Optimize offers a range of chain waxing solutions, and its Graphite Chain Wax sits in the middle of the line-up, promising improved performance thanks to the addition of graphite. In testing, it delivered impressively smooth, clean-running results – but it comes with one notable drawback: an unusually long drying time. Even after four hours, the wax could still feel tacky, making overnight curing essential.
> Buy now: Optimize Graphite Chain Wax for €22.68 from Optimize
Application and use
Applying Optimize Graphite Chain Wax is a straightforward process, provided the initial preparation is done properly. The chain must be completely free from oil or grease, including any factory lube on a brand-new chain – any residual contamination will prevent the wax from bonding effectively.
The wax itself is fairly thin and flows easily, which makes application simple and mess-free. The bottle features the same excellent nozzle used across the Optimize drip wax range – one of the best I’ve come across. It offers precise control and allows accurate application directly onto the chain rollers with very little waste. Unlike some wax-based lubes, Optimize advises against shaking the bottle to prevent air mixing in, although briefly inverting it can help re-distribute any settled wax particles.
I applied the wax by slowly backpedalling while coating the inside of the chain, then repeated the process on the top side to ensure full coverage. For the initial treatment, two coats applied a few minutes apart worked well.
As with all drip waxes, drying time is required, and in this case, it may take slightly longer than some other drip wax chain lubricants. On a bikepacking trip, I reapplied the wax overnight but with a short sleep (around four hours) and in colder, single-figure temperatures, the chain remained slightly tacky in the morning. In more typical summer overnight conditions, with temperatures in the low double digits, the wax cured fully and left a dry, firm finish.
Performance
Once fully cured and used in dry conditions, Optimize Graphite Chain Wax delivered excellent performance. The drivetrain felt slick and remained impressively clean throughout. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to test it back-to-back with the brand’s more affordable non-graphite version, so I can’t confirm whether the graphite additive offers a measurable performance benefit, though it’s often claimed to reduce friction and improve longevity.
Across dry road, gravel, and trail rides, the wax regularly delivered over 200km per application, running smoothly and quietly the entire time. Drivetrain noise served as the clearest indicator of wear, with a gentle increase in sound signalling it was time to reapply.
As with most wax-based lubes, performance in the wet was less impressive. Rides in steady drizzle or heavy road spray saw the wax wear off in less than 100km. Afterwards, the chain would take on that familiar dry, metallic sound, indicating it had been stripped of protection. While this is typical behaviour for wax lubes, some other high-end options have fared slightly better in similar conditions during previous testing.
What stood out most was just how clean the drivetrain stayed. Even after multiple reapplications, the chain consistently looked fresh, with only minimal dry black gunk residue needing to be scraped away before the next application.
On the few occasions when the wax hadn’t had enough time to fully dry before riding, the difference was clear. A noticeable build-up of black gunk developed, affecting both cleanliness and performance. While some wax lubes can suffer from this even with proper drying time, the issue with Optimize Graphite only ever appeared when attempting to ride before the wax had dried completely.
Value and overall
At around €22.68 (~£20) for a 100ml bottle, Optimize Graphite Chain Wax sits in the mid-to-premium price bracket. It compares well with other high-end drip waxes I’ve used extensively, including Silca Super Secret, which retails at £25 for a 120ml (4oz) bottle – though Silca also offers a larger 240ml (8oz) option, which improves value if you’re buying in bulk.
The main limitation with Optimize Graphite is its drying time. While the performance once fully dry is excellent, it does demand planning – this isn’t a lube you can apply just before heading out for a ride. Perhaps its biggest competition comes from within Optimize’s own range. The standard version of their chain wax is more affordable, just as clean-running, and equally easy to apply, even if it doesn’t seem to match the Graphite variant in terms of durability, where 150km was more typical.
Optimize Graphite Chain Wax is a strong option for dry weather riders who value a silent, spotless drivetrain and are looking to benefit from the potential performance gains of graphite. Just be prepared to allow it the drying time it needs.
Verdict
Clean-running, high-performing wax for dry conditions, if you can plan ahead and allow to dry
> Buy now: Optimize Graphite Chain Wax for €22.68 from Optimize
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Optimize Graphite Chain Wax
Size tested: 100 ml
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?
Optimize says: “Our all-rounder: Suitable for every bike and every application. Clean, fast, and extremely wear-reducing. The ideal choice for beginners!”
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Optimize lists:
– Contents: 100ml
– 250-300km range (less depending on weather and load)
– Sufficient for approx. 4,000 – 5,000km per bottle
– Additive: Graphite
Lasts well after it has time to dry, and keeps the drivetrain very clean.
Similar to other good drip wax options, but it stayed among the cleanest I have used. Typically lasted around 150-200km.
Similar in price to other top drip wax options.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Very clean in use, and lasted well in dry conditions.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Exceptionally clean, even compared to other hot wax and drip wax options.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
It takes a long time to dry.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
Silca Secret Chain Blend is £25 for 4oz (120ml), which works out at £20.83 for 100ml, and based on the current exchange, Optimize is just under £20. The cheaper version that Optimize produces is a big competitor, and not much more than half the price.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Potentially – although the cheaper Optimize wax is also very good.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, no major downsides.
Use this box to explain your overall score
While Optimize Graphite chain wax does take a long time to dry, the performance in terms of longevity and how clean it keeps the drivetrain is among the best I have used, and at a price point that makes it competitive against the current market leaders.
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
