Cleanliness:
Chain wax is a nonpolar solid substance that is somewhat similar to oil. One can think of wax as oil with a much higher melting point. As a result, when applied, it dries quickly, and dust and dirt cannot adhere to it. Furthermore, the adjusted melting point of the wax prevents any sticking of the chain. The wax can be applied to the chain in the form of an emulsion or melted. This allows the wax to penetrate the chain optimally, providing long-lasting lubrication while keeping it clean. There is a significant difference between oil and wax.
Oil: Due to its sticky-oily properties, dirt easily adheres, forming a black oil-dirt mixture. The creeping nature of the oil allows this "abrasive paste" to penetrate the interior of the chain where actual wear occurs. The holes in the links widen due to the natural movement of the chain. The "abrasive paste" significantly increases wear. Effect: The chain elongates. The chain no longer fits into the sprockets, leading to wear on the sprockets and chainrings.
Wear:
Chain Wax: Under laboratory conditions, chain waxes already exhibit very low coefficients of friction (lower than that of almost all oils), and this difference further increases under real-world conditions.
Oil: Due to the adherence of dust or dirt, friction losses increase significantly!
Longevity:
Kettenwachs: Mit Kettenwachs haftet deutlich weniger Schmutz and der Kette und so kann die Lebensdauer der Komponenten erheblich verlängert werden. Durch unsere Graphen- und Graphitzusätze kann durch die zusätzlich reibungsreduzierenden Eigenschaften die Lebensdauer zusätzlich verlängert werden!
Due to the adherence of dirt to the oily chain and the creeping properties of the oil, dirt can penetrate into the interior of the chain. There, it acts like an abrasive paste.
Useability:
Chain Wax: Applying the liquid wax is as easy as applying oil (takes 30 seconds). However, the need for chain cleaning is entirely eliminated, except for a one-time cleaning when transitioning to wax. No issues covering 4000 km without any cleaning!
Oil: Oil is applied within a few seconds. Afterward, the chain is wiped down with a cloth. Typically, every 300-500 km, a drive cleaner is used, taking about 10 minutes (tending to be more on the conservative side). After 900-1500 km, the time investment for chain wax is comparable to chain oil.
Shifiting performance:
Chain Wax: The wax remains exclusively on the inside of the chain. The outer surfaces of the chain links are completely free, ensuring excellent shifting performance due to a direct metal-on-metal contact between the chain and cassette.
Oil: Due to the oily outer surface (links) of the chain, there is a higher likelihood of the chain slipping off the sprockets during the shifting process.
Sustainability:
Chain Wax: The wax particles that shed during the ride are biodegradable and pose no risk to groundwater. Paraffin waxes are also used in creams and the food industry.
Oil: Not all chain oils are environmentally friendly and biodegradable, especially with the frequent use of degreasers posing an environmental risk. The primary concern with biodegradable oils lies in groundwater contamination, as it can seep into groundwater before the oil has had a chance to break down.
Self lubrication:
Chain Wax: Wax is pressed out of the chain during pedaling, ensuring that the surface of the chain is well-lubricated. It's important to note: friction and wear occur inside the chain.
Rain:
Chain Wax: The wax performs well in all weather conditions. It adheres to the chain and, due to its solid properties, ensures that it is not washed away. A clean and quiet operation is thus guaranteed even in the rain. Drawback: A waxed chain should be wiped dry after a wet ride!
Oil: In rainy conditions, oils often require the use of thicker wet lubes, which tend to attract more dirt.
Corrosion resistance:
Chain Wax: The chain should be wiped dry after a wet ride, and new liquid wax should be applied. Corrosion can be further prevented by using a coated chain (such as KMC). Additionally, the storage location of the bike significantly influences potential corrosion (preferably stored in basements or indoor spaces).
In the summer, no corrosion occurs.
=> Only light surface rust may appear, which disappears after a single ride and does not harm the chain in any way (it's just a temporary cosmetic issue).
Oil: The entire chain is enveloped in oil, effectively preventing corrosion. After heavy rain, re-oiling is necessary to prevent corrosion.