Edit to add Slowtwitch Discount code: "SICKLE" in homage to the article saying I price the bike like I'm a communist :-)
GreatScott: I think your plan is a good one. It is the plan I have used for my own racing and training.
From what I have read on the ICE Friction website that process is very similar to other process methods that have been available. I believe their claim about improved performance for 200- 400 miles is accurate.
Some companies omit the MSO2 because it is a black powder and does not make the chain as visually appealing. So - no black ICE.
For the rest of the drive train just keep it clean. The chain friction savings is mostly within the chain surfaces (pins, sleeves, inner and outer link plates), the material ratio curves of each component and the interaction between them.
The wax is a great barrier to moisture and grit. The chain will perform fine in those conditions but needs to be cleaned more than in dry clean conditions. The time frame for the wax is highly dependent on the weather. It will last 200 - 300 miles in the worst conditions.
Personally - I take the chain off using the Connex link and clean it in a citrus cleaner (less smelly and works fine) for home cleaning. Then I reapply the wax blend but that is not necessary. You will maintain most of the friction reduction with a high quality lube sold at your LBS.
I intend to keep a fresh chain "race ready"; swapping out the training chain/cassette prior to major races. Vice-Versa afterwards; back to the training set up. Any thoughts on that approach?
A few follow ups:
~What treatment do you recommend for the rest of the drivetrain prior to installing a fresh chain? Are mineral spirits necessary?
~How do freshly treated chains perform in wet conditions?
~What type of longevity can we expect from the wax coating?
~Can the chains be re-coated?
Scott
Dan Kennison
facebook: @triPremierBike
http://www.PremierBike.com
http://www.PositionOneSports.com
GreatScott: I think your plan is a good one. It is the plan I have used for my own racing and training.
From what I have read on the ICE Friction website that process is very similar to other process methods that have been available. I believe their claim about improved performance for 200- 400 miles is accurate.
Some companies omit the MSO2 because it is a black powder and does not make the chain as visually appealing. So - no black ICE.
For the rest of the drive train just keep it clean. The chain friction savings is mostly within the chain surfaces (pins, sleeves, inner and outer link plates), the material ratio curves of each component and the interaction between them.
The wax is a great barrier to moisture and grit. The chain will perform fine in those conditions but needs to be cleaned more than in dry clean conditions. The time frame for the wax is highly dependent on the weather. It will last 200 - 300 miles in the worst conditions.
Personally - I take the chain off using the Connex link and clean it in a citrus cleaner (less smelly and works fine) for home cleaning. Then I reapply the wax blend but that is not necessary. You will maintain most of the friction reduction with a high quality lube sold at your LBS.
GreatScott wrote:
Simplicity can be so elegant. I wouldn't be surprised to find something else out there is marginally faster, but I haven't seen anything that comes close in simplicity. Premier just lept above ICE Friction as the leading candidate for my race day drivetrain. Can you comment on how your chains compare to ICE? I intend to keep a fresh chain "race ready"; swapping out the training chain/cassette prior to major races. Vice-Versa afterwards; back to the training set up. Any thoughts on that approach?
A few follow ups:
~What treatment do you recommend for the rest of the drivetrain prior to installing a fresh chain? Are mineral spirits necessary?
~How do freshly treated chains perform in wet conditions?
~What type of longevity can we expect from the wax coating?
~Can the chains be re-coated?
Scott
Dan Kennison
facebook: @triPremierBike
http://www.PremierBike.com
http://www.PositionOneSports.com