Wax bicycle chain lubricants are an increasingly popular choice among cyclists. These lubricants offer a number of advantages over traditional oil-based lubricants, including longer component life, reduced dirt buildup, and quieter operation.

Advantages of wax:

     - Less accumulation of dirt: By remaining solid, wax does not allow dirt to adhere as easily as oil. This means the chain will stay cleaner and run more efficiently.
     - Quieter Running: Wax reduces friction between the chain links, making the bike run quieter.
     - Longer component life: as grit and abrasive dust do not stick to the chain, the aggressiveness of scraping on the teeth of the chainring, pulleys and cassette is reduced, allowing them to last many more kilometers.

Disadvantages of wax:

     - Shorter lubrication life: The main drawback of wax lubricants is that they last fewer kilometers than oil-based lubricants. This is because the wax, when it becomes solid, is crushed by the chain plates and is expelled outwards. To make it more durable, certain additives are usually added such as Teflon, ceramic particles, MoS2, graphite or graphene that remain stuck to the metal surfaces and reduce friction even if there is no longer any wax left. A basic wax can allow you routes of around 50-60km, while if it contains additives it can last more than 100km.
     - Price: Wax lubes are typically more expensive than oil-based lubes.
     - Difficulty of application: Wax lubricants can be more difficult to apply than oil-based lubricants. This is because, mainly in very cold climates, the wax is thicker and dries more quickly, preventing it from seeping deeply into the chain.

Tips for using wax lubricants:

     - Clean the chain thoroughly with a degreaser before applying the wax. This will help remove old dirt and oil that if not removed, the chain would continue to stain easily, negating one of the benefits of wax.
     - Apply the lubricant in a thin, even layer. If you apply too much lubricant, dirt can build up and reduce the effectiveness of the lubricant.
     - Let the lubricant dry completely before riding the bike. It is usually best to do it the day before riding. This will help the lube stick to the chain and last longer.

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