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 $229.99 to $379.99
Off-Road Bundle: from $319.99 to $529.99
The final cost within each range depends on the selected chain model. Every chain is treated using the Silca Endurance hot melt system (Silca Secret Chain Blend combined with two endurance wax chips per 250 g of Silca wax), engineered to deliver exceptional longevity, efficiency, and contaminant resistance. Incorporating multiple chains into your maintenance routine allows for efficient rotation and significantly extends the lifespan of drivetrain components.
Subscription pricing:
| Plan | Price | Intended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Silca Endurance Road |
From $39.99 per month |
Intended for road cyclists, indoor training, and commuters |
| Silca Endurance Off-Road |
From $59.99 per month |
Designed for gravel and MTB riders in demanding or wet conditions |
Understanding the Chain Waxing Subscription Model
At DecaWatts, every chain begins with a deep cleaning process that no home setup or typical 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 virtually 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 Silca Endurance chain waxing accessible to cyclists of all disciplines—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. Wax-based drip lubricants simplify mid-ride maintenance, allowing cyclists to refresh a pre-waxed chain easily and extend performance by roughly 200 kilometers between treatments.
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—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 Silca Endurance hot melt waxing is through our deep decontamination process. Our multi-stage ultrasonic cleaning returns every chain to a contaminant-free state—something few riders or shops can replicate.
The DecaWatts subscription service removes all guesswork. Subscribers simply remove their chain, place it in the provided return package, and ship it using the included prepaid label. Each month, your chain is ultrasonically cleaned, fully decontaminated, and re-waxed using the same multi-stage process trusted by competitive riders. Shipping is free and included in all subscription tiers, making the entire service effortless.
By combining lab-level cleaning precision with the proven durability of Silca Endurance wax and 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:
- Waxing can extend drivetrain lifespan by up to 10×, dramatically reducing long-term maintenance costs.
- A properly waxed chain can last 16,000–25,000 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.
For those interested in deeper scientific and performance data supporting chain waxing, further reading is available [here].
Selecting the Appropriate Subscription Plan
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.
If you plan to use a single Starter Bundle across multiple bicycles—or if you ride several bikes regularly—please email us with details about each bike, your riding habits, and estimated monthly mileage. This allows us to confirm compatibility and offer personalized recommendations or bulk-pricing options where applicable.
For best results, bikes sharing the same chains should have similar chainstay lengths and gearing configurations to maintain consistent shifting performance.
Maintaining Your Chain Between Professional Cleanings
Proper maintenance between professional cleanings is simple and essential for preventing rust and minimizing drivetrain wear. Reapply your wax-based lubricant:
- Every 200 km, or
- Immediately after any wet, muddy, or heavily contaminated ride, or
- Whenever the chain begins to sound dry.
All DecaWatts subscriptions include Tru-Tension BananaSlip Tungsten All-Weather Lube, a premium drip lubricant selected to complement the Silca Endurance hot melt system. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide for re-lubricating with Tru-Tension to ensure consistent protection and optimal efficiency.