Spray-based chain lubes?

[smorgasbord]

I've been using NixFrixShun Ultimate Chain Lube on my chain for a few years now and been pretty happy (not that that means anything since there are so many factors affecting chain longetivity).

Lately I've noticed new spray-based products aimed at the bicycle market. What's interesting is that this one from DuPont advertises that it is "Wax-based":

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D3G6FD4

• Specifically formulated for chains on motorcycles, ATVs, bicycles and dirt bikes
• O-ring safe formula prevents the buildup of dirt and grime using a patented self-cleaning wax and resists fling-off
• Contains molybdenum and Teflon fluoropolymer for enhanced wear protection
• Contains corrosion inhibitors to fight rust and protect during wet or salt-air rides
• Dirt-resistant dry lubricant
• Contains Teflon and Moly for wear protection
• Water resistant and Non-staining

While this one from WD-40 advertises that it's specifically NOT wax-based since that would lead to build-up:

Amazon.com

• Apply this lubricant to your bike chain for high-performing lubrication for dry, wet, or varying conditions. The fast and easy-to-use formula helps prevent squeaks and extends the life of your chain
• This formula contains corrosion inhibitors for long-term optimal chain performance
• Prevents friction damage and helps extend chain life for your bike. The no-wax formula will not build up inside chain links and drivetrain. Ride with chains you can trust in both dry and wet conditions
• Our entire product line has undergone extensive testing at the hands of internal and 3rd party scientists, bicycle retailers, and professional mechanics. Experience the difference of a professional-grade formula

Anyway, since waxing a chain has such a hyped following I thought it was interesting to see two polar opposite approaches on commercial products. I got into NixFrixShun after reading what I considered a pretty thorough lube test.

A month ago I ordered NixFrixShun's new Green Genie lube but haven't yet used it.

 

[PedalUma]

I just waxed four chains. One is going on a bike in a minute. I like wax. It does not attract grit. Nothing sticks to it. I did a hot treatment.

 

[DaveMatthews]

I've been a fan of Squirt wax lube for a few years now. One good cleaning first, then just Squirt lube after. No constant cleaning like Pedaluma says.

 

[Gionnirocket]

Hot treatment for wax on... What's the process for whacks off?

 

[PedalUma]

The heater works great. And I feel so clean.

 

[fooferdoggie]

I've been using NixFrixShun Ultimate Chain Lube on my chain for a few years now and been pretty happy (not that that means anything since there are so many factors affecting chain longetivity).

Lately I've noticed new spray-based products aimed at the bicycle market. What's interesting is that this one from DuPont advertises that it is "Wax-based":

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D3G6FD4

I tried that it was nothing great in the winter. I may still have the can if you want it.

 

[Gionnirocket]

I have the Dupont in both spray can and bottle. The bottle even if kept warm comes out clumpy and the spray is wasteful and messy in my opinion.
I've gone back to BOESHIELD T-9
.

 

[PedalUma]

The wax heater is good for other things too. Like for roadies going aero for Spring. When you drop a striped new chain in the hot wax just like Don Ho tiny bubbles come out. That is the wax going between the rollers and the pins displacing the air. Don comes in handy sometimes with brake bleeds.

 

[Gionnirocket]

The wax heater is good for other things too. Like for roadies going aero for Spring. When you drop a striped new chain in the hot wax just like Don Ho tiny bubbles come out. That is the wax going between the rollers and the pins displacing the air. Don comes in handy sometimes with brake bleeds.

Yes I'm sure it's very thorough and good another mile or two per chain.

 

[JRA]

I have been using Boeshield T9 for many years to maintain the various bikes that I've had to look after. Wax based and no need to clean just apply, back wipe and go. 12oz. spray can lasts well over a year for two bikes.

 

[smorgasbord]

Thanks for the feedback on the DuPont spray. Guess I'll stick (pun intended) with NixFrixShun.

 

[DDBB]

Very happy with maxima chain wax. I actually apply the maxima chain LUBE first, and then hit it with the chain wax. 1,500 mi. on a 9 speed chain with bafang ultra motor and no measureable wear on either of my chain checkers

 

[smorgasbord]

Very happy with maxima chain wax. I actually apply the maxima chain LUBE first, and then hit it with the chain wax. 1,500 mi. on a 9 speed chain with bafang ultra motor and no measureable wear on either of my chain checkers

Which checkers are you using?

Only caliper-based ones show incremental wear easily.

 

[DDBB]

Well, no, not that accurate, one is from park tools, I forget the model and the other is a cheap amazon gauge. I'm sure I'd show some wear if I had a highly accurate gauge but my gauges are good enough for ballpark measuring and surprisingly, neither shows wear. On my 250 watt Haibike using "regular" lube my chain was close to .75 after 1,500mi. using the same gauges. Might be other factors at play of course but I'm really happy with the maxima chain wax. It goes on thin, the carrier evaporates and you're left with a waxy surface. It's made for motorcycle o-ring chains and I use it on my MTC too. with very good results. It does attract some dirt but nowhere near as bad as oil based lubes.

 

[smorgasbord]

Well, no, not that accurate, one is from park tools, I forget the model and the other is a cheap amazon gauge. I'm sure I'd show some wear if I had a highly accurate gauge but my gauges are good enough for ballpark measuring and surprisingly, neither shows wear.

Well, those are just go/no-go checkers that won't show any wear until 0.5% wear is reached.

Using them, you can't honestly say "no measurable wear" since you're using tools that can't measure wear below that threshold. A caliper-based checker (see this EBR thread) can tell you incremental wear quite accurately.