Zéfal Extra Dry Wax, pack of 2

Why Extra Dry Wax?

Lube your chain with ordinary oil and your fingers are black the next morning. That oil stays wet. Dust and grit stick to it, and the mix grinds away between the links.

Extra Dry Wax works differently. The wax is suspended in water. Once applied, the water evaporates and a dry film of wax stays on the links and rollers. Wax is slick, so the chain runs smoothly. The outside stays dry, so little dirt clings to it. Zéfal describes it the same way: a clean, quiet drivetrain with a film that protects against corrosion.

The trade-off is the weather. A wax film lasts less well in the wet than oil does. That is why the product is called Dry. Zéfal itself says it is ideal in dry weather. If you rode in the rain or rinsed your bike with water, apply it again.

If you mostly ride on dry days and like a clean chain, that is a fair trade. Your hands stay tidier. So does your trouser leg.

How it compares with other chain lube

There are four ways to lubricate a chain. Each suits a type of weather and a way of working.

A general guide. Brands and formulas differ.

How to use dry wax

1. Degrease the chain

   Use a degreaser and a brush. Rinse the chain and dry it with a cloth.

2. Shake and drip

   Shake the bottle. Drip a moderate amount on the inside of the chain while you turn the pedals.

3. Wipe off the excess

   Take off what the chain does not need with a cloth.

4. Let it dry

   The wax is white at first. Wait until the colour has gone. Zéfal advises doing this a few hours before your ride.

5. Next time

   Is there already Extra Dry Wax on the chain? Then you do not need to degrease. Wipe the old wax off with a dry cloth and start again at the dripping.