How it works

There are 3 main steps behind TheChainSpa here at Marginal Chains, but each step is designed to get the cleanest chains (and cassettes , jockey wheels etc) to ensure maximal watt saving effectiveness and the best surface for Hot Wax application. 

**For Ultimate Race Chains - See additional steps 

Whether its a new chain for racing or training, or whether its a customer supplied chain we take care and pride in each step giving our customers the very best service available.

STEP 1: Basic Clean and Decontamination

Firstly, and what would seem an almost simple idea, is to immerse the chain into a pot of boiling water.  This removes any basic dirt and debris, but also heats the chain up to ensure all recesses are open to get a really thorough clean.  If the chain has been previously waxed this also removes any remaining wax too.  Chain is agitated (brushed and shaken) and then water is drained. Chain is quickly dried with microfibre cloth and air cleaner..

It is then placed into a pot of Denatured Alcohol (depending on the chain, we may leave this to soak for 8-24hrs) which removes contaminates that will have been picked up and not removed by hot water.  Again this is brushed and agitated before being removed and air dried (both via air cleaner and being hung up).  

Chain is checked to be fully dry before next stage....

STEP 2: Ultrasonic Cleaning

Utilising the power of Ultrasonic cleaning, the chain (and components) are placed into a 70-80 degree hot ultrasonic bath with an aqueous degreasing and cleaning solution (water soluble so not harmful to environment) for up to 15mins. Chain is removed and checked, and the placed back into the bath for a further deep clean of up to 10mins.  Once cleaned, chain is removed from the bath and has a second rinse of denatured alcohol before being fully air dried.

Those unfamiliar with this type of cleaning, ultrasonics work by billions of imploding bubbles doing the scrubbing which is far more effective for substances that do not respond readily to solvents or other cleaning methods.  This ensures every part of the chain (and any components) are deep cleaned and ready to have Hot Wax applied.

STEP 3: Chain Waxing Process

Finally, the chain is placed into a melt pot containing the wax of the customers choice.  Each wax has a separate pot, as we believe this ensures no cross contamination or reduction in effectiveness.  The chain is placed into the hot wax (approx 90-100degrees) for up to 5mins, it is agitated to ensure complete and full covering of hot wax and lubricant solution into all the links and pins.  Chain is then removed and hung up to allow the wax to fully dry. 

The chain is the ready to be vacuum-sealed, packaged and sent to the customer, along with a new split link and any other components.

Additional Steps: Ultimate Race Chains

For the Ultimate Race Chain package, we undertake additional steps and complete 2 break-in periods .  

Firstly we take the new chain and run in on an indoor trainer to pre-stretch the chain for approx 30km.  We do this as slightly stretched chain is not only faster but more tolerant to wax lubricant.  The chain then starts the above 3 stage process.  Before the chain is waxed, it is put through a final round of Ultrasonic Alcohol soak to ensure no traces of grease or contaminates are left. 

After the wax is applied it is run briefly on a indoor trainer to remove excess wax and allow the Race Powder to adhere better to the chain. The chain is then powdered and packaged and sent to a customer.  

Research has shown a broken in chain, cleaned, waxed with Molten Speed Wax and Race Powdered is the fastest chain currently available today !