chain wax tested: squirt vs dynamic bike care

Switching from regular chain lube to wax was probably the most impactful decision I made when it comes to bike maintenance.

Some drips of original Shimano dry lube have been supporting my drive train for decades. Nevertheless, it always got messy. However I always did the trick at least 24 hours prior to the next bike ride, and I even wiped off the excess lube. The chain went from shiny grey to matte black within a few rides. Even faster in wet conditions or on dusty roads. But I took it for granted. It was just the way it was. For as long as I remember.

Squirt chain wax

About two years ago I found this little sample of Squirt Chain Wax. Once received with an online order of other stuff. I decided to test it out. I closely followed the manual instructions until the chain was running smoothly on wax.

I was flabbergasted. The smoothness was beyond what I had ever experienced. But on top of that, after a few rides, my whole drivetrain remained so clean! No matter the conditions!

I ordered a proper bottle and took it from there. But…

dynamic speed potion wax

A good friend of mine works as a sales rep in this biz. One of the brands he's on is Dynamic Bike Care. So, the last time we went for a ride, he was all lyrical about their so-called Speed ​​Potion Wax. Stubborn as I am, I told him I'm a huge fan of Squirt Wax and that I didn't want to try anything else. But, after a 30-minute conversation, I got a bit annoyed and I gave in…

I got myself their Speed Potion Wax and put it to a proper test. I thoroughly degreased the chain and dripped a little Speed ​​Potion Wax on each link, according to their instructions.

I rode it for a while and now it’s time to share my findings.

Let me start by saying that the process to get your chain waxed is quite the same for all waxes out there. You must put in a fair amount of time and labour to properly strip your chain from factory lube. Same thing when you switch your used chain to wax. I can provide a story about that process, but for now, I instead focus on the testing I did. So if you guys want to know more about the preps for waxing, drop me a request or give this article a read.

background info

I’ve been riding approximately 20.000 km on Squirt Wax since discovering the stuff. So let’s say I put Squirt to the test in pretty much all conditions I can imagine.

Dynamics Speed Potion Wax, on the other hand, is running my chain for about 500 km by now. All in good weather conditions.

So, it might be slightly early to tell you all about it. But at the same time, I’m very sure about the differences I experienced so far. That’s being said. Let’s cut to the chase. Two things stand out to me very fast.

watt test

In my experience with both regular lube and Squirts Wax, when you really push, it feels like you’re just riding on the bare metals of your drive chain. Let’s say when I push over 350 watts, all smoothness is gone.

Total different thing with Dynamics Speed Potion Wax! This stuff stays in place! When climbing and getting off-saddle. When doing full-throttle sprints. The feeling remains so smooth. A whole new experience to me!

It’s probably that Squirts Wax gets out of place way faster. It seems this Speed Potion Wax can handle high wattages way better.

So I’m pretty sure this Speed Potion Wax lasts much longer. Let’s talk about that too…

duration test

With Squirt Wax I used to reapply some wax about every 100 km. Before I switched to Dynamics Speed Potion Wax I took Squirt to a test and rode it up to 200 km before all smoothness was gone. Until the moment it just felt stupid. In perfect summer conditions and with different efforts.

I did the same with the Speed Potion Wax. Riding it as long as it felt ‘okay’… And well, after almost 500 km it finally came to the point where all smoothness was gone. Same, in perfect summer conditions and with different efforts.

So, I’m fully sure that the Speed Potion Wax lasts over two times longer!

my Conclusion

I switch to Dynamics Wax. No doubt!

The big advantage is that I can lubricate my chain much less often. Saves time and hassle. Especially because you always need to be careful you don’t overdo it.

The other benefit is that superb feeling of low frictional resistance. Even on really tough efforts. It’s just that it feels I can translate power more efficiently. Don’t know if it’s true you get more speed from the same effort, but in my mind, it’s a great help when instead of a noisy drive train, you just hear your wheels spinning…

last but not least

I’m aware that comparing Squirt Wax and Dynamics Speed Potion Wax is a bit like apples and oranges. Dynamics Speed Potion Wax is a high-end wax. Developed with pro riders and specially delivered for performance. For those who are able to push an incredible amount of watts for a longer period of time.

I think it’s fair to say that Squirt Wax should be compared to Dynamics Slick Wax. Dynamic Bike Care says that their Slick Wax is their very durable and sophisticated chain lubricant for all cycling disciplines, and all weather conditions.

I might try the Slick Wax next as soon as I’m out of Speed Potion someday.

price

Dynamics Speed Potion Wax comes with at a price of 39,99 in euros for a 100 ml bottle. That’s quite a few bucks if you compare it with Squirts Wax for 11,99 euros for a 120 ml bottle. Nevertheless, when it lasts more than twice as long, it’s pretty much equal.

I got myself this Speed Potion Wax Bundle, containing everything you will need to prepare your chain for running it on Speed Potion Wax. An easy-to-use high-pressure chain cleaner, a very handy detailing brush, and a microfibre cloth to clean and dry before waxing.

Their Slick Wax comes at the price of 12,99 euros for a 100 ml bottle. As said, especially because of its price I’m really keen to put this to a test later.

get 20% off

I mentioned this friend of mine working in the space, and he helped me secure I can offer a 20% discount on the entire Dynamic catalogue! Just make sure you use the code RIKVOOGD20 at checkout and save 20%!

Where to get it

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

But getting the stuff online via their site might be the easiest way to go as shipping is incredibly fast in my experience.

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

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