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Chain wax has been experiencing an upswing in the cycling scene for years. More and more riders are switching from classic oil-based lubricants to wax-based solutions. The advantages are obvious: cleaner drive, less dirt, longer service life. Muc-Off is now entering this growing market with a product that aims to strike a balance between three critical factors: Efficiency, durability and low wear.
90 formulations to the final product!
The Dark Energy Chain Wax went through an exceptionally long development process. It took four years from the initial idea to market maturity. During this time, more than 90 different formulations were created. Each one had to prove itself in a multi-stage test procedure. The developers relied on a combination of laboratory analyses and practical applications. The formulations spent over 8,500 hours on dynamometers and tribometers. At the same time, test drivers and professional teams completed more than 100,000 kilometres under real-life conditions.
Complex measurements in the laboratory and practice
The technical equipment in the Muc-Off laboratory makes it possible to visualise wear marks on the chain surface with a resolution of 0.1 micrometres. The formulations underwent tribological tests in accordance with ASTM standards, which evaluate the coefficient of friction and wear properties in a standardised manner. Candidates with good values made it to the next round: here the wax formulations had to undergo dynamometer tests under clean and dirty conditions over longer periods of time.
The laboratory results were only the first stage. Muc-Off then sent promising formulations into the field. An internal test team drove the waxes under a wide range of weather conditions. Rain, mud, dust, heat and cold were to show how the candidates fared in practice. Professional teams were the final authority. Riders, mechanics and performance directors from EF Pro Cycling, Decathlon CMA CGM, Commencal Muc-Off and Specialised Factory Racing provided structured feedback. Their feedback flowed directly into further refinements. Each change started the entire test cycle from the beginning.
Success at the Tour Down Under
Naomi Rüegg rode Dark Energy Chain Wax to victory at the Tour Down Under in January. Its use at World Tour level confirmed its performance under racing conditions. Muc-Off also had the results validated externally.
Graduate engineer Robert Kühnen, who has also carried out lubricant and drivetrain wear tests for BIKE and TOUR, independently tested the efficiency and friction values in his measurement laboratory in Germany.
Dark Energy achieved friction losses of 8.0 and 11.2 W at 370 / 680 W, which are peak values. For comparison: A high-end chain oil achieved 9 or 13.4 W in the same clamping. - Dipl. Ing. Robert Kühnen, BIKE and TOUR expert
ESR Technology, the UK's national tribology centre, carried out separate tests on wear and coefficient of friction. Both institutes confirmed the values from the in-house laboratory.
The Dark Energy Chain Wax does not contain PFAS or PTFE. It is based on vegetable waxes that are biodegradable. The product is suitable for racing bikes, gravel bikes and mountain bikes. The 50 ml bottle costs 20 euros, the 120 ml version 30 euros >> available here.
Cleaner for wax drives
Muc-Off is introducing the Chain Wax Cleaner alongside the wax. The cleaner removes factory grease, oil residues and old wax deposits. The formula leaves no residue that could impair the adhesion of the new wax. The product is intended for the initial preparation of new chains and for cleaning cycles before re-waxing. A consistent bond between wax and chain is crucial for long-term performance. The Chain Wax Cleaner in a 500 ml bottle is available for 25 euros.
Stefan Frey
Editor
