. cleaned it with soapy water and let it dry for the lolz of seeing rust and it did rust. reapplied drip wax and i was good to go again for another dusty ride. someday i might hot wax it but right now drip wax is making my bike look clean.. i remember the drivetrain already looking dirty and gunky after 1 month that you have to clean it or else it will shorten the lifespan. now i just use a rug after a ride, then reapply after 300mi. or when mud and water touches it, that i have to wax anyway, way easier to clean with the chain staying on than brushing or soaking or using ultrasonic whch means removing the quick link as well.
Use a connex link
What if we don't use any kind of quick link?
I slapped a new KMC 11s chain, that came prewaxed, on my gravelbike. A bike that probably sees sand more often than it sees tarmac. Was that a dumb idea?
Wax is awesome for gravel and mountain bikes because it doesn't turn grit into a grinding paste. Just wipe down your chain after a ride, and occasionally apply drip wax or just dunk the chain in wax again when necessary. Easy peasy.
I had quick links popped/snapped on a ride. I first noticed it on a muddy/wet ride like there was something gritty on the chains. Then on the next ride I noticed I'm having trouble shifting chainrings and while I was cruising on the big ring it just snapped with a loud bang.
From then on if I could help not taking off the chains, I would not as I used to remove it whenever I clean my bike. If the quick link is too loose then I swap it with a new one, I'll just sacrifice my coffee break on the next ride.
What is the problem to even use a new quick link? Is it not allowed? I cannot really understand the issue Nick has with this topic.
I've run Shimano, Wippperman, KMC, and Campagnolo chains on various bikes (3-10k miles per year, depending on the year). My SOP is wiping the chain down 3-4x a week and reapplying Park Chain lube (or similar mineral oil-based lube). Chain wear is nearly imperceptible (as measured by a Park chain wear gauge). I tried waxed-based "lube" and all it does is create a build-up of cruddy, gunky wax on the drivetrain.
I clean and wax periodically, and I reuse the link. Never an issue.
Ive never had a splint link fail, but a couple of mine can be disconnected without just my bare hands. Probably not ideal
I wax chains regularly and the clean chain, and smooth operation is worth the snafu around quick links.
No problems with waxing for me, however move waxxes now, I use silca, only recomend dip waxing once per the live of the chain. Then maintaine with the drip on wax. So the quick link should not be an issue. (70kg rider max 1200watts in a sprint, so I might just not me large or strong enough to break a quicklink.)
I'm running 8 speed on my bikes. Using those KMC quick links, that you can officially reuse. Super easy to unclip, you don't even need tools. I take off my chain and hot wax it every few weeks, and in the meantime top it up with drip on wax. Works a charm. But that's probably specific to my low end system.
8 speed its really underrated, specially when mixing the best 8 speed parts in the market rather than a whole matching groupset.
It’s CRAZY that Shimano spilt links are $15. Ridiculous. I don’t wax my chain but I do remove it from the bike and do a 4-stage bath of the chain. Probably about every 300-400km. I do reuse my quick-link and haven’t had a problem, but I'm also 65kg and not putting out big power
I've broken Shimano 12 speed links from reusing them.
I could be wrong... but dont I remeber you guys pushing Wend Wax back in the vlog days?
Connex claims that their 8/9/10/11/12 speed quick links are compatible with all chains. Except 13 speed Campagnolo I guess. KMC also makes some reusable links.
I use squirt. Really like the clean chain but it does washout annoyingly quickly in uk wet weather.
One the subject of split links , a shop that did a full service on my road bike clearly re-used my Shimano split link. A few days later the chain detached and I came off - so fortunate I’d skidded to a lower speed by the time I departed the bike. Now I’ve experienced the danger I’d never re-use one (I had previously but didn’t expect the bike shop to do it). Interestingly the KMC split links say there’re reusable and are cheaper so I carry those.
I use drip-on wax indoors on the trainer and it works well enough... never been motivated to remove my chain and dip it.
KMC only support MissingLink with their own chains, but their chains are compatible to both SRAM and Shimano so just get one if you want to go the waxing route. Most sources recommend doing wax only on a new chain anyway.
That's why waxing only makes sense when you got an ultrasound cleaner.
The initial wax then use drip is IMO the best balance. Zero Friction’s results show not a ton of losses yet a lot easier and faster. The key is drip on post vs pre ride to let it dry.
I have been melting paraffin wax in a aluminum soft drink can with propane torch and using an acid brush to paint the chain with melted wax. Never chain removal. Also paint chain rings and sprockets. What?
I just gave up after the third chain rusted. I've never had a problem with chains rusting while using wet lube, every chain I waxed rusted. I went back to wet lube, no rusting. Just be careful with wet lube (one drop per roller) and degrease your chain occasionally and you'll be fine.
Bingo! Waxing sells more chains, fact. It's just a marketing gimmick.
Shit chain. My chains only rust when I skimp on quality.
"Wax Heads" are similar to Apple Fan Boys...one word against the One True Way opens the floodgates. It never fails. 😂
I buy quick links in a pack of 10. When the link doesn't snap then I replace it. I carry 2 extra links when I ride aways. The only problem with waxing I think is making sure that your other components get lubricated also so things will not rust or seize up.
I use universal quick links on sram 11 SPD chains and i change them every 3rd dip wax. Not had and issues
I hot melt wax my chain with top offs with drip wax. I generally replace my quicklink on the second removal. I climb a decent amount & have an 800-1000 sprint. So far so good, but the quicklinks aren't reusable warning from shimano has kept ne from trying more.
I use a ultrasonic cleaner to clean my chain a I have had quick links breaking.
Totally disagree 100%. A quick re-dip once a month or so of heavy riding takes a fraction of the time of cleaning and re-lubing and the drip on top-off works just as well. Totally worth how clean and how long the wax treatment works v re-lubing every 100 miles. Even if I had to replace the quick link once a month - still totally worth it.
General rule of thumb I have used for my quick links when waxing my chains was to replace it when it starts to not make a confident click anymore when putting it back on. I ride enduro/ trail most of the time and my chain has not broken on me or given shifting issues or come undone while descending. I would say though that you always run the risk of breaking things. I just carry a spare with me is I go riding anyways.
I waxed my chain for a season and ended up going to back to dry ceramic lubricants. With a waxed drivetrain, my derrailleur pulleys and cassette would get gunked up with wax. It was easier to degrease than scrape it all off.
i bought a brand new split link and it felt looser than the old one it replaced...
I had same experience with a brand new KMC reusable missing link for 10 speed. Very very loose. On the other hand I reused a 11 speed shimano quick link and it was incredibly hard to close it. I wonder if maybe it's not a good thing to be too tight if it needs to be reusable
YBN QRS master links are good for 5 (maybe 6) uses. Also, I believe wax adheres better to Shimano, Campag, and YBN chains than it does to KMC chains.
I like waxing because where I ride grease picks up so much gunk I have to tend it as much as wax anyway. But I would only recommend it to other crazy people like myself. There is more you need to know and more you can mess up.
Once upon a time, the quick link was an open link, the cover plate and an infinitely reusable spring steel clip to hold them together.
I was just thinking about this with all the talk about the new Silca system. As i had read that the Sram quick link was not reusable. Guess I'll stick to drip wax.
I snapped 2 quick links from YBN 11s chains on very new waxed chains. I think i got a bad batch. I've been waxing chains for years so i dont think it was user error. Either way, since waxing, i don't mind touching my bike and doing maintenance. And taking bikes in and out of cars. Clean. It's wonderful.
I get all the benefits of waxing, but it seems like such a palaver. I started using Silica synergetic recently and have been really impressed with it's performance. Especially riding in all the wet weather we've had in the UK spring.
I wax my indoor bike chains, I rotate between three chains and reuse the same three quicklinks. I use canning paraffin wax and never had an issues with any components. I have been doing it for 5 years now with the same chains, cassette and chainrings. I problably did in excess of 20k km on this setup. I started this year waxing my fatbike chain with no issues. All my other bikes, road and gravel, I use drip on Squirt. I did more than 10k km with a Campagnolo chain without any wear on it. All my bikes are very well cleaned and maintained on a weekly basis minimum.
There are also lots of oem quick links that do guarantee reusability, so not just whole chains, just buy the 11 speed or 12 speed oem link that says you can reuse it, simple.
Been waxing and reusing quick links for almost 8 years. Shimano, SRAM, KMC all reused never had one fail yet. I will never go back to conventional wet lubes. The benefits are just too good to ignore.
The kmc links do last a fair bit… but are not unbreakable!
How do you clean a waxed trasmission? Do i only need some hot water or what?
If you properly cleaned it originally or bought a professionally prepped waxed chain, yes. Just hot water, dry it off. Then either remove and rewax or you can get about 97% of the way there with three applications/curing times using Silca drip wax per Silca (cave spiral for other drip wax manufacturers) if you don't want to remove the chain.
If leaving the chain on make sure you have a good kitchen silicone glove. They recommend using a long neck kettle and applying to the front of the chain ring, and you will get splashed. But doing this definitely saves you any issues with being to replace your quicklink and you still get massive longevity this way. Just not quite as good as full immersion waxing
I have the squirt wax based lube on my chain now, but i would like to go back to a classic oil lube. So do i need only some hot water to clean the wax that is on my transmission?
@@marcalberts6703
So his only issue with wax was reusing quick links?
no, he has mental problems but he is fixated on wax
he afraid got sue by a random people.
i doing waxing and it is the best thing i ever done in my cycling life.
I've been going on the general guidance from the zero friction cycling guy, who suggests one can probably get away with re-using a quick-link 3 or 4 times (despite the manufacturer's qualms), but you should put a new one on after that (and they can be purchased as a stand-alone product). Given that I'm only hot-waxing every thousand miles or so (and drip-waxing more frequently), that gets me through half a year at least. That's the plan I've been following and have thus far not had any problems. But I'm pushing 60 and can't exceed about 800W of power, so I'm not taxing my chain to the level a stronger rider would. But I have NOT merely blown off this consideration, and am aware that you can't just keep re-using these things forever!
Oh, and I LOVE my waxed chains and would never go back. I'm a staunch convert.