About Vital Bike Chains

 Bill McCoin was 7 when his mother handed him a paper towel drenched in vegetable oil to lube the chain on his Huffy Wildfire. That first lesson in bicycle chain maintenance sparked a lifelong passion for cycling and understanding how proper drivetrain care transforms your riding experience.

Crystal Lake, Illinois 1977

Many miles of cycling later, Bill keeps the vegetable oil in the pantry and stocks the best products for your ride on Vital Bike Chains.

Pre-Waxed Chains for Every Rider

We specialize in pre-waxed bike chains so you get the performance benefits without the hassle.

We’re here for every cyclist–whether you ride for recreation or competition:

  • Road racers looking for an edge in speed and efficiency
  • Mountain bikers who want a clean chain in challenging conditions
  • Gravel riders focused on durability and repelling dirt
  • Indoor cyclists who keep their training space sparkling
  • BMX racers looking for speed and low maintenance.
  • Track enthusiast wanting speed, and more speed!

Whatever keeps you spinning, a perfectly waxed bike chain can improve your performance and extend the longevity of your drivetrain. 

What makes it perfect is our professional 5-step process:

  1. Complete degreasing
  2. Ultrasonic cleaning
  3. Hot wax application
  4. Breaking and shedding
  5. Professional repackaging

Learn more about our proven 5-step waxing process

Why Pre-Waxed Chains Matter for Your Bike

A properly waxed chain runs quieter and stays cleaner than traditional lubrication methods. You’ll notice less dirt pickup on dusty trails and mixed terrain, which means your entire drivetrain stays protected longer. This translates to extended cassette and chainring life—real savings for cyclists who log serious miles. The efficiency gains are measurable too: less friction means more of your power reaches the rear wheel where it belongs.

Maintaining Your Waxed Chain

Proper bicycle chain care isn’t just about the initial wax treatment. We provide detailed guidance on maintaining your waxed chain, from recognizing when it needs attention to choosing compatible lubricants for touch-ups. Whether you’re new to waxed chains or an experienced cyclist looking to optimize your drivetrain performance, we’re here to help you get the most from your investment.

Beyond pre-waxed bicycle chains, we stock everything cyclists need for optimal chain maintenance. Our selection includes premium chain lubrication products specifically formulated for waxed chains, professional-grade chain checker tools for monitoring wear, and complete DIY chain waxing kits for roll-up-your-sleeves riders who prefer hands-on maintenance.

Everything You Need to Wax Your Own Chain

DIY tools

Want to wax your own chain? We support DIY enthusiasts too. 

We sell the tools you need:

  • Degreasing chips to remove factory grease.
  • Master link pliers to remove and install chains.
  • A pot to melt the wax to just the right temperature.
  • Wax. We sell tried and tested brands.

Ready to Experience the Difference a Perfectly Waxed Chain Makes? 

Browse our selection of pre-waxed chains or contact us with questions about which option is right for your riding style.

Where Will a Waxed Chain Take You?

In the 1970s, you could find Bill and his Huffy on the suburban streets and dirt trails of Crystal Lake, Illinois. Today, when he’s not waxing chains to perfection, you can find him in Tampa, Florida, volunteering at Triple Creek BMX or dodging alligators on his gravel bike at Alafia River State Park.We want to see where you ride. Tag us on Instagram. Or contact us with your story and photos.