Silca
This chain wax is amazing. I followed the Silca videos and stripped the chain of all factory grease then submerged it in the super-secret wax. No need for a croc pot, heat the wax, clean it up/ or have the time and space for that process etc... the drive chain is very clean all the time and wipes clean with the Silca gear wipes (after several hundred miles or after a ride in the rain). After cleaning with the gear wipes, I let it dry and apply the super-secret from the drip bottle. After 500 miles or so ill removed the chain and stip the wax with only degreaser, let it dry then re-submerge in the wax... I used the Smoove Lube, this is a lot better. Completely stripping the factory grease with Silca's instructions and submerging is the way to go. if you find yourself tired of trying to remove grease from all parts of the drive train....this is worth it.
I especially enjoy the size. It pumps like a mad man compared to my other brand. I also like the slip on nozzle rather than a screw on. I cannot tell you the number of times I've removed the valve. The one thing I am not thrilled by is the lack of a frame mount that attaches to the cage screws. I have to other brands that not only have a mount that can be fitted under the cage but one brand also has a mount incorporated into the cage. At the price point of the silca, a mount would be a nice feature.
Less rotational weight and a more supple ride...why wouldn't you buy these tubes?? I can't be certain of the energy savings, but these latex tubes are light and provide a very smooth ride. The retail price is high compared to standard tubes, but a cheap upgrade if you consider the amount of hours any serious cyclist spends on the road.
Installation is easy. Plenty of talc and don't pinch the tube - so the same process as any other tube installation! If you can't install a tube without pinching it(1 star knucklehead reviewer), then take it to your LBS.
Approximately 4,200 miles on these tubes so far, and NO issues, NO flats.
Buy Them.
I agree with the reviews that complain about the pack shifting or even coming open during a ride. I had this problem for the first couple of weeks. I finally figured out that I needed to pack it with the bare minimum--two CO2 cartridges with one connected to nozzle, one tube (700cx28), one Parktool tire lever, one Parktool GP-2 patch kit, one Parktool I-Beam mini tool. Arrange all contents into roll as flatly as possible. Fold roll loosely so that the both side of the velcro strap line up exactly. When securing to seat rails, ensure that the velcro strap and the padding used for the BOA wire are pressed together. The friction between the two surfaces is key to keeping roll fixed in place when riding. Once I figured this out, I had no problems but feel Silca should have given these instructions rather than learning through trial and error. This should make sense if you give it a try.
