More and more cyclists are discovering the benefits of a waxed chain for themselves: less wear and tear, reduced friction loss and a chain that’s always clean. It sounds like the holy grail of chain lubrication, but it also has its drawbacks. So far, hot wax has been regarded as the ultimate solution. However, applying it is a fiddly process. You have to degrease the chain, dip it in liquid wax – and repeat the whole process at regular intervals.
Conclusion from the editor’s perspective
Switching to chain wax has been one of the best upgrades I’ve made to my bike in recent years. I’ve never had such a clean bike before. If I have a breakdown, I can touch the chain without getting my hands greasy. Gear changes are smoother, and there’s less wear and tear. I’m happy to put in the slightly extra effort at the start to get these benefits.
The fact that the new Silca Super Secret 2.0 drip wax is closing the performance gap on hot wax is great news, as it’s much easier to use and re-lubrication takes just a few seconds. However, even this product cannot replace the initial hot waxing of a new chain. At 30 euros for a 100-ml bottle, the price is also quite high compared to traditional chain oil. Stefan Frey, BIKE editor
Drip wax is regarded as the everyday-friendly alternative, but numerous tests have confirmed that, until now, it has not been able to match the performance of hot wax. With its new liquid chain wax, Super Secret 2.0, Silca now aims to bridge the gap with hot wax. To this end, the manufacturer has revised the formula, using a different emulsifier and smaller wax particles. According to Silca, these changes are designed to address the shortcomings of the first version: its limited durability in wet conditions and the relatively short duration before the next application is required.
Greater range and higher efficiency
According to the manufacturer, the new formula is said to deliver a range of 350 to 400 km per application. Silca states that Super Secret 2.0 also generates up to 0.8 watts less friction loss than the first version. The smaller wax particles are designed to penetrate deeper into the chain rollers and remain there for longer, even when water comes into contact with the chain. The newly formulated additives are also said to smooth the chain’s surface at a microscopic level, thereby reducing friction on the chain. Compared with other products, Silca even claims a saving of up to seven watts.
The new drip wax was tested and developed in collaboration with the professionals at Team Visma | Lease a Bike. Just how important the topic of chain wax has become is clear when you look at this year’s Tour de France peloton: in 2026, almost all the successful teams lined up with waxed drivetrains – including the overall winner, Tadej Pogacar.
Technical specifications:
- Drip-on chain wax
- Range: 350 to 400 km per charge
- Improved efficiency: up to 0.8 watts less power loss than its predecessor
- Improved grip in wet conditions
- Special feature: New emulsifier, smaller wax particles
- Price: 30 euros / 100 ml
Conclusion from the editor’s perspective
Switching to chain wax has been one of the best upgrades I’ve made to my bike in recent years. I’ve never had such a clean bike before. If I have a breakdown, I can touch the chain without getting my hands greasy. Gear changes are smoother, and there’s less wear and tear. I’m happy to put in the slightly extra effort at the start to get these benefits.
The fact that the new Silca Super Secret 2.0 drip wax is closing the performance gap on hot wax is great news, as it’s much easier to use and re-lubrication takes just seconds. However, even this product cannot replace the initial hot waxing of a new chain. At 30 euros, the price for a 100-ml bottle is also quite high. Stefan Frey, BIKE editor
Stefan Frey
Editor