Far and away, the largest hurdle for cyclists converting to a waxed drivetrain has always been the complex process of completely stripping the factory lubricant from the chain. Traditionally, the process of removing the factory grease can involve using 2-3 different harsh solvents with multiple rinse steps. The purpose of the process is to prepare the chain surface to promote proper wax adhesion. During the cleaning, the chain moves from non-polar solvents that thin greases and oils to progressively more polar solvents that evaporate quickly to eliminate residues. The time needed for each step depends on the amount of grease and oils, but this process could be an hour or more. In the end, we’ve identified three major complaints about prepping the chain for a hot wax treatment: the complexity of the cleaning process; the money needed for the extra solvents and equipment; and the time involved to complete each step.When designing the SILCA Ultimate Chain Stripper and Wax Prep formula, we started at the end of the process and worked backward. We identified chemicals that drive out greases and oils while promoting wax adhesion to metal. And here’s what we discovered: an organic cleaner that lifts and encapsulates greases and oils allowing them to easily be rinsed away from the metal surface. The result is the world’s first wax-optimized chain cleaner which not only removes greases and oils but primes the metal surface for improved adhesion for wax-based lubricants.The aggressive ‘lift and encapsulate’ formula of SILCA’s Ultimate Chain Stripper and Wax Prep allows for two quick and easy cleaning applications. FOR DRIP-APPLIED WAXING: Start with a new or nearly new chain with SILCA Super Secret Chain Coating without removing the chain from the bicycle. Apply one (1) drop of SILCA Chain Stripper to each roller of the chain while backpedaling. Allow the chain to soak for 5 minutes. Backpedal 10 revolutions of the crank to agitate the stripper. Re-apply one (1) drop per roller allowing. Let it sit for 5 more minutes. Rinse with clean water while backpedaling at least 10 revolutions. Apply Super Secret Chain Coating to each link and allow it to cure.
