Instructions: Degrease the chain

How do I degrease a chain for use with chain wax?

  1. dismantle the chain
  2. Pre-clean dirty chains
  3. Put the chain in a jar and cover it completely with degreaser. For new chains: Nitro thinner or Optimize Chain Degreaser Plus ; Used chains: Brake cleaner or Optimize Chain Degreaser Plus
  4. Leave for 5 minutes and shake for 2 minutes
  5. The process should be repeated at least once with fresh degreaser (until the liquid remains relatively clear).
  6. The cassette can remain mounted and is cleaned with drive cleaner and degreaser (must shine afterwards).
  7. The chainrings are thoroughly wiped with a cloth soaked in degreaser.
  8. After degreasing, allow the chain to air dry for at least 1 hour.

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Frequently asked question

Here we give you all the answers to your most frequently asked questions.

Ich verwende Wachs eines anderen Herstellers muss ich dann auch entfetten?

Bei Heißwachs oder wasserbasierten Wachsen kann unser Flüssigwachs und Heißwachs direkt aufgetragen werden.

Wenn ihr euch unsicher seid fragt uns: kontakt@optimize.bike

Welches Equipment brauche ich sonst noch so?
  • Handschuhe
  • Einmachglas
  • Schutzbrille
  • Pinsel
  • Kettenzange oder Kettenieter
  • Kettenschloss

Do I need to clean the chain again?

No, the degreasing process is completely eliminated and is therefore only necessary once when switching to chain wax.

Chain is running louder, what to do?

I have applied chain wax but now the chain is running much louder? What did I do wrong?


1 General:
After 50km of hot wax (break-in period) or generally after waxing, does the chain still run unevenly, loudly and do the chain links feel tough?

=> Then it is because the chain was not degreased correctly! Put the chain in a saucepan and let it boil in water for 15 minutes. The oil and wax will dissolve, then degrease again with brake cleaner, let it air out and re-wax!
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2. Hot wax: Chain gets louder before 800-1000km? Then the wax was boiled too hot! The wax is too liquid and drips out of the chain, which affects the mileage. It is also possible that the wax was not heated up enough, which makes it harder for the wax to penetrate the chain. Moving the chain in the pot can also help to release air bubbles etc. from the chain.
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3. Installation problems: Derailleur pulleys are directional (rattle if installed incorrectly). There is also a metal pin in the derailleur between the upper and lower derailleur pulleys (the chain must not run over it). Worn chainrings can sometimes make noise. Very rarely: chainrings installed the wrong way round (inside).

Can I mix hot and liquid wax?

Yes, all hot and liquid chain waxes are completely compatible with each other (including graphene, graphite, etc.). You don't have to pay attention to anything, just put the chain in the cooking pot or apply the wax.

Was muss alles außer der Kette entfettet werden?

Was muss alles außer der Kette entfettet werden?

  • Kassette
  • Kurbelblätter
  • Schaltwerkröllchen (bitte später nachfetten)

Problems or questions?

Feel free to contact us!