How It Works?

Cost Structure and Subscription Options

To begin utilizing the Decawatts chain waxing service, customers are required to purchase a Starter Bundle, which includes two to three pre-waxed chains and all necessary initial supplies. Two bundle options are available, tailored to different riding disciplines:

• Road Bundle: from $209.99 to $379.99
• Off-Road Bundle: from $289.99 to $529.99

The final cost within each range depends on the selected chain model and wax formulation. Incorporating multiple chains into your maintenance routine allows for efficient rotation and significantly extends the lifespan of drivetrain components.

Once you add a bundle to your cart, we’ll automatically recommend the ideal monthly subscription plan for you—based on your riding volume and preferred wax type. The available tiers are:

*Additional details about each bundle are available on their corresponding product pages.

Understanding the Chain Waxing Subscription Model

At DecaWatts, every chain begins with a deep cleaning process that no home setup or bike shop replicates. We completely reset the chain’s contamination level through multiple ultrasonic cleaning batches over a two-hour cycle—an intensive procedure that eliminates every trace of grime, oil, and residue. This level of precision cleaning is the foundation for true chain performance and durability, and it’s something no other store takes the time to do.

The DecaWatts Chain Waxing Subscription was created to make the performance and longevity benefits of professional-grade chain waxing accessible to cyclists of all disciplines and experience levels—without the time, mess, or effort required to maintain it themselves.

Traditionally, hot wax treatment involves removing the chain from the bike and immersing it in melted wax for optimal lubrication and cleanliness. While extremely effective, the process is labor-intensive and unrealistic for most riders to repeat regularly. Newer wax-based drip lubricants have simplified mid-ride maintenance, allowing cyclists to refresh a pre-waxed chain easily and extend performance for about 200 kilometers between treatments. Once the drivetrain starts to sound dry, a quick reapplication, a 30-minute cure time, and the chain is ready to roll again.

However, even with these advances, chains still require periodic resets to maintain peak efficiency—and this is where DecaWatts truly stands apart. Over time, wax-based lubricants inevitably trap contaminants of all sizes—from microscopic particles to larger debris like dirt and sand—that degrade performance and accelerate wear. The only way to fully restore a chain and unlock the true benefits of wax-based lubricants and hot melt waxing is through the kind of deep decontamination process we perform. Our multi-stage ultrasonic cleaning completely resets the chain to its original, contaminant-free state. This level of restoration is critical for preserving the long-term advantages of a waxed drivetrain, yet it’s a level of care and precision few cyclists—or even shops—can replicate.

The DecaWatts subscription service eliminates that barrier by handling every step professionally. Subscribers simply remove their chain, place it in the provided return package, and drop it at any Canada Post location using the included prepaid shipping label. Each month, your chain is ultrasonically cleaned, fully decontaminated, and re-waxed by experienced technicians using the same multi-stage process trusted by competitive riders. Shipping is free and included in all subscription tiers, making the entire service effortless and maintenance-free.

By combining lab-level cleaning precision with the convenience of a subscription model, DecaWatts delivers unmatched drivetrain performance, cleanliness, and longevity—without requiring any tools, time, or mechanical expertise from the rider.

The Case for Chain Waxing:

Chain waxing offers compelling advantages for cyclists across all disciplines, including urban commuters, competitive road cyclists, and off-road enthusiasts such as gravel and mountain bike riders. From both economic and performance perspectives, the benefits of chain waxing are substantial and widely applicable.

Primarily, waxing significantly extends the service life of drivetrain components—by as much as a factor of ten—thereby reducing long-term maintenance costs and the frequency of part replacement. A properly waxed chain can achieve an exceptional lifespan of approximately 16,000 to 25,000 kilometers, depending on riding conditions, chain type, and maintenance practices. This longevity is largely attributed to the wax’s ability to repel contaminants and minimize abrasive wear, a feature particularly beneficial under the demanding conditions of gravel and mountain biking.

In terms of performance, waxed chains exhibit considerably lower friction compared to traditional drip lubricants. This reduction in drivetrain resistance can result in power savings of up to 10 watts, a meaningful gain for performance-focused cyclists. Additionally, the consistency of a waxed drivetrain can contribute to smoother power transfer and improved pedaling efficiency.

Wax also offers a distinct advantage in terms of cleanliness. Unlike conventional lubricants that attract dust and grime, wax forms a dry, solid coating on both the internal and external surfaces of the chain. This helps maintain a cleaner drivetrain, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and contributing to overall mechanical efficiency.

For those interested in the underlying scientific mechanisms and performance data supporting chain waxing, further reading is available [here].

Selecting the Appropriate Subscription Plan

Choose the Starter Bundle that aligns with your riding style and estimated monthly mileage. If you ride multiple bicycles or plan to use a single Starter Bundle across several bikes—switching the chain or chains between them—please provide us with comprehensive details about each bike, your cycling habits, and frequency of use. This will enable us to offer personalized recommendations for the most suitable subscription plan and bundle, including volume discounts where applicable.

It is important that the bikes involved have similar chainstay lengths and gearing configurations to ensure consistent shifting performance when transferring chains between them.

Important Note: 

To streamline the process and eliminate guesswork, the wax type used on your Starter Bundle chain will automatically match the wax specified in your subscription plan. This ensures a seamless and consistent experience from the outset.

For example, if you select a Silca-tier subscription—whether for road or off-road use—your Starter Bundle will be prepared with chains treated exclusively in Silca hot melt wax. The same automatic pairing applies to Molten-tier subscriptions. This ensures complete compatibility between your maintenance cycle and lubrication protocol, preserving peak efficiency and minimizing wear over time.

If at any point after your first month you wish to switch to a different wax type, you may do so by updating your selection within the subscription settings. The corresponding chain treatment will be adjusted accordingly in future servicing to reflect your new preference.

Maintaining Your Chain Between Professional Cleanings

Proper maintenance of your chain between professional cleanings is straightforward and essential for preventing rust and minimizing drivetrain wear. The critical factor is understanding the optimal timing for reapplying wax-based lubricant.

A general guideline is to reapply the lubricant every 200 kilometers or immediately following any ride in wet conditions. If the chain begins to produce audible signs of dryness, it is advisable to apply the lubricant sooner to maintain optimal performance.

The method of reapplication is the same regardless of whether you're using Molten or Silca wax. Silca SS Drip is included with the Silca subscription tier, while Tru-Tension BananaSlip Tungsten All-Weather Lube comes with the Molten tier. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide for re-lubricating with either product to ensure consistent protection and optimal efficiency.