Can you put your oil-lubed chain straight into a hot wax heater?

This is probably one of the questions we get asked the most: “Can I just take my current oil-lubed chain and put it straight into the hot wax?” The answer is simple: No, you can’t. And honestly, this is one of the most important things to understand if you want to experience the real benefits of hot waxing your chain.

FAQ

Why oil and hot wax don't mix

If your chain still contains oil or factory grease, the hot wax simply won’t bond properly to the chain.


That means:


  • the wax won’t stick correctly
  • dirt starts building up faster
  • your drivetrain won’t stay clean
  • and you won’t experience the full benefits of hot waxing

To properly hot wax a chain, you first need to strip the chain completely down to the bare metal. Only then can the wax fully penetrate inside the chain. And that’s what creates the clean, dry and smooth drivetrain hot wax is known for.

photo Cyclowax Spool

"Because of Cyclowax, I switched from oil lube to hot wax and I'll never go back. This stuff is just amazing, my chains stay clean and fast, always. ”

- Lawrence Naesen, Pro Gravel Rider

Factory grease is a problem

A lot of people assume a brand-new chain is already clean because… well, it’s new. But every new chain comes packed with factory grease.


That grease is great for preventing rust during transport and storage, but it’s terrible if you want to hot wax your chain.


So before waxing, the chain needs to be:


  • stripped
  • degreased
  • fully cleaned

And it needs to be done properly. Half-cleaning a chain usually leads to disappointing results.

Use it for waxing and storing your chain

The easiest solution? Pre-waxed chains.

Luckily, there’s a very easy way around all of this. On our webshop, we offer a full range of pre-waxed chains from all major brands.


Every chain is:


  • fully stripped
  • perfectly degreased
  • and professionally hot waxed

So you can simply install it on your bike and start riding. (Quickly degrease your cassette and pulley wheels, though).


This way, you know the chain has been prepared exactly the way it should be.

Isadore photo

Start with a perfectly prepared chain

When people switch to hot wax for the first time, preparation is everything. A perfectly prepared chain is what allows you to experience:


  • an always clean drivetrain
  • smoother riding
  • less wear
  • and the full benefits of hot waxing

That’s why we always recommend starting with a properly stripped and waxed chain from day one.


Explore our range of pre-waxed chains and join the Clean Chain Club® below.

close menu 1