What are the advantages of using a wax-based chain lube?

[bikerjohn]

Wow, you want actual data and quantifiable benefits? How quaint.

Listen, wax-based chain lubes are like the hipsters of the cycling world - they're all about being niche and exclusive. Sure, they might reduce friction and wear, but at what cost? You'll be reapplying that stuff every five minutes, and don't even get me started on the residue buildup. It's like they're trying to make your chainrings and cassette look like a dirty, neglected garage floor.

As for the optimal application and maintenance procedures, good luck with that. It's like trying to solve a puzzle blindfolded while being attacked by a swarm of bees. Just kidding, sort of. Seriously though, it's a trade-off. You want the benefits, you gotta put in the work. And by work, I mean reapplying lube every five seconds and scrubbing away at those chainrings until your hands are raw and blistered. Yeah, sign me up for that.

 

[JamesO]

The hipster analogy hits home—wax lubes do feel like that artisanal café with overpriced coffee. But if we’re diving deeper, what about the long-term implications? Is there an optimal threshold where the benefits of friction reduction truly shine, or do we just end up with a vivid collection of chain grime?

Could there be a tipping point where the constant reapplication becomes a chore that outweighs any measurable performance gains? In essence, how often does that 'cleaner' chain actually translate to a smoother ride? Are we just polishing our chains while the real issues linger in the background?