Eurobike 2024 saw the launch of KMC GO WAXED chains, the first ever chain to exit their production facility precoated with wax instead of the usual factory grease. This innovative product was developed through a significant collaborative effort with BIKINVENTION, the South African company responsible for developing, manufacturing and selling of SQUIRT CYCLING PRODUCTS. The KMC GO WAXED chains offer a clean and efficient solution for cyclists, ensuring superior performance and easy maintenance.

“As one might imagine, a project like this doesn’t come about overnight”, says Christ Bakker, managing director of KMC Europe. He explains that the relationship started long ago when he was introduced to SQUIRT Chain Lube at Roc D’Azur by Dewet Marais. Christ has been using SQUIRT Chain Lube ever since and says it’s the best lube he has ever used.

KMC is pioneering the shift with their line of premium chains and setting the stage for a future where their entire chain range is free from mineral oil-based lubricants. With the production of approximately 5-million chains per year in the X-and e-Series alone, KMC will soon save an estimated 20,000 kilograms of mineral oil-based lubricants per year.

This change marks just the beginning. Consider the vast amounts of oil traditionally used in chain maintenance and its impact on our environment. The KMC GO WAX solution developed jointly with BIKINVENTION, not only represents the latest in chain lubrication technology enhancing drivetrain performance but also significantly reduces the environmental footprint of their products, preventing harmful chemicals from leaching into sensitive ecosystems.

Race Proven

Bart Brentjens, Olympic MTB Champion and Team owner/manager of the KMC Ridley MTB Racing Team has a long relationship with SQUIRT CYCLING PRODUCTS dating back to 2005. Before then, Bart was using oil-based lubes which resulted in a dirty chain that attracted dust and dirt, but SQUIRT CHAIN LUBE changed that. When he formed his own team in 2009, he partnered with SQUIRT CYCLING PRODUCTS to keep his team bikes running smoothly with the added benefit of improved drivetrain longevity.

Bart goes on to say the following about the KMC GO WAXED chains: “Not only the athletes, but also the mechanics win as previously they had to degrease new chains to get rid of the factory grease which was a time consuming and difficult task, especially getting rid of the grease that got stuck in hard-to-reach spots. So, it saves the mechanics a lot of time not having to degrease and simply having to re-apply wax to the wax coated KMC GO WAXED chains. I think to have a pre-wax environmentally friendly chain lube is a very big step and KMC is the first chain maker to realize this.”

Bart and his team are proving that pre-waxed chains can stand up to the rigours of professional MTB racing and there is little denying that this arena is one of the toughest to test both chain and lube – two of the most important links in peak performance.

Image courtesy of Robert Stenerhag.