Wend Chain Wax Kit - Spectrum Colors

All around best thing I have used for bike road bike chains. I’ve gone through a lot of the popular lubes of all types out there and was very happy with a few that I stuck with for years and years. I tried out WEND because a couple of buddies recommended it, and they are local company, and the folks that develop it are serious competitive road and mountain bike racers themselves.A big positive thing for me is WEND is much less messy than dripping lube onto my rollers. Also, although it is a wax, you don’t have to take the chain off the bike to apply it.I ride a lot and have three different road bikes, and I take one of them off road into gravel, sand, mud, and rock beds regularly. Maybe I should buy a CX bike...but that’s not the point of this review. So, it’s important that my chain can remain smooth, quiet, and efficient during and after harsh terrain. I used this lube on the full Belgian Waffle Ride in 2018 and my whole bike was covered in dirt by mile 133, except for my chain which still sparkled and kept its mouth shut (it was quiet...). I rode the bike the following day after the Waffle on quiet roads during hill repeats and all I could hear was my tired breath...no chain. I hadn’t even bothered to wipe it down after the Waffle ride.When I finally DO have to clean/lube, I freaking hate having to spend a single excess second doing it. I especially hate it when lubes require you to start with a “DRY” chain before applying, so thank goodness WEND is not like that for reapplications.For best success, I had to experiment with the first couple of applications. Ultimately, these are my final tips from experience:- ACTUALLY read and follow the instructions/videos online- For FIRST EVER application, clean and dry the chain thoroughly to get the existing dirt and the old lube the heck out of there- While applying wax, don’t press the chain so hard into the wax that it starts chopping off chunks of wax. Just use enough pressure to get a light coating of wax on the rollers. If chunks start coming off the wax stick you’re pressing too hard- Don’t over-apply. A light coat is all you need, but you may need to experiment to know what I mean by that. If you just lay it on thick like toothpaste you will waste wax and just make a mess of everything- You might miss this tip which is only on the WEND box: After rubbing in the wax, drip a very small amount of the wax-off CLEANER on the rollers and rub it in again. This helps the wax penetrate even better into where it needs to be.- Wash your hands with soap and water, stop reading this, and go ride your friggin bike

********UPDATE 2020*******So I thought it was important to update my review. I originally gave this product a glowing review, but after several months I became extremely frustrated with this product that I really wanted to love. I started to run into constant problems with having a squeaky chain. I tried applying more wax, less wax and everywhere in between. I cleaned and re-applied but always ran into the same issue. A side affect of this product as well has been bits of wax getting caked on my derailleur and crankset. Using this project frankly just became too much of a hassle.PROS: it is cleaner in terms of being clean to the touch. If you run your fingers across the waxed chain, there isn't the typical black marks coming off the chain.CONS: everything mentioned above, squeaking chain, bits of wax everywhere.CONCLUSION:I switched to Pedro's Ice Wax, I'm not even sure if it's the 2.0 version or not, and so far have been happy with it. No more squeaky chain and is kind of in between a wax and a liquid.ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW:I first saw this product on Instagram and was insanely curious about it. After trying to find pedro’s Ice wax 2.0 and striking out, I decided to give this a try. I’m so glad I did. After thoroughly cleaning my drivetrain, I applied the wax as directed. While I haven’t had a chance to ride outdoors yet due to weather, I rode on my trainer and it was smooth as butter. When I got done I ran my fingers across my chain and there wasn’t a single mark on my fingers or a greasy feel. I can’t wait to ride outside and see how it all feels!A couple of notes on application: be sure not to press too hard. If you push into the chain too much while applying it will take chunks out of the roll.Overall, I can’t imagine using anything else after this. I’m 100% sold on wax instead of lube! As a bonus, it smells nice too! Reminds me of surf shops from when I was a kid!

I really wanted to like this product but just can not recommend it. Bottom line is that this rub on wax does not penetrate into the pins and rollers where it is needed. Instead it just tends to build up on the outside of the chain and all over your chain rings, cassette and pulley gears. On first application it will feel smooth and ride smooth but that will only last for ~15 miles or so before it starts to break down. Then you are basically running on a dry chain. Google "zero friction cycling wend review" for a very detailed analysis.

I have used Wend Wax for about two months now and I'm really pleased! I cant quite say how many watts it will save you, but my whole drivetrain is definitely quieter. I've never had a quieter set up using any other chain lube. It seems to keep gunk out of my chain. It is super quick and easy to apply. $30 is somewhat expensive, but I feel like it is a decently premium item and I still have a good amount after these months. I don't think it is much more expensive than a good amount of specialty chain lube.Some non-science-based tips:-Use the Wax-off liquid to remove any accumulated grime/ wax from the chain before applying.-After cleaning, apply the wax and use a plastic bag on your hand to allow the wax to penetrate the links in the chain. This prevents the wax from building up on your rear derailleur cage and helps ensures the wax is doing its lubricating job.Its a good idea to put a towel or something down before applying because sometimes bits of wax will get on the floor. That said, I've never stained anything that the wax touched.

Totally odd thing to say about chain wax. But it's true. Wax is proven to be better with less chain friction. Applying chain wax can be a burden. Wend figured out how to get the best of both worlds. I will never go back. I am converting all our bikes (7) to wax. Increase performance, reduce friction, no messy oil tattoos on your legs, no dirty fingers, it always looks clean and did I mention, it smells fantastic.SECRET. I put a bit on the external cables at the guide points to keep them moving smoothly and avoid future rusting.