The Motorex Chainwax has reputedly been several years in the brewing, is claimed to be made from renewable raw materials and is more than 80% biodegradable. And in line with Motorex’s claims, I found the lube clean running with pleasingly low friction, and that it delivered crisp shifting. But in common with traditional waxes it does take several hours to cure – and you need to start with a scrupulously clean and dry drivetrain.
> Buy now: Motorex Chainwax for £7.85 from Lordgun Bicycles
Specification
Essentially, we have biodegradable wax oils that are delivered by a water-based carrier. The exact make-up of the oils is kept top secret, Motorex only saying that they’re ‘made from natural waxes and specialist additives’.
These promise to penetrate the chain, collect minimal contaminants and, ultimately, to minimise component wear.
According to Motorex, the BIXS Performance Racing Team manager Lukas Flückiger rode more than 1,500km with the test formula and found ‘no measurable chain wear in the chain wear test’, though he did reapply it every time he rode in the rain.
Motorex suggests that it should be good for 180km per application, longer when dry, which is in line with my experience of other wax formulas.
Testing
Ours arrived in late February, which might be an unusual time for testing a dry-weather lube in the UK. But I was also curious as to how well it would work in cooler, wetter conditions. I’ve used some hybrid blends in changeable conditions and returned 400 miles from a single application. I should also say that I managed to get in a high number of dry rides using the Motorex.
As with other wax lubricants, and good practice when switching lubes, your drivetrain needs to be surgically clean. This means whipping out the rear wheel, blasting the cassette with a degreaser and scrubbing for all your worth. The same is true for the derailleur, jockey wheels, cage and – most obviously – the chain. Dry everything thoroughly, shake the bottle liberally, pop out the spout and carefully deliver the lube onto the chain.
The flow rate even down to 10°C is very predictable and not unduly runny. Give the cranks a few turns to ensure a consistent and even application. Given the viscosity when properly shaken, this allows for a second or even a third coating, which was the route I took first time, given the wet roads and standing water.
Leave for several hours, or ideally overnight – the lube will turn from white to a clear glaze when cured. Unlike some preps, it doesn’t seem unduly temperature sensitive; some say they’ll only work over 13°C. I also applied some to cables and cleat mechanisms.
Friction/Lubrication
When it was fully cured to its clear, slightly glazed state, I spun the cranks which confirmed that the wax had permeated comprehensively but without flaking or a waxy residue. From the outset, pedal entry and release was refreshingly crisp, and lower mid-range drivetrains felt snappier. It may not have been on a par with a runny, petrochemical dry lube but it was still swift.
Corrosion resistance was also better than I expected, with no hint of an orange taint even after five successive wet rides. In identical circumstances, Peaty’s Link Lube Dry had some traces after the third 25-mile loop.
Cleanliness
Unlike traditional waxes that trap contaminants within the upper layers before falling away, the Motorex stays as a glaze, attracting minimal grime. In testing during changeable weather, I rode mainly on lanes, unmade roads and gravel trails.
The result was that there was very little muck, even the side plates and cassette having only a film of grime, whereas wax and some hybrid blends tend to cling to the cassette. And even if the chain stays relatively clean, the jockey wheels and chainring will cultivate black gloop.
Not only hasn’t this happened with the Motorex Chainwax, it was also reassuringly dry to the touch. And if you do get it on your fingers a wipe on the grass will get them clean, which is a bonus as far as I’m concerned.
Durability
Given the figures suggested and the conditions I rode in, I wasn’t completely surprised to find the chain looking parched after 55 miles. However, looking further, I found that a thin but tenacious film still remained, managing a further 15 miles before the very faint sound of metal on metal crept in. This is similar to what I’ve achieved with other waxes in similar conditions.
During drier spells, a generous helping and after curing for eight hours, I achieved 125 miles before having to replenish. Given the long curing period I’d be inclined to reapply it beforehand. By then, you can just shake the bottle and apply it, but I’d favour giving the chain and drivetrain a quick wipe, if only to ensure there’s no trace moisture that could impair the lube’s adhesion.
Value
The £10.99 RRP for 100ml is competitive but there’s lots of competition out there.
The Squirt Long Lasting Chain Lube costs £12.99 for 120ml and is closer to an emulsion wax. The low-temperature version is similarly capable and flows better in cold weather, though in common with the Motorex Chainwax, it requires a surgically clean drivetrain and requires longer curing times.
Peaty’s Link Lube Dry costs £12.99 for 120ml and my experience largely mirrors that of Matt. Carefully applied, it will cling on convincingly but the nozzle design made it trickier to achieve an even coating.
Momum MIC Chain Wax is £13.99 for 120ml and is a blend of waxes and ceramic components. I’ve returned 440 miles from a single application during a wet June, and it cures relatively quickly.
Green Oil’s Dry Chain Wax £14.99 contains no petrochemicals or PRFE and takes on a clean, glazed state when fully cured.
The Silca Super Secret Chain Coating is a super-pricy £32 for 120ml. It cures relatively quickly, friction is low and it seems to extend drivetrain life – and it could justify the price if you’re doing big miles on bikes with high-end transmissions.
For other options, check out our best bike chain lubes buyer’s guide.
Conclusion
Motorex Chainwax is a very decent, clean-running wax lube that’s actually closer to a dry formula when fully cured, which is a bonus when it comes to cleanliness. Friction is lower and shifting crisp, but its durability is no better than that of many of its competitors, which explains why I’ve awarded it a good rather than great mark.
Verdict
Decent quality, clean-running lube but with middling durability and long curing times
> Buy now: Motorex Chainwax for £7.85 from Lordgun Bicycles
All the deals displayed on our review pages are pulled from a constantly updating database feed of the best affiliate deals available. The criteria for deciding on what are the best deals is who is offering the lowest, delivered price. In most cases we will be showing the very best deal available online, but sometimes you may be able to find an item cheaper. If you can please feel free to post a link in the comments box below. To find out more about affiliate links on road.cc click here.
road.cc test report
Make and model: Motorex Chainwax 100ml
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?
Motorex says: “MOTOREX CHAINWAX now offers every cyclist a chain lubricant that combines the key benefits of easy application and excellent adhesion on the chain – with long-lasting effectiveness to match. This not only means no more black, sticky and dirty chains but also marks the end of laborious chain cleaning and inevitable messy fingers.”
I found it very clean running and much closer in nature to a dry lube rather than a traditional wax lube. However, its durability in damper conditions is very similar.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
“The wax is made from renewable raw materials, is more than 80 per cent biodegradable and is free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It offers excellent penetration capability and high wear protection. Plus, it doesn’t leave any oil stains on the floor.
“Chains lubricated with MOTOREX CHAINWAX stay clean for long periods – and are easier to clean than chains with oily lubricants. Aside from its long-lasting effectiveness, the high performance chain wax also offers anti-static and water-repelling properties thanks to its dry wax film. The wax-water emulsion technology also makes the wax just as easy to apply as conventional chain lubricants.
Before using for the first time, cyclists should carefully degrease chains and cassettes that have been lubricated with oily products.”
Decent quality lube that performs well, curing to a state more commonly associated with a dry rather than a wax lube, and remaining clean.
Good in dry to mildly damp conditions. Very low friction and snappy shifting, collects minimal dirt and hasn’t become a sticky mess like some traditional waxes in warmer temperatures.
Good in dry weather with a performance very much in line with similar products in damp to wet conditions.
Competitively priced, especially as performance and durability are on par with other dry-type wax lubes.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Intended for dry conditions, the Motorex Chainwax cures to a very clean state, rewarding you with snappy shifting and low friction. I found its durability middling but it is in line with the manufacturer’s claims and typical for a lube of its type. It doesn’t melt to a messier state when temperatures rise, which for me is another advantage over a traditional wax.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Very clean running, low friction and more or less maintenance-free between applications.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Long curing times, middling durability in changeable conditions.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
The Squirt Long Lasting Chain Lube is £12.99 for 120ml and is closer to an emulsion wax. The low temperature version is similarly capable and flows better in cold weather. In common with the Motorex and most wax lubes, it requires a surgically clean drivetrain and longer curing times compared with other lubes.
Peaty’s Link Lube Dry is also £12.99 for 120ml and my experience largely mirrors that of Matt. Carefully applied, it will cling on very convincingly but the bottle’s nozzle design made it trickier to achieve an even coating.
Momum’s MIC Chain Wax is £13.99 for 120ml and is a hybrid blend of waxes with ceramic components. I’ve returned 440 miles from a single application during an often-wet June, and it cures relatively quickly.
Green Oil’s Dry Chain Wax is £14.99, contains no petrochemicals and takes on a clean, glazed state when cured.
The Silca Super Secret Chain Coating is a super-pricy £32 for 120ml. But it is relatively quick to cure, delivers very low friction and seems to extend drivetrain life – this could justify the hefty asking price if you’re doing big miles on bikes with high-end drivetrains.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Possibly
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes – at least for mainly dry conditions.
Use this box to explain your overall score
Decent quality and a very clean lube for dry conditions that could extend chain and drivetrain life – which could prove very cost-effective in the long term. However, its durability is only middling in more changeable weather.
About the tester
Age: 51 Height: 1m 81cm Weight: 70kg
I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road
I’ve been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
