chain wax tested: squirt vs dynamic bike care

Switching from regular chain lube to wax was a proper game-changer in my bike maintenance routine.

For years, a few drips of original Shimano dry lube had been the backbone of my drive train. Despite being a bit of a mucky pup, it did the job. I always made sure to lube up well in advance. Giving it a good 24 hours before the next ride, and I’d even dab off any excess. But no matter what, the chain would go from shiny grey to a dull matte black after just a few rides, even quicker if I’d been out in the wet or on dusty lanes. But I just shrugged it off and that’s just how it’s always been.

Squirt chain wax

About two years back, I stumbled upon this little sample of Squirt Chain Wax, chucked in with an online order. Curiosity piqued, I decided to give it a try, sticking religiously to the instructions until my chain was purring smoothly on wax.

I was gobsmacked. The slickness was unlike anything I’d ever felt before. But the real deal? After several rides, my entire drivetrain was still spotless! Regardless of the muck I rode through!

Chuffed, I ordered a full bottle and have been using that one back since. But…

dynamic speed potion wax

A good friend, who’s a sales rep in the industry, represents Dynamic Bike Care. Last time we went for a spin, he wouldn’t stop banging on about their so-called Speed Potion Wax. Being the stubborn guy I am, I insisted that I was a die-hard Squirt Wax fan and wasn’t keen on switching. However, after half an hour of his pitch, I caved in. Partly just to shut him up…

After that ride, he handed me a sample bottle of their Speed Potion Wax and I gave it a proper go. I followed the guidelines on their website to a T, thoroughly degreasing the chain before carefully applying the wax to each link.

I’ve given it a fair shake test, and now, it’s about time I share my findings with you.

Let me kick off by noting that prepping your chain for waxing is a universal saga across all waxes. It demands a decent chunk of time and elbow grease to properly strip your chain of its factory lube. The same goes when you’re transitioning a lubricated chain to wax. I could spin a yarn about that whole process, but for now, I’m zeroing in on the testing phase. If you’re keen to dig into the waxing prep details, give this article a read, or pop a comment below.

background info

I’ve clocked up about 20,000 km on Squirt Wax since I first stumbled upon it, testing it out more than properly.

At the time of writing, I’ve had Dynamics Speed Potion Wax on my chain for roughly 2,000 km. So, it might be a tad early for a full review, but I’m already quite tuned into the differences I’ve noticed.

So, without further ado, let’s dive straight in. Two things have quickly caught my attention.

watt test

From my rides with both regular lube and Squirt’s Wax, there’s a noticeable sensation when you really push. Once I exceed 350 watts, it feels as if I’m grinding directly on the bare metal of my drivetrain. All smoothness dissipates.

But it’s a whole different story with Dynamics Speed Potion Wax! This wax really holds its ground. Whether I’m climbing, getting out of the saddle or hammering out full-throttle sprints, the smoothness is unbroken. That’s genuinely a revelation for me!

It seems that Squirt’s Wax disperses too quickly under pressure, whereas Speed Potion Wax is robust, maintaining its integrity even under high wattage demands.​

duration test

With Squirt Wax, I found myself reapplying every 400 to 500 km. Before switching to Dynamics Speed Potion Wax, I pushed Squirt to its limits, riding over 500 km until my drivetrain started to protest loudly. This was under ideal summer conditions and varied riding intensities.

I subjected Speed Potion Wax to the same rigorous test, riding until it didn’t feel right anymore. Interestingly, after about 500 km, also the Speed Potion Wax reached its limit, with all its initial smoothness evaporated. This, too, was under perfect summer conditions and involved varied efforts.

my Conclusion

It might be surprising, but I toggle between the two brands and types of waxed based on my riding agenda.

When I’m riding mountains, I gravitate towards Speed Potion Wax. It comes into its own when I’m pushing higher watts uphill, providing that excellent low frictional resistance. It feels like I can convert power into speed more efficiently. Whether it enhances speed from the same effort, I’m not sure, but psychologically, the absence of drivetrain noise and just hearing the wheels spin is a massive boost.

However, for my more casual spins, I stick with Squirt Wax. Partly because I’ve still got a sizeable 500 ml bottle left. It’s worth mentioning that Speed Potion Wax is considerably pricier, and when Squirt adequately meets my needs, there’s no point in shelling out more than necessary.

apples and oranges

Comparing Squirt Wax with Dynamics Speed Potion Wax isn’t a straightforward match. Speed Potion is a premium wax, meticulously developed with pro riders, crafted for high-performance scenarios where riders are pumping out impressive watts over extended periods.

It’s more apt to compare Squirt Wax with Dynamics Slick Wax. Dynamic Bike Care touts their Slick Wax as a versatile and sophisticated chain lubricant, suitable for all cycling disciplines and weather conditions.

Once my stash of Squirt runs low, I might give Slick Wax a whirl.

price

Dynamics Speed Potion Wax is priced at €39.99 for a 100 ml bottle. I would say that that’s a notable investment compared to Squirt Wax, which costs €11.99 for 120 ml.

Let me add that Dynamics Slick Wax is more wallet-friendly, priced at €12.99 for a 100 ml bottle. Given its affordability, I’m eager to also test that and see how it stacks up.

If you’re switching from regular lube to wax you might also consider getting Dynamic’s easy-to-use high-pressure chain cleaner and this handy detailing brush to prep that chain properly.

get 20% off

As I mentioned, I have this friend working at Dynamic Bike Care. So you should know that I can offer a 20% discount on the entire Dynamic catalogue!

Just use the code RIKVOOGD20 at checkout and save yourself 20%!

You can find more details about this setup and discount in this blogpost.

Where to get it

Dynamic Bike Care works with dealers worldwide and you can find the closest one near you here on their website.

But, getting the stuff online via their site and using the code RIKVOOGD20, might be the easiest way to apply your 20% discount.

There you have it. And I really hope that sharing my experience might be at any help!

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