This process was SO worth it. Once I applied squirt, I waited maybe 30 minutes and gave the bike a quick test ride, and man I felt such a difference compared to oil lubes. I am so happy. Thank you!
Incoming Gratitude Bit of a long one, but I'm over the moon with Squirt wax. I live in the north of England, so ever changeable weather, and always black drivetrain. Saw loads of comments about squirt so bought some. Then i watched all your videos and realised i would have to fully clean the whole drivetrain. So 3 months later(😅), finally did it and went out in dry, wet, drizzle for 40miles. WOW! 1)the drivetrain has never ever felt this smooth. And silent. Even through puddles. Felt faster too, but that may not be true. 2)got back and wiped the muck off the chain. Barely anything. Still wax on the chain rings. Anyways, it was watching and following your instructions and enthusiasm for squirt that sold me. I am so freaking stoked by how good it is. Squirt may be more expensive and use more of it. But less cleaning products and less time cleaning. I'll take that! Thanks again!
Like guitar strings, i change my chain every 6 months. Its a good habit i got into! I apply my Squirt lube using the same method expect that i use a small hard bush to apply. Its easier to dip in into the bottle, i have more control when applying. We get skys like thatr here in the UK two weeks a year lol!
I buy the big bottle of Squirt, (cost is much less per oz) I actually I Squirt it on the chain, I wash some of my bikes often, especially the Mountain Bike/Gravel bike. Washing your bike once you've put Squirt wax on you don't need detergents, or any other chemicals, just water, or just wipe it off if its only dusty. Thers is no oil on your bike, so you don't need detergent, or chemicals to clean off the grit, PLUS you don't wipe out the lube from your bearings, or bushings, and it only takes a few minutes to wash the bike with only water. I've used Squirt for years, easy to use, amazing results. By the way I've used those Specialized Sawtooth tires for years, I ride all year on the gravel bike, 700/42's in winter (you won't have this problem in Calif) the tires grip on snowpacked roads like they are made from octopi, great all year, all around tires.
An inexpensive ultrasonic cleaner from Harbor Freight is a real timesaver for cleaning chains & other small components. Put the chain in a baggie with solvent and drop the sealed baggie into the ultrasonic cleaner water tank.
Lay the chain out flat before install, lay lots of Squirt on the chain and work it in with a toothbrush. Let dry and install. Just laying the lube on top will not get it into the rollers.
Instructions on the bottle are pretty clear. Fully degrease and dry chain, apply lube to INSIDE of chain, leave 5 minutes and repeat, don't wipe off excess. I have the cold temperature one though as it's coming into winter in the UK so maybe the instructions are different. The wax is certainly thinner so penetrates well, I assume it will reach it's optimum viscosity when the temperature drops.
Question. I use to race in the early and mid 1970s. Then came women and work. Fast-forward to 2022. I started riding again, but BOY, has the tech really changed since I was racing with my 1972 Colnago Super! ( Still have this bike!) My question is, I have in Ecuador a 2005 Giant TCR c2 bike with 10 gear cluster. I am looking at changing my chain with KMC X12 Pre Waxed chain. From my readings I can do this as the chains differ is width for the more cogs you have. I haven't seen a KMC X10 yet. Would appreciate your options. Thank you, David in Ecuador.
Hey Adam, I decided not to purchase pre-waxed KMC Chain(I'm getting the KMC X10EL and the Silca waxing kit and will do it myself) My question is, are using the expensive Silca super-secret wax coating ( since you have it until it runs out) are did you go back to Squirt? Digging your videos.
Currently trying this process with a new chain (chain de greased and was dry as a bone when applied ). Is it supposed to feel tacky after 2nd coat and letting it dry between applications? Or it doesn't actually turn into wax? Thanks for your help.
FYI, the large size gatorade bottles are amazing for stripping chains. Buy a few of those and just leave them filled with your mineral apirits and alcohol. Reuseable over and over again!
Hey there, I lived in Trabuco Canyon, Portola Hills, Irvine, and Fountain Valley. A total of 32 years in California. I moved to Spain. The cycling here is fantastic. But still miss a ton of things from California. Yeah, squirt has been on my chains for a couple years now. Love it actually. Cycling bling! Safe riding bud Great information for many I'm sure. Just wanted to say
Hi New Subscriber here from Edmonton UK. Great Video and very thorough info. I was about to order some Mineral Spirits only to find the cost was was quite high here ....then found out that it is called White Spirits in uk which was a relief as this made it much cheaper. Bought some Squirt some time ago and will now clean my chain as you instructed. I feel more confident cleaning my chain thoroughly now👍 Thank You for your great video👍
Thank you so much for the video. Just bought some Squirt and wanted to find out how to apply it. I can’t get those spirits and alcohol but will try it with a good degreaser. Hope it will have the same effect. The video and your wife’s comments made me smile. Have a safe ride! Tom from Flanders (yep, the cobbled region)
Great video and your instructions are super clear. I will be doing this process for a non-brand new chain, so to confirm, same process and products applies or there is an additional step? Thank you!!
@@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia Since my chain had about 1000 miles on it. I had to do 4 wash and followed your steps and it turned out great. I attribute this success to your video.
Soaking a rag with motor oil (any engine oil will do) and pulling the chain through it is all I do to lube the chain. After that I wipe off excess oil. That's it. Nothing else. Repeat every week on rainy conditions and every month on dry conditions. No special expensive chain oil, chain wax and no degreaser or anything else needed. Motor oil has everything needed, it works not only as a lubricant but also as a detergent and rust inhibitor, it has anti wear components, too. In winter it's thin enough and in summer thick enough due to its viscostiy improvers it comes with when it is a multigrade oil which every motor oil nowadays is. Like I said, everything ever needed is already in motor oil included. There is no cheaper and more effective way to take care of your bicycle chain.
It might be very good indeed until you do your first ride outside and all the dust will be heavilly attracted by that engine oil. Then the wearing out process of the chain kicks off...
@@c.s.4273 you must be probably right. Never tried this method and to be honest I wouldn't as it would be difficult to clean the chain when it gets dirty. My best guess is that the motor oil is designed to perform in closed/sealed environment and at high temperatures to maintain its properties .
Hi again, So I can’t seem to get my chain clean with mineral spirits. I’ve left it overnight twice, and given it around 7 agitated baths and although the turps looks fairly clear, each time I take the chain out and wipe it off, there’s still dirty grease marks on the (clean) cloth from where I wiped the chain. Not sure what to do at this point. Any ideas would be most appreciated. Thanks!!
How often should you use Squirt on your chain if your doing multiday tours....I'm doing 545 miles in june over 7 days from SF to LA....I will be doing a rewax with paraffin/Teflon before I ship my trike up to SF on May 29....then bring my squirt bottle in my gear bag to lube if needed.
I let the wax absorb before I ride (I'll wax it at the end of a bike ride, so there's lots of time before the next one). I do this in between the rides (this may answer your question): ua-cam.com/video/eV3ChqLu1So/v-deo.html
Hi. Newbie here. Is it necessary to take chain off to clean it? I've been using chain oil before but want to use squirt. Can I degrese it on bike with brushes?
Hi, I just bought this lube and I'm wondering how many layers do I need to put and for how long should I leave it to dry? Lube, leave it for the night, than lube again, let it dry and it's ready to go?
Just to be clear, for a new chain you’re going to put 3 coats on before you ride? Should these coats be on both sides of the chain? This is all very helpful. Thanks so much for the info.(first time waxer)
@@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia Hi, just wondering if you the videos are already available or are yet to be done. I don't seem to be able to find them. My first time using the wax and I want to make sure I got everything correct. Just wondering do I have to sock it in the mineral spirits or can I just soak the chain in chain degreaser (Mac-off) and brush it and rinse it thoroughly?
Thanks for the video. I was wondering how you go about cleaning the rest of your bike when this is applied? I'm worried about getting it wet and washing off the wax. Would you wash bike, wait to dry then reapply wax once completely dry?
@@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia amazing thanks! In the UK the alcohol doesn't seem to be easily available, is there a similar alternative? Or could I complete the process without the alcohol
Lay the chain flat on a crappy old board and put the Squirt on the chain and work it in with your wife's tooth brush ! WAY more efficient and way quicker !! Let dry overnight and done !
I would make sure and wipe down the chain, dry it an reapply the lube if your choice after a 🌧. In SoCal, it hardly ever rains so I don’t get a lot of opportunity to ride in the rain
Wife: How come you don't pay this attention to me!? Husband (right answer) : Because it brings me more satisfaction!...😁 ... it's a joke that reminds me All Bundy
Hello! I dont see you removing the excess of wax after lubing. You dont suppose to do that? Or just forgot to show in this video. With oils i always remove excess after lubing
I don't get something... You have a new chain...you degrease it... WHY don't people use a bag or some container to pour wax based lubricant there and let it be? This would be a muuuuch better solution. Why struggle to apply on each roller - especially the first time?
The reason why is because you only need the wax on the rollers between the inner and outer plates so that it can get into the pin. The wax doesn't need to get all over the chain. You could place the chain in a bag with a full amount of squirt wax, however the squirt wax is expensive and thus, I only want to apply it to the places I need it. You can try it the way you are describing and see how it works for you. Let me know. Thanks for watching and subscribing.
@@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia Your method might have the advantage that you can let the chain to dry on the bike. The outside of the chain should help when shifting If lubed( If You have front shifter). I am testing a version from "muc-off". Last night i just degreased the chain. I took a small plastic bag, stuffed the chain in there, left IT for a bit and than out for drying. Tomorrow i will test IT on a dowhnill wet trail so IT is a good test. Will let You know.
This process was SO worth it. Once I applied squirt, I waited maybe 30 minutes and gave the bike a quick test ride, and man I felt such a difference compared to oil lubes. I am so happy. Thank you!
Cool
let Squirt dry overnight !
Incoming Gratitude
Bit of a long one, but I'm over the moon with Squirt wax.
I live in the north of England, so ever changeable weather, and always black drivetrain.
Saw loads of comments about squirt so bought some. Then i watched all your videos and realised i would have to fully clean the whole drivetrain. So 3 months later(😅), finally did it and went out in dry, wet, drizzle for 40miles.
WOW!
1)the drivetrain has never ever felt this smooth. And silent. Even through puddles. Felt faster too, but that may not be true.
2)got back and wiped the muck off the chain. Barely anything. Still wax on the chain rings.
Anyways, it was watching and following your instructions and enthusiasm for squirt that sold me. I am so freaking stoked by how good it is.
Squirt may be more expensive and use more of it. But less cleaning products and less time cleaning. I'll take that!
Thanks again!
Cool! Once you clean the chain using Squirt is as easy as using oil
Like guitar strings, i change my chain every 6 months. Its a good habit i got into! I apply my Squirt lube using the same method expect that i use a small hard bush to apply. Its easier to dip in into the bottle, i have more control when applying. We get skys like thatr here in the UK two weeks a year lol!
That's a great idea.
Words cannot describe how perfect this video was 🎉
I buy the big bottle of Squirt, (cost is much less per oz) I actually I Squirt it on the chain, I wash some of my bikes often, especially the Mountain Bike/Gravel bike. Washing your bike once you've put Squirt wax on you don't need detergents, or any other chemicals, just water, or just wipe it off if its only dusty. Thers is no oil on your bike, so you don't need detergent, or chemicals to clean off the grit, PLUS you don't wipe out the lube from your bearings, or bushings, and it only takes a few minutes to wash the bike with only water. I've used Squirt for years, easy to use, amazing results. By the way I've used those Specialized Sawtooth tires for years, I ride all year on the gravel bike, 700/42's in winter (you won't have this problem in Calif) the tires grip on snowpacked roads like they are made from octopi, great all year, all around tires.
Good to know if it ever snows is SoCal. Ha ha! Thanks for the sub!!
An inexpensive ultrasonic cleaner from Harbor Freight is a real timesaver for cleaning chains & other small components. Put the chain in a baggie with solvent and drop the sealed baggie into the ultrasonic cleaner water tank.
To save time and space in the house always I sous vide my chain at the same time as my steak.
Those cleaners will take the finish off your chain !
You and your wife are a great duo. Superb content. Keep it up
Thanks 👍
Lay the chain out flat before install, lay lots of Squirt on the chain and work it in with a toothbrush. Let dry and install. Just laying the lube on top will not get it into the rollers.
Instructions on the bottle are pretty clear. Fully degrease and dry chain, apply lube to INSIDE of chain, leave 5 minutes and repeat, don't wipe off excess. I have the cold temperature one though as it's coming into winter in the UK so maybe the instructions are different. The wax is certainly thinner so penetrates well, I assume it will reach it's optimum viscosity when the temperature drops.
Thanks for the tips!
Question. I use to race in the early and mid 1970s. Then came women and work. Fast-forward to 2022. I started riding again, but BOY, has the tech really changed since I was racing with my 1972 Colnago Super! ( Still have this bike!) My question is, I have in Ecuador a 2005 Giant TCR c2 bike with 10 gear cluster. I am looking at changing my chain with KMC X12 Pre Waxed chain. From my readings I can do this as the chains differ is width for the more cogs you have. I haven't seen a KMC X10 yet. Would appreciate your options. Thank you, David in Ecuador.
Hey Adam, I decided not to purchase pre-waxed KMC Chain(I'm getting the KMC X10EL and the Silca waxing kit and will do it myself) My question is, are using the expensive Silca super-secret wax coating ( since you have it until it runs out) are did you go back to Squirt? Digging your videos.
Currently trying this process with a new chain (chain de greased and was dry as a bone when applied ). Is it supposed to feel tacky after 2nd coat and letting it dry between applications? Or it doesn't actually turn into wax? Thanks for your help.
FYI, the large size gatorade bottles are amazing for stripping chains. Buy a few of those and just leave them filled with your mineral apirits and alcohol. Reuseable over and over again!
Hey there, I lived in Trabuco Canyon, Portola Hills, Irvine, and Fountain Valley. A total of 32 years in California. I moved to Spain. The cycling here is fantastic. But still miss a ton of things from California.
Yeah, squirt has been on my chains for a couple years now. Love it actually. Cycling bling!
Safe riding bud
Great information for many I'm sure. Just wanted to say
Isn’t Spain just the rich man’s Santa Barbara?
Great video!! Extremely helpful
Glad it was helpful!
Hi New Subscriber here from Edmonton UK.
Great Video and very thorough info.
I was about to order some Mineral Spirits only to find the cost was was quite high here ....then found out that it is called White Spirits in uk which was a relief as this made it much cheaper.
Bought some Squirt some time ago and will now clean my chain as you instructed.
I feel more confident cleaning my chain thoroughly now👍
Thank You for your great video👍
Thank you so much for the video. Just bought some Squirt and wanted to find out how to apply it. I can’t get those spirits and alcohol but will try it with a good degreaser. Hope it will have the same effect.
The video and your wife’s comments made me smile. Have a safe ride!
Tom from Flanders (yep, the cobbled region)
You’ll like it once the grease is off and you’ve done a few cycles of squirt.
i just put the chain in one of the squirt 500nl bottles and pull it out again and hang it to dry
Good idea
Great video and your instructions are super clear. I will be doing this process for a non-brand new chain, so to confirm, same process and products applies or there is an additional step? Thank you!!
No. Just clean it like your life depends upon it
@@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia Since my chain had about 1000 miles on it. I had to do 4 wash and followed your steps and it turned out great. I attribute this success to your video.
@@nolimit7185 totally cool
50 percent of all roadbike cyclists uses it in belgium. superb product .tip: buy 500 ml bottle
@@sylvainbernaers I’d love to ride in Belgium… just to experience it
Great info. I'll be picking up some mineral spirits tomorrow. Is that a road bike frame that you use for gravel rides?
It’s a cyclocross bike. Thanks for watching and subscribing
Soaking a rag with motor oil (any engine oil will do) and pulling the chain through it is all I do to lube the chain. After that I wipe off excess oil.
That's it.
Nothing else.
Repeat every week on rainy conditions and every month on dry conditions.
No special expensive chain oil, chain wax and no degreaser or anything else needed.
Motor oil has everything needed, it works not only as a lubricant but also as a detergent and rust inhibitor, it has anti wear components, too. In winter it's thin enough and in summer thick enough due to its viscostiy improvers it comes with when it is a multigrade oil which every motor oil nowadays is.
Like I said, everything ever needed is already in motor oil included.
There is no cheaper and more effective way to take care of your bicycle chain.
It might be very good indeed until you do your first ride outside and all the dust will be heavilly attracted by that engine oil. Then the wearing out process of the chain kicks off...
@@dcristian969 If that happens your chain was not wiped off enough.
@@c.s.4273 you must be probably right. Never tried this method and to be honest I wouldn't as it would be difficult to clean the chain when it gets dirty. My best guess is that the motor oil is designed to perform in closed/sealed environment and at high temperatures to maintain its properties .
Love it!!!
Thorough guide, ❤️ it 👍
Glad you liked it!
Hi again,
So I can’t seem to get my chain clean with mineral spirits. I’ve left it overnight twice, and given it around 7 agitated baths and although the turps looks fairly clear, each time I take the chain out and wipe it off, there’s still dirty grease marks on the (clean) cloth from where I wiped the chain. Not sure what to do at this point. Any ideas would be most appreciated. Thanks!!
Scrub the crap out of it with a hard brush.
How often should you use Squirt on your chain if your doing multiday tours....I'm doing 545 miles in june over 7 days from SF to LA....I will be doing a rewax with paraffin/Teflon before I ship my trike up to SF on May 29....then bring my squirt bottle in my gear bag to lube if needed.
I reapply every 150 miles or so on my road bike
Green petrol is ok?
Okay, but this stuff was cheaper in my country.
Is it not needed to remove any excess by the end? Also, is it a mistake to not let it sit but ride it right away?
I let the wax absorb before I ride (I'll wax it at the end of a bike ride, so there's lots of time before the next one). I do this in between the rides (this may answer your question): ua-cam.com/video/eV3ChqLu1So/v-deo.html
Hi. Newbie here. Is it necessary to take chain off to clean it? I've been using chain oil before but want to use squirt. Can I degrese it on bike with brushes?
Yes you do
Hi, I just bought this lube and I'm wondering how many layers do I need to put and for how long should I leave it to dry? Lube, leave it for the night, than lube again, let it dry and it's ready to go?
Do exactly what I did in the video. There are follow up videos too. The first time, apply, wait, ride, apply, you’re god to go
Just to be clear, for a new chain you’re going to put 3 coats on before you ride? Should these coats be on both sides of the chain?
This is all very helpful. Thanks so much for the info.(first time waxer)
Yes. I’d saturate it the first time. Get that wax in those rollers. I have other videos regarding what to do after that
@@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia Awsome. Thanks!👍👍
@@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia Hi, just wondering if you the videos are already available or are yet to be done. I don't seem to be able to find them. My first time using the wax and I want to make sure I got everything correct.
Just wondering do I have to sock it in the mineral spirits or can I just soak the chain in chain degreaser (Mac-off) and brush it and rinse it thoroughly?
Does paint thinner work also? Paint thinner is much cheaper than mineral spirits in my country.
Probably. I have no idea what country you’re in. Mineral spirits here are cheaper than water
You guys! x
Thanks for the video. I was wondering how you go about cleaning the rest of your bike when this is applied? I'm worried about getting it wet and washing off the wax. Would you wash bike, wait to dry then reapply wax once completely dry?
Good question! Here's a video showing how I do the entire bike, including the concern for the chain: ua-cam.com/video/VxXm59F9Aek/v-deo.html
@@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia amazing thanks! In the UK the alcohol doesn't seem to be easily available, is there a similar alternative? Or could I complete the process without the alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol isn’t available?
@@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia not off the shelf in the tool shops that I can see
It’s in a pharmacy
My country do not sale lactigo. Do you have any substitute product? And how to you use it?
What country are you in?
I’d like to see a video on re applying squirt wax . How to prep chain for the second application of wax
Great video BTW😊
Here's a video on that subject: ua-cam.com/video/VpjJcpFUVd8/v-deo.html Thanks for watching and subbing.
@@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia You make a salad and that makes your chain relubed? Wow, have to try this. :D
Lay the chain flat on a crappy old board and put the Squirt on the chain and work it in with your wife's tooth brush ! WAY more efficient and way quicker !! Let dry overnight and done !
How do you warm the wax bottle & how warm should it be?
Put it out on the sun
I live in NYC and it’s still winter here
@@charlesm7646 Use warm water.
can this be done with a chain that isn’t new?
Yes, but it's harder to clean. Ideally, you'd start with a new chain.
I was wondering did u get any chain plate rust after on an ride in heavy rains? Because i ride alot in e rain.
I would make sure and wipe down the chain, dry it an reapply the lube if your choice after a 🌧. In SoCal, it hardly ever rains so I don’t get a lot of opportunity to ride in the rain
@@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia My here rain like everyday till i shower myself with rain 😂
@@andychoe2486 that’s going to be hard for any chain… that’s for sure. Where are you?
Wife: How come you don't pay this attention to me!?
Husband (right answer) : Because it brings me more satisfaction!...😁
... it's a joke that reminds me All Bundy
Love the dad jokes
I can’t help it. I’m a dad
Hello! I dont see you removing the excess of wax after lubing. You dont suppose to do that? Or just forgot to show in this video. With oils i always remove excess after lubing
I wax it. Let it sit, then ride the next day. If you want, you can use a clean rag to wipe the chain prior to the ride. I often forget.
Busted😂
I thought you said agitate not aggravate, lol
12:30 this didn't deserve to be as funny as it was
Thx
No problem
What if I don't have a wife? I have a bunch of bikes instead...
Vastly more economical, from experience 👍
Big ol’ fart at 28:05
I don't get something...
You have a new chain...you degrease it...
WHY don't people use a bag or some container to pour wax based lubricant there and let it be? This would be a muuuuch better solution.
Why struggle to apply on each roller - especially the first time?
The reason why is because you only need the wax on the rollers between the inner and outer plates so that it can get into the pin. The wax doesn't need to get all over the chain. You could place the chain in a bag with a full amount of squirt wax, however the squirt wax is expensive and thus, I only want to apply it to the places I need it. You can try it the way you are describing and see how it works for you. Let me know. Thanks for watching and subscribing.
@@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia
Your method might have the advantage that you can let the chain to dry on the bike.
The outside of the chain should help when shifting If lubed( If You have front shifter).
I am testing a version from "muc-off".
Last night i just degreased the chain.
I took a small plastic bag, stuffed the chain in there, left IT for a bit and than out for drying.
Tomorrow i will test IT on a dowhnill wet trail so IT is a good test. Will let You know.
@@titusm9837 👍
Step 1: throw it in the trash.
Step 2: buy one that doesn't suck, such as Muc-Off Dry.
Step 3: be happy that you don't have an inferior lubricant.
Yeah no. Muc off lubricants are just bad :P
Total overkill cleaning chain.
It might be, but it makes a difference!
please advise on the molecular tension strength applied once the wax has dried, i will need this to graph out my application chart, thank you.
.00000125648 Elm-o-Hertz x .5 Watts/kg . Make sure sure and test it in a wind tunnel
already done and graphed out, you were off by .07 richter spec placements. @@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia
I hired some college graduate dweeb as a consultant to help me with the video. He's so fired.
they do that when you feed them. @@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia