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The Transformer Block is not a lubricant in its own right, but a Additive for hot wax. The block is placed in the wax container together with the Rex hot wax and a brand-new chain. The aim is not to remove the factory-applied chain grease, but to chemically alter it so that it no longer hinders the wax from adhering.
What problem does Rex solve with the Transformer Block?
The real problem with chain waxing is not the wax itself, but the initial cleaning. The grease with which manufacturers supply new chains provides reliable protection against corrosion and damage caused by storage. However, this grease is a hindrance when using hot wax: it forms an oily barrier that prevents the wax from penetrating deep into the sprockets, pins and inner links. Although a chain may look waxed on the outside, its lubricating performance is significantly poorer if lubricant residues remain beneath the wax layer.
Up until now, the recommendation has therefore been: degrease thoroughly first, then wax.
Why should cyclists wax their chains? Silca boss Josh Poertner explains The benefits of a waxed chain, as explained in a detailed interview.
How does the Transformer Block work?
Rex talks about a “in-situ oleogelation”. Put simply, this rather technical term refers to a chemical transformation process: the oil contained in the chain lubricant is converted into a firmer, wax-compatible structure as it is heated. The wax then no longer behaves like an oily foreign substance, but becomes part of a system with which the wax can bond.
How the Transformer Block works in practice
The main advantage lies in the significantly simplified procedure: there is no need for the solvent baths, vigorous shaking in preserving jars or drying times that are usually required. Here’s how the process works:
- First of all, the Melt 480 grams of wax in the pot – That’ll take at least 20 minutes. So, pop the wax blocks in and pop out for a quick coffee.
- Now it’s getting exciting: the The new chain goes into the wax bath together with the Transformer Block. The Boost function is used to The pot was heated to 125 degrees, the transformation begins. The process takes 30 minutes, and you’ll need to give it a gentle stir every now and then.
- After 30 minutes, the conversion is complete and The chain must cool down to around 75 degrees. The wax heater always displays the current temperature. Allowing the chain to cool is important, because if you remove the chain from the bath too early, too much of the wax that is still liquid will run out of the chain again. At 75 degrees, more wax remains on the chain and between the pins, which improves lubrication and durability.
- Now the Chain to be placed on the stand to cool down hung up. Any excess wax drips back into the pot and can be reused.
- Once the chain has cooled down, it can be fitted to the drive. Before doing so, the individual to make the still-rigid chain links a little more flexible. Now we’re ready to hit the slopes.
According to Rex, the service life of a chain treated in this way is said to be even longer than that of a standard reference chain that has been degreased and then waxed. The formula was developed in collaboration with the University of Helsinki. However, this information comes from the manufacturer itself and has not yet been subjected to any independent long-term testing on the market.
The catch with the Transformer Blocks
As tempting as the idea sounds, the Transformer Block is not a multi-purpose cleaner. It only works with brand-new, unused chains. For chains that have already been used and are covered in dirt, abrasion marks and old lubricant, the classic rule still applies: clean them thoroughly, dry them and only then apply wax.
By the way: the same applies to Silca Strip chips, which work on a similar principle to Transformer Blocks. Here too, the manufacturer recommends using only brand-new chains.
Conclusion: What the editorial team says
With the Transformer Block, the Finns really do make it easy to get started in the waxing business – at least from a practical point of view. Waxing a brand-new chain with it is as easy as making a bowl of noodle soup. The tedious degreasing process required before the first waxing is completely eliminated. However, its scope of application is quite limited: for used chains, the Transformer Block is no substitute for traditional cleaning.
However, there is another hurdle: the price. 480 grams Hot wax costs 56 euros, for which Transformer Blocks (4 pieces) an additional 16 euros is payable. The Wax Heater Professional costs around 120 euros. It is, however, definitely recommended for this purpose, as it is otherwise difficult to maintain the specified temperatures. Almost 200 euros is a hefty price, but it’s also worth noting that if you alternate between two or three chains, a 480-gram supply will typically last several seasons, and a set of Transformer Blocks is enough to treat four brand-new chains.
Stefan Frey
Editor