Setting off for work at 7.30 am this morning it was 11.5 Deg C or 55 F. We are having a remarkably mild if wet winter so far in the UK with no salt spread on the roads as yet which is a plus point.
I'm very late doing it so before they do put some salt down I thought I'd give the bike it's winter waxoyl treatment over the weekend. I've taken to making my own waxoyl by mixing oil and white spirit in equal measures then adding the remnants of old white candles. I put the mixture into a big glass jar and heat it in a water bath on the stove until all the wax has melted. The quantity of wax added will determine how stiff the finished product is when it sets. If you put too much in you end up with an oil coloured candle wax although it will still be liquid if applied hot. I aim for 1 part candle wax to 2 part white spirit and 2 parts oil.
The waxoyl is applied with a brush while it's still hot and liquid. I coat all of the alloy castings and every nut and bolt and all the paint work on the frame. When the white spirit evaporates the wax coating that's left behind sets and doesn't easily wash off so it lasts all winter and I clean it off with white spirit in the spring.
