Three Techniques for Preparing Your Drivetrain:
Option 1: Installing a New Cassette and Pulley Wheels (Preferred Method or Time saving method)
"Installing a new cassette and pulley wheels is the preferred/quickest method because it saves time and ensures optimal performance.
Put on your gloves. Start by removing the old chain. Remove the back wheel. Remove the cassette and install a new one. Remove your pulley wheels. Use Drivetrain Degreaser, brush and the cleaning strings to clean your derailleur. Remove as much oil and gunk as possible. Rinse with water and use the Alcoholic Cleaner to remove the last bits of oil. Now repeat that process for the chainrings and the front derailleur. Install the new pulley wheels.
Now cut the pre-waxed chain to the same length as your old chain by counting the number of outer links. Install the pre-waxed chain, ensuring it goes over the short connection bar in the rear derailleur. Close the chain with a quick link at the bottom. Give the chain a couple of spins to ensure proper gear shifting. Initially, the chain will be stiff and wax flakes might come off, but this will subside after about 10 minutes of riding. Don't forget to register your new chain at my.cyclowax.com. Enjoy your always clean chain!"
Option 2: Cleaning Your Existing Cassette and Pulley Wheels (Advanced Method)
"If you prefer to reuse your existing components, thorough cleaning is essential.” warning: you can only do this when your current chain is below the 0,5% wear mark, anything above and your cassette will not work properly with the new chain. You will need a new cassette.
Put on your gloves. Start by removing the old chain. Remove the back wheel. Remove the cassette. Remove the pulley wheels. Use Drivetrain Degreaser, brush and the cleaning strings to clean your derailleur. Remove as much oil and gunk as possible. Rinse with water and use the Alcoholic Cleaner to remove the last bits of oil. Now repeat that process for the chainrings and the front derailleur.
Now clean all the different parts of the cassette, first with Drivetrain Degreaser, then rinse with water and finish with Alcoholic Cleaner. Do the same for the pulley wheels. Reinstall the cleaned components, making sure they are dry and free of any residue.
This method requires more effort but ensures your drivetrain is clean and ready for the waxed chain."
Now cut the pre-waxed chain to the same length as your old chain by counting the number of outer links. Install the pre-waxed chain, ensuring it goes over the short connection bar in the rear derailleur. Close the chain with a quick link at the bottom. Give the chain a couple of spins to ensure proper gear shifting. Initially, the chain will be stiff and wax flakes might come off, but this will subside after about 10 minutes of riding. Don't forget to register your new chain at my.cyclowax.com. Enjoy your always clean chain!"
Option 3: Cleaning Without Removal (Basic Method)
"For a basic cleaning, you can leave the cassette and pulley wheels on the bike.
warning: you can only do this when your current chain is below the 0,5% wear mark, anything above and your cassette will not work properly with the new chain. You will need a new cassette.
Put on your gloves. Start by removing the old chain. Now remove the back wheel. Use Drivetrain Degreaser, brush and the cleaning strings to clean your cassette. Remove as much oil and gunk as possible. Rinse with water and use the Alcoholic Cleaner to remove the last bits of oil. Now repeat that process for the derailleur, the pulley wheels, the chainrings and the front derailleur. This method is the easiest but may not be as effective as the other two options."
Now cut the pre-waxed chain to the same length as your old chain by counting the number of outer links. Install the pre-waxed chain, ensuring it goes over the short connection bar in the rear derailleur. Close the chain with a quick link at the bottom. Give the chain a couple of spins to ensure proper gear shifting. Initially, the chain will be stiff and wax flakes might come off, but this will subside after about 10 minutes of riding. Don't forget to register your new chain at my.cyclowax.com. Enjoy your always clean chain!"
