If you're serious about cycling, you know that a clean and well-lubricated chain is essential for optimal performance. Hot wax is the best way to lubricate your chain and offers numerous advantages over traditional oil and drip wax methods.
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The Benefits of Hot Wax
Key benefits of hot wax:
- Minimal dirt adhesion – Hot wax dries into a hard, dry layer that hardly attracts dirt. This results in less wear on your chain, cassette, and chainrings.
- Extremely long-lasting – A single waxing session with the right formula, such as Hyper or Wander Wax, can last up to 1000 km in dry conditions and 500 km in wet, off-road conditions.
- Maximum efficiency – Hot wax reduces friction between the chain and chainrings, leading to energy savings and a smoother ride.
- Cleaner and more durable drivetrain – Since dirt and sand adhere less to a waxed chain, your components last longer, reducing maintenance costs.
- Eco-friendly – Hyper and Wander Wax are biodegradable and free from harmful substances such as PFAS.
Hyper vs Wander Wax
When choosing the right wax for your bike, there are various options available. Two of the best hot waxes on the market are Hyper and Wander Wax, both developed in collaboration with UCI World Tour teams. Hyper was developed with a focus on an immediate and maximal friction reduction, whilst Wander Wax was developed with a focus on durability and performance over longer distances.
Development of Hyper & Wander Wax
During the development of the Dynamic Hot Waxes, numerous prototypes were tested and refined in both laboratory and in real-world conditions.
Our philosophy is that a lubricant must have both high load-bearing capacity and low friction. It’s crucial that the lubricant forms a constant barrier to avoid metal-on-metal contact while withstanding high loads.
Additionally, friction reduction is key. However, low friction is only beneficial if the lubricating film remains intact. If the wax is pushed out of the chain links too quickly, low friction becomes meaningless. That’s why load-bearing capacity is just as important as friction reduction.
Laboratory tests
The waxes were extensively tested under controlled laboratory conditions to measure both friction values and durability over time.
- At the start of the testing protocol, Hyper’s friction value is 30% lower compared to Wander’s.
- It then took Hyper 1 minute to reach it’s optimal performance level, where this took 5 minutes for Wander Wax.
- After one hour, both waxes had similar friction values.
- Beyond one hour, Wander Wax’s increased durability proved it more resilient to increased loads when compared to Hyper, but both still showed sufficient lubrication at sustained power outputs.
Field Tests
Both waxes were tested in real-world conditions under various weather circumstances. The following aspects were evaluated:
- How long the wax lasts
- How clean the chain remains
- How quiet the drivetrain runs
From this testing became evident that both waxes provide long-lasting, quiet and clean lubrication in a variety of conditions. However, at increased service intervals and particularly in wet, off-road conditions Wander Wax showed its durability in positive noise and lubrications reports from testers.
Independent Test Results
Wander Wax was ranked number one in independent tests conducted by BIKE and Tour Magazine. In these tests, new chains were thoroughly degreased and waxed following an identical protocol.
Test Procedure:
The chain was driven for 1 hour at 370W with a cadence of 92 RPM.
- The drivetrain's input and output power were measured to calculate drivetrain losses. These losses were measured and averaged over the last 20 minutes of the first hour.
- After this hour, power was increased to 680W, and the drivetrain losses were measured and averaged again over a period of 10 minutes.
Test Results:
- Wander Wax achieved the overall best result with an average power loss of 11.8W at 370W and 12.9W at 680W.
- Hyper Wax ranked second with an average loss of 11.5W at 370W and 14.3W at 680W.
Hyper Wax initially performed best in the whole hour at 370W, but after this point, Wander Wax showed its performance potential due to its higher durability.
Which Wax is Best for You?
Hyper is perfect for situations where an instant performance boost is needed due to the significant lower friction at the start. It is the fastest hot wax in the world, optimized for maximum performance over short distances. It is slightly softer, resulting in even less friction, but it attracts more dirt, which impacts durability. This makes it perfect for time trials, triathlons, criteriums, and fast-paced group rides.
Wander Wax is designed for extreme durability and performance. Perfect for long rides, gravel adventures, mountain biking, endurance racing in all-weather conditions. It is slightly harder than Hyper, making it less prone to dirt adhesion, which makes it ideal for all weather conditions.
The Best of Both Worlds: Mixing Hyper & Wander Wax
For those looking for a balance between low friction and long-term durability, we recommend mixing Hyper and Wander Wax, for instance at a ratio 1:2. In this way you can create a custom blend that perfectly suits your riding style and conditions.
This combination offers:
- Lower friction at the start compared to Wander Wax alone
- Improved durability over longer distances compared to Hyper Wax
Whichever wax you choose, Hyper, Wander Wax, or a combination of both, you’ll experience a significant improvement in your cycling experience.
Do you want ultimate chain performance and minimal dirt build-up? Switch to Hyper or Wander Wax and experience the difference! 🚴♂️🔥
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