Why Waxing Your Chain Saves Your Drivetrain and Your Wallet
Independent laboratory testing from Zero Friction Cycling using the main test protocol over 5000 km shows how dramatically lubrication choice affects drivetrain wear.
The graph shows the percentage of a chain worn to the standard 0.5% replacement point under identical test conditions. While a chain running immersion hot melt wax remains far from replacement, many common lubricants wear through multiple chains over the same distance.
Faster wear does not just shorten chain life. It also accelerates wear on your cassette and chainrings, turning drivetrain maintenance into a much more expensive problem over time.
Why Wax With DecaWatts
What makes DecaWatts different is the system behind it. Each time your chain comes back to us, it goes through a full professional reset.
We completely clean and decontaminate the chain using a multi-hour ultrasonic process before rewaxing it in controlled conditions. This ensures every chain returns to you performing like a freshly prepared waxed chain.
The system is simple. You rotate between two chains. Each month you send one chain to DecaWatts, where it is professionally cleaned and rewaxed, then shipped back ready to ride with free shipping both ways. While one chain is being serviced, you continue riding on the other.
The result is a drivetrain that stays cleaner, lasts longer, and requires far less maintenance from you.
Protect Your Drivetrain. Save Money Over Time.
A DecaWatts Road Starter Bundle ($269.99–$349.99) includes two professionally prepared chains lasting 30,000–40,000 km total, or over 5 years of riding for many cyclists. With our rotation system, your chains wear evenly and stay in optimal condition the entire time.
Maintenance is just $44.99 per month with free shipping both ways, and 1 month free on annual plans, making it completely effortless.
Compared to the hundreds of dollars required to replace worn chains, cassettes, and chainrings, preventing that wear from the start is simply the smarter and more cost-effective choice.
*Data obtained from the Zero Friction Cycling cost-to-run calculator.
What Riders Are Saying
Monthly Service Plans
After purchasing your chain bundle, this monthly service keeps everything running like new. We clean, decontaminate, and re wax your chains every cycle, preventing wear and costly drivetrain replacements, with free shipping both ways and virtually no work required from you.
| Plan | Subscription Price | Chains Sent Monthly | Intended Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Road | $44.99/month or $479.99/year | 1 Chain | Intended for road cyclists, indoor training, and commuters |
| Off-Road | $44.99/month or $479.99/year | 1 Chain | Designed for mainly dry off-road riding with occasional wet or muddy conditions |
| Off-Road Plus | $69.99/month or $719.99/year | 2 Chains | Built for extreme off-road conditions, including frequent mud, prolonged wet rides, and high-contamination environments |
Choose Your Chain Bundle to Get Started
All chains come fully waxed and ready to ride straight out of the package. Once set up, subscribe to a monthly plan and we take care of everything, making drivetrain maintenance simple with virtually no work from you.
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Ensemble de Démarrage sur Route
Prix habituel Du $317.63 CADPrix habituelPrix unitaire par -
Ensemble de Démarrage Tout-Terrain
Prix habituel Du $382.34 CADPrix habituelPrix unitaire par -
Ensemble de Démarrage Tout-Terrain Plus
Prix habituel Du $588.22 CADPrix habituelPrix unitaire par
Everything You Need to Know About DecaWatts
Why Do Professional Ultrasonic Cleaning and Hot-Melt Waxing Matter?
Every DecaWatts chain begins with a level of cleaning that no home setup or bike shop can replicate. Each chain is fully reset through multiple ultrasonic cleaning stages over a two-hour cycle, removing all oil, grime, wax residue, and embedded contamination. This deep decontamination is the foundation of true chain efficiency, longevity, and consistent performance.
The DecaWatts Chain Waxing Subscription was created to make the benefits of professional-grade Silca Hot-Met Endurance waxing accessible to riders of all disciplines without the time, mess, or ongoing effort required to maintain it at home.
Hot-melt waxing delivers exceptional cleanliness and durability but requires removing the chain and immersing it in molten wax. While highly effective, this process is impractical for most riders to repeat regularly. Wax-based drip lubricants now exist to extend the performance of pre-waxed chains between hot-melt treatments, but they come with a tradeoff.
Compared to hot-melt wax, drip lubes attract slightly more dirt and contamination over time. As these contaminants accumulate, efficiency declines and wear increases, making periodic full chain stripping and decontamination necessary to achieve proper longevity and performance.
This is where DecaWatts stands apart. Our multi-stage ultrasonic cleaning process returns every chain to a contaminant-free, bare-metal state before rewaxing, a level of precision cleaning no rider or shop can replicate.
The subscription removes all guesswork. Once per month, subscribers return one or two chains using the included prepaid shipping label, install their spare chain, and continue riding while the returned chain or chains are serviced. Every chain sent to DecaWatts is ultrasonically cleaned, fully decontaminated, and re-treated using the same Silca Hot-Melt Endurance wax trusted by competitive riders, with shipping included both ways.
By combining lab-level cleaning precision, proven Silca Endurance wax performance, and a simple rotation-based subscription model, DecaWatts delivers exceptional drivetrain efficiency, cleanliness, and longevity without requiring specialty tools, mechanical skill, or time investment from the rider.
What Are the Benefits of Chain Waxing?
Chain waxing offers compelling advantages for cyclists across all disciplines:
- Waxing can extend drivetrain lifespan by up to 10×, dramatically reducing long-term maintenance costs.
- A properly waxed chain can last 16,000–20,000 km, depending on conditions and maintenance.
- Waxed chains exhibit significantly lower friction than traditional lubricants—saving up to 10 watts of power.
- Wax forms a dry, clean coating that repels contaminants and keeps drivetrains significantly cleaner.
- In dry road conditions, one application of wax can last up to 1000km
Which Subscription Is Right for Me?
Choosing your subscription is simple:
- Select Road if you primarily ride pavement or indoors.
- Select Off-Road if you ride gravel, dirt, trails, or mixed terrain, primarily in dry conditions, with only occasional wet or muddy rides
- Select Off-Road Plus if you regularly ride in extreme off-road environments, including frequent mud, prolonged wet conditions, or consistently high contamination
If you plan to use one Starter Bundle across multiple bicycles, or regularly ride more than one bike, please contact us with details on each bike, your riding habits, and estimated monthly mileage.
This allows us to confirm compatibility and provide personalized recommendations or applicable bulk-pricing options.
For best results, bikes sharing the same chains should have similar chainstay lengths and gearing to ensure consistent shifting performance.
How Do I Maintain My Chain Between Monthly Services?
Proper maintenance between professional cleanings is simple and essential for preventing rust and minimizing drivetrain wear. Reapply your wax-based lubricant:
- Immediately after any wet, muddy, or heavily contaminated ride, or
- Whenever the chain begins to sound dry
- After the initial wax life is reached, approximately 700 km in dry off-road conditions or 1,000 km in dry road conditions.
All DecaWatts subscriptions include Tru-Tension BananaSlip Tungsten All-Weather Lube, a premium drip lubricant selected to complement the Silca Hot-Melt Endurance wax system.
Below is a detailed step-by-step guide for re-lubricating with Tru-Tension to ensure consistent protection and optimal efficiency.
Can I Pause My Subscription?
Yes, you can cancel or pause your subscription anytime
Tru-Tension Application
Chain Maintenance: Road Conditions
In road conditions, no maintenance is required until approximately 1,000 km after installing the chain in dry conditions. The instructions below explain how to apply Tru-Tension once this initial wax life is reached.
After the first application, reapply Tru-Tension every 200 km, or immediately after any ride in wet or rainy conditions, to maintain optimal longevity and wear protection.
Step 1: Clean the Chain
Before applying Tru-Tension Tungsten All-Weather Lube, it’s essential to remove any dirt, moisture, or contaminants from the chain. This ensures proper wax adhesion and optimal performance.
What you’ll need:
- 99% isopropyl alcohol (available at most pharmacies or online)
- A clean microfiber cloth
- A small spray bottle (to apply the alcohol)
Instructions:
- Shift into a straight chainline: the middle of the cassette and the largest front chainring.
- Spray one full coat of isopropyl alcohol directly onto the chain while turning the cranks backward to cover the entire length.
- Lightly spray the alcohol onto a clean microfiber cloth.
- Hold the cloth at the bottom span of the chain (between the lower pulley and the crankset), and rotate the cranks backward 15–20 times, allowing the chain to pass through the alcohol-soaked cloth.
- Wait at least 5 minutes for the alcohol to fully evaporate and dry.
While the chain is drying, shake the lube bottle thoroughly. Wax-based drip lubes contain friction-reducing additives that settle over time—shaking ensures everything is fully mixed and ready for use.
Step 2: Apply Tru-Tension Tungsten All-Weather Lube
- Apply one drop to each roller (the small rotating pins between chain links).
- Do this on the lower section of the chain, between the jockey wheels and chainrings.
- Maintain a straight chainline (middle of cassette, large front chainring).
- It’s okay to use slightly more to ensure all rollers are evenly coated.
Step 3: Work the Lube Into the Chain
- In the same chain position, pinch the top and bottom of the chain with your fingers and rotate the cranks backward 15–20 times.
- Shift into the smallest front chainring and smallest rear cog, and backpedal 15–20 times.
- Then shift into the largest front ring and largest rear cog, and pedal forward (or backward, if your setup allows) 20 more times.
This sequence helps distribute the lubricant thoroughly through the internal surfaces of the chain.
Step 4: Let It Cure and Remove Excess
Dry Time: Let the chain dry for 10–15 minutes.
Use a clean microfiber cloth to remove excess lube from:
- The chain
- The chainrings
- The cassette
- The pulley wheels
Chain Maintenance: Dry Off-Road Conditions
In dry off-road conditions, no maintenance is required until approximately 700 km after installing the chain. The instructions below explain how to apply Tru-Tension once this initial wax life is reached.
After the first application, reapply Tru-Tension every 200 km to maintain optimal longevity and wear protection. If at any point the chain is exposed to rain, mud, or very wet conditions, follow the Wet or Muddy Off-Road Maintenance Guide before applying Tru-Tension.
Step 1: Clean the Chain
Before applying Tru-Tension Tungsten All-Weather Lube, it’s essential to remove any dirt, moisture, or contaminants from the chain. This ensures proper wax adhesion and optimal performance.
What you’ll need (included in your starter bundle):
- 99% isopropyl alcohol spray
- A clean microfiber cloth
- Tru-Tension Tungsten All-Weather Lube
Instructions:
- Shift into a straight chainline: the middle of the cassette and the largest front chainring.
- Spray one full coat of isopropyl alcohol directly onto the chain while turning the cranks backward to cover the entire length.
- Lightly spray the alcohol onto a clean microfiber cloth.
- Hold the cloth at the bottom span of the chain (between the lower pulley and the crankset), and rotate the cranks backward 15–20 times, allowing the chain to pass through the alcohol-soaked cloth.
- Wait at least 5 minutes for the alcohol to fully evaporate and dry.
While the chain is drying, shake the lube bottle thoroughly. Wax-based drip lubes contain friction-reducing additives that settle over time—shaking ensures everything is fully mixed and ready for use.
Step 2: Apply Tru-Tension Tungsten All-Weather Lube
- Apply one drop to each roller (the small rotating pins between chain links).
- Do this on the lower section of the chain, between the jockey wheels and chainrings.
- Maintain a straight chainline (middle of cassette, large front chainring).
- It’s okay to use slightly more to ensure all rollers are evenly coated.
Step 3: Work the Lube Into the Chain
- In the same chain position, pinch the top and bottom of the chain with your fingers and rotate the cranks backward 15–20 times.
- Shift into the smallest front chainring and smallest rear cog, and backpedal 15–20 times.
- Then shift into the largest front ring and largest rear cog, and pedal forward (or backward, if your setup allows) 20 more times.
This sequence helps distribute the lubricant thoroughly through the internal surfaces of the chain.
Step 4: Let It Cure and Remove Excess
Dry Time: Let the chain dry for 10–15 minutes.
Use a clean microfiber cloth to remove excess lube from:
- The chain
- The chainrings
- The cassette
- The pulley wheels
Chain Maintenance: Wet or Muddy Off-Road Conditions
The Wet or Muddy Off-Road Maintenance Guide ensures optimal chain and drivetrain longevity under wet or contaminated conditions. If the chain is exposed to rain or muddy conditions at any point—even when brand new—follow this guide.
After the initial application of Tru-Tension, reapply every 200 km or after any subsequent wet or muddy ride. If a Tru-Tension reapplication is required solely due to reaching the 200 km interval and the chain has not been exposed to wet or muddy conditions, follow the Dry Off-Road Maintenance Procedure instead.
Step 1: Rinse the Chain
After a wet or muddy off-road ride, it’s essential to remove water, grit, and embedded contamination before applying Tru-Tension Tungsten All-Weather Lube. This process protects the wax coating and ensures optimal performance.
What you’ll need (included in your starter bundle):
- 1 liter wide-mouth bottle with a raised bottom, pre-filled with 500ml 99.9% isopropyl alcohol
- A clean microfiber cloth
- Tru-Tension Tungsten All-Weather Lube
- Access to running water (pressure washer, hose, or a sink if the chain is removed)
First, rinse the chain with clean water to remove surface mud and debris. This can be done in one of two ways:
- While the chain is still on the bike, by spraying it thoroughly with water
- After removing the chain, by running it under clean, flowing water
The goal is to remove all visible dirt before proceeding.
Step 2: Alcohol Bath
Place the rinsed chain into the provided 32 oz (1 L) bottle containing 500 ml of 99.9% isopropyl alcohol.
- Shake the bottle to dislodge remaining contamination
- The chain may remain submerged indefinitely with no harm to the chain or wax treatment. For immediate reuse, shake the chain in the alcohol and allow it to soak for 3–5 minutes, then reinstall and apply Tru-Tension.
When you are ready to ride, remove the chain from the bottle and reinstall it on the bike.
Once the chain is back on the bike, immediately proceed with the Tru-Tension application steps below.
Step 3: Apply Tru-Tension Tungsten All-Weather Lube
- Apply one drop to each roller (the small rotating pins between chain links).
- Do this on the lower section of the chain, between the jockey wheels and chainrings.
- Maintain a straight chainline (middle of cassette, large front chainring).
- It’s okay to use slightly more to ensure all rollers are evenly coated.
Step 4: Work the Lube Into the Chain
- In the same chain position, pinch the top and bottom of the chain with your fingers and rotate the cranks backward 15–20 times.
- Shift into the smallest front chainring and smallest rear cog, and backpedal 15–20 times.
- Then shift into the largest front ring and largest rear cog, and pedal forward (or backward, if your setup allows) 20 more times.
This sequence helps distribute the lubricant thoroughly through the internal surfaces of the chain.
Step 5: Let It Cure and Remove Excess
Dry Time: Let the chain dry for 10–15 minutes.
Use a clean microfiber cloth to remove excess lube from:
- The chain
- The chainrings
- The cassette
- The pulley wheels
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Cyclists shouldn’t have to choose between performance and convenience
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Buy any starter bundle and receive Free Shipping!!!
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A clean drivetrain isn’t a luxury, it’s the foundation for a good ride
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Pause My Subscription?
Yes, you can cancel or pause your subscription anytime
Is the DecaWatts subscription really worth the cost?
Yes, most riders save money over time.
While the upfront cost may seem higher than traditional chain lube or occasional shop visits, the DecaWatts system dramatically reduces drivetrain wear. By keeping your chain fully decontaminated and properly waxed every month, chains last significantly longer and, more importantly, so do cassettes and chainrings, which are far more expensive to replace.
Many customers find that avoiding even one cassette or chainring replacement more than offsets the cost of the subscription. Add in fewer shop visits, no cleaning supplies, no tools, and no time spent on maintenance, and the savings become clear.
In short: you’re not just paying for chain care; you’re paying to replace parts less often, ride a better-performing bike, and avoid unnecessary maintenance costs.
If I already wax my chain at home, will I still see a performance benefit from your subscription?
Yes, unequivocally.
Even if you already wax your chain at home, our subscription will still make a meaningful difference. Each chain we service goes through over two hours of full decontamination and professional re-waxing, allowing us to achieve a level of precision, cleanliness, and consistency that simply isn’t possible at home or at a typical bike shop. Every trace of old wax, grease, and contamination is removed before fresh wax is applied, ensuring the chain is truly reset each time.
Beyond performance, the convenience is unmatched. You don’t need to strip, clean, heat wax, or manage timing; we handle everything for you. This controlled process not only delivers consistently low friction and quiet operation, but also allows chains to last significantly longer, because they are fully decontaminated before every single re-waxing cycle.
In short: better results, longer chain life, and zero effort on your part.
Can I use my current chain, or do I need to purchase new chains?
To deliver the best possible results, all DecaWatts customers begin with a Starter Bundle that includes brand-new, professionally waxed chains. Starting from new allows us to control the process from day one; ensuring complete decontamination, consistent waxing, and optimal performance throughout the life of the chain.
When rotated through the subscription, these chains are designed to last a combined total of up to 50,000 km, meaning they are very likely the last chains your bike will need for a long time. This approach ensures you experience the full benefits of the DecaWatts system: a cleaner, quieter drivetrain, longer component life, and consistently low friction.
We require the Starter Bundle so every customer gets the best possible experience from the subscription and the waxing process; without compromises.
How long will it take to get my chain back after I send it in?
In most cases, your chain is back with you within three weeks, well before it’s time to swap again.