Dynamic Slick Wax promises all-weather durability and long-lasting performance on both road and off-road terrain, boldly claiming to outlast other chain waxes, but in my experience it fell short of expectations.
Applying Slick Wax is much the same as with most drip wax lubricants: you’ll first need to thoroughly clean the chain, removing all dirt, oil, and grease, and ensure no residue remains from any degreaser. Once the chain is spotless and dry, give the bottle a good shake – I noticed the contents tend to separate, with a clear liquid settling at the bottom and wax floating on top.
Dynamic recommends applying a drop to both the inside and outside of each link. That advice differs from most other brands, as lubricating the outside of the links is generally unnecessary, as it is the rollers that require lubricating and not the outer chain links.
Trying to apply a consistent drop per link was a frustrating process. The bottle is quite firm and difficult to squeeze with precision, and the nozzle on my example tended to deliver an inconsistent flow. At times, it would suddenly release too much lubricant, leading to wastage and mess.
The wax itself is surprisingly thin for a drip-based option, closer in consistency to water than other wax chain lubricants and less effective at clinging to the rollers, especially when compared with thicker alternatives like Squirt or Silca Super Secret, both of which are easier and cleaner to apply.
Once applied, Dynamic recommends allowing two to three hours for the wax to dry, though I’d suggest leaving it overnight where possible to ensure the water carrying the wax has been dried and removed completely.
I tested Slick Wax across several bikes and a wide range of conditions. Early dry-weather road rides were relatively promising, with the wax lasting up to 150km in ideal circumstances. It kept the chain cleaner than oil-based lubricants, though it didn’t stay as clean as top performers like Optimize’s recently tested chain waxes. Some grime still clung to the chain, even after wiping following the rides.
However, its performance dropped significantly in wet weather and off-road use. On several occasions, despite fully cured fresh applications, I noticed the chain running dry and noisy after as little as 20km, which was a clear sign the wax had already been washed away. While it’s true that most wax-based lubes struggle in wet conditions, this was still disappointing compared with others I’ve used.
In terms of both performance and price, I’ve found better results with Optimize Chain Wax, which leaves the drivetrain cleaner and lasts longer. And Stu was impressed with Squirt, one of the original wax-based products, when he reviewed it in 2022, and it still offers reasonable value at £14.99 for a 120ml bottle.
For all-round performance, including durability, cleanliness, and smooth running, my current go-to is Silca Super Secret Chain Lube, although it is a much pricier option at £25 for 4oz/120ml. For maximum performance, starting with a hot wax, such as Silca Super Secret Chain Blend, and using Super Secret lube as a top-up is a great method.
Conclusion
Dynamic Slick Wax does have some positives, but overall, it lags behind the competition. The bottle design makes application needlessly difficult, and real-world performance is hit and miss, being reasonable in dry conditions, but poor when things turn wet or gritty. For regular use on and off-road, there are better options.
Verdict
Thin wax-based lube that falls short on all-weather durability and is more difficult to apply than many of its competitors
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Dynamic Slick Wax
Size tested: 100ml
Tell us what the product is for and who it’s aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Dynamic says:
Slick chain wax will make your drivetrain run smooth, clean, and quiet. This often-chosen chain wax is ideal for all weather conditions. It reduces the friction in your chain, protects against corrosion and is extremely durable. Suitable for use on road bikes, gravel bikes and mountain bikes
The ultimate all-round wax, suited for all weather conditions and bikes.
Planet friendly, fully biodegradable.
No more black chain and cassette, Slick Wax keeps your drivetrain clean (and quiet).
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Dynamic lists:
Application
First application:
Clean your chain and drivetrain really well, rinse with water afterwards to make sure there is no residue of the chain cleaner left. Let the chain, cassette and crankset dry out completely. Shake the bottle and apply 1 drop of Slick Wax on the inside and outside of every single chain link. Wait for 2-3 hours before riding to get the best result. Remove excess wax with a brush or cloth if needed.
Reapplication:
Run the chain through a cloth to remove any dirt or wax residue, you can also use a brush to remove residues from your cassette or pulley wheels. Apply 1 drop of Slick Wax to the inside and outside of every single chain link. For the best results, we advise to wait 2-3 hours before riding.
Very thin liquid, combined with a poor bottle and nozzle design, which doesn’t help application.
Average in the dry, but poor in the wet.
In damp or wet conditions, I found it poor compared with rival options.
Similar to other wax-based chain lubricant options but not as clean running, long lasting, or easy to apply.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It was difficult to apply, with a nozzle and bottle material that meant it was difficult to control the flow. The liquid is thin, and I found it was poor in the wet, and in dry conditions attracted some dirt.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Reasonable durability in dry conditions.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The poor bottle and nozzle make it hard to apply evenly, and it was poor in even slightly wet conditions.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
Priced similarly to other popular options, including Squirt (£14.99, 120ml) and the recently tested Optimize Chain Wax at £10.75 (100ml), which runs cleaner and is easier to apply consistently.
Did you enjoy using the product? No
Would you consider buying the product? No
Would you recommend the product to a friend? No
Use this box to explain your overall score
While Dynamic Slick Wax has some reasonable properties, such as good durability in dry conditions, it is poor when wet or damp, and difficult to apply.
About the tester
Age: 39 Height: 168 Weight: 61
I usually ride: My best bike is: Cannondale SystemSix
I’ve been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, cyclo cross, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb, Lots of gravel style riding
