Silca

If you're considering wax melting equipment, skip the crockpot ideas. This system provides a more consistent heat and allows a more precise temp setting than crockpots. The old saying "you get what you pay for" is exemplified when considering a chain waxing system. As a 'system' including a second cable coupler (used for holding the chain throughout the process) would be an improvement. Adding this would speed up the waxing of multiple chains by eliminating the need to wait for one chain to cool before starting another.

The truth is using the Secret Blend I can hear my chain every time at around 35-40 miles. Since my average ride is 60 miles and I'm using a freshly waxed chain every ride already, I wanted to give this a try and I'm very pleased. I just used half a puck and that was also a great call because I don't think I'd want a whole puck because it does shorten the quiet time a little bit, but the real advantage is the reduced break in time. The chain breaks in almost immediately now this is my favorite blend for road cycling.

I've got another pot with an endurance blend, which works perfectly for MTB and gravel. I don't care to use the Secret Chain blend by itself but greatly prefer either 1 chip endurance or 1/2 chip race as they are both superior.

I purchased these specifically for the sidewall puncture protection needed at the Lifetime Big Sugar event. They got me through the race without a puncture and also saved me on two occasions when I entered a corner too hot and thought I was going to slide out and crash but once the tires got onto the larger lugs on the edge of the tire, they hooked up and carved a perfect turn. So they successfully did what I purchased them for. On the flipside, this course has at least 18 miles of pavement and the tires feel awful on pavement. The significant spacing between lugs down the centerline of the tire translates a lot of vibration through the frame and into the saddle. It is definitely not a tire for events or rides that involve a significant amount of pavement.

The space inside is higher than most packs that are similar on the outside, because the welded seams take up virtually no space. It's just big enough inside to hold a carefully curated repair kit with an electric mini pump, TPU tube, compact levers, multi-tool, plugs and insertion tool, and an emergency gel or two. But don't do like I did and jam in a power bank and ruin the zipper trying to close the pack. Also, beware that the BOA dial is great for secure mounting, but it's terrible for quickly accessing the contents.