Silca, the legendary Italian cycling brand, is officially back in South Africa, with Artemis Brands confirmed as the sole national distributor.

Founded in 1917 in Italy, and headquartered in the US since 2014, Silca has built its reputation as the gold standard for cyclists who demand precision. With products like the iconic track pump found in pro team cars worldwide, titanium bottle cages, electric pumps, and tubeless tyre systems, Silca is synonymous with innovation and unrivalled attention to detail. Their products are still used at the top end of the sport. Silca Secret Chain Blend wax formula, for example, was developed in partnership with WorldTour team Visma-Lease a Bike – proof that when margins matter most, the world’s best teams turn to Silca.

Historically, Silca’s presence in the local market has been inconsistent, with limited stock and no real investment in bringing the brand’s full range to riders who want it.

South African cyclists have known the name, but not always the experience. Historically, Silca’s presence in the local market has been inconsistent, with limited stock and no real investment in bringing the brand’s full range to riders who want it. Artemis Brands has a track record of building trusted FMCG and baby care brands, and is applying that same discipline, consistent supply, retail partnership and long-term brand-building to the local cycling community for the first time.

Smooth is fast

A core focus of the launch is demonstrating how Silca’s range of products lowers the barrier to entry for chain waxing, a technology once reserved for the WorldTour peloton. The wax system, strip chips and endurance additives make waxing accessible to everyday riders who want faster, cleaner, longer-lasting drivetrains without the guesswork. Bicycling can confirm that the Silca Chain Waxing System is incredibly easy to use and gives you real performance gains on the bike – plus the peace of mind of not having to worry about lubing your chain the night before every ride.

The 600ml pot holds one length of chain, and the integrated chain stand and stainless steel chain coupler make it super easy to dip and dry your chain. If you’re prepping an older chain, the Silca Ultimate Chain Stripper and Wax Prep makes short work of grease and gunk, and the Secret Chain Blend wax chips melt into every roller to provide unrivalled lubrication and protection from penetrating grime.

If you’ve been put off waxing your chain because of the perceived complexity, the Silca Chain Waxing System will change your mind. It’s quick, simple and fun. Your drivetrain will be faster and more efficient, and your components will last longer. Chain waxing is a no-brainer.

Money Saver

While watt savings grab all the headlines, what’s often overlooked is the reduction in wear on your drivetrain, and the real Rand savings that come with it. Zero Friction Cycling’s (ZFC) 2024 Lubricant Test Data suggests that Silca Secret Chain Blend wax can reduce drivetrain wear by up to 4.5 times. On a top-tier groupset like SRAM Red XPLR, that works out to a saving of around R10 000 over 10 000km, even after you’ve factored in the initial cost of the wax and pot!

Find out more

For a list of stockists, or to become one, contact Artemis Brands: info@artemisbrands.co.za. Follow the journey on Instagram: @Silca_Southafrica

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