Cleaning Tools

Craig321

Hi,

I recently bought one of those cassette cleaning brushes similar to this: http://www.ukbikestore.co.uk/product/11 ... brush.html. It was very useful today when I was cleaning the rear derailleur.

The main thing I find difficult to clean is the chain, it's very difficult to get to the inner links unless you were to go through every single one with a cloth of toothbrush. Everything else can easily be cleaned by taking apart and using cleaner/degreaser/water.

Are these chain cleaning devices any good?: http://www.ukbikestore.co.uk/product/11 ... ystem.html

Also, can anybody recommend any other tools, or cleaning equipment that will make things a bit quicker and easier?

Thanks,
Craig.

stumpyjon

Chain cleaners do work pretty well, I used to have a Halfords one which was fine until it broke, I've now got a Park Tools one. Coupled with a SRAM power link for occaisional removal from the bike for an overnight soak in white spirit or similar.

Craig321

stumpyjon wrote:

Chain cleaners do work pretty well, I used to have a Halfords one which was fine until it broke, I've now got a Park Tools one. Coupled with a SRAM power link for occaisional removal from the bike for an overnight soak in white spirit or similar.

I almost bought one of the ones from Halfords yesterday, but didn't know if the tool was any good, so left it. Might go for the Park Tools one though as do tend to make very good quality equipment.

Does the SRAM power link allow you to take the chain apart with ease? I looks like it works on some kind of clip which is quite easy to get off with the right tool and without risking damage?

Thanks,
Craig.

stumpyjon

You don't need a tool, the SRAM power link can be openned with fingers and allows you to split and rejoin the chain as often as you like. They can eventually get stuck but if you keep your chain clean that shouldn't happen. They apparently will work with Shimano chains as well They can be bought seperately) but I tend to use SRAM chains anyway.

dan1502

Yes, they do work with Shimano chains. I've just been cleaning the chains on both bikes. I took them off using the power link then chucked them in a fabric conditioner bottle with some petrol in it, closed the lid and sloshed them around before letting them soak. I then emptied the dirty petrol out and put some clean in to give a final rinse then let them dry thoroughly. Meanwhile I cleaned the mech with a small brush and a washing up brush. I remove the sprockets from the rear and clean and lubricate them and the mech before refitting using a drop of threadlock. I then refit and lubricate the chains.

It takes a while but it works.

Craig321

stumpyjon wrote:

You don't need a tool, the SRAM power link can be openned with fingers and allows you to split and rejoin the chain as often as you like. They can eventually get stuck but if you keep your chain clean that shouldn't happen. They apparently will work with Shimano chains as well They can be bought seperately) but I tend to use SRAM chains anyway.

Cool, thank you. Think I'll order one of those

Craig.

Craig321

Just ordered one from WoollyHatShop

Does anyone know how much they wear over time. Do they eventually stretch/bend if I was to take it off every time I cleaned it?

If it is OK to remove it quite often then there's not much point in getting the chain cleaning device as I can really scrub it with a brush/cloth if it's not on the bike.

Thanks,
Craig.

Where are my stabilisers?

I bought 5l of IPA (note I decided not to pilfer it from work 8) ) the other day for my chain and other parts. I don't have any problems with my powerlink chain - an awesome invention IMO. Whip it off, soak it in a little IPA and give it a bit of a scrub with a toothbrush - Works wonders, better than my chain doc thing I bought a while back. The only thing which would make everything even easier would be a sonic bath.... and I know where I can find one of those 8) .

So, +1 for the powerlink chain and maybe purchase some IPA? Works out cheaper than a can of branded cleaner I think.

Craig321

Where are my stabilisers? wrote:

I bought 5l of IPA (note I decided not to pilfer it from work 8) ) the other day for my chain and other parts. I don't have any problems with my powerlink chain - an awesome invention IMO. Whip it off, soak it in a little IPA and give it a bit of a scrub with a toothbrush - Works wonders, better than my chain doc thing I bought a while back. The only thing which would make everything even easier would be a sonic bath.... and I know where I can find one of those 8) .

So, +1 for the powerlink chain and maybe purchase some IPA? Works out cheaper than a can of branded cleaner I think.

By IPA I assume you mean Isopropyl Alcohol?

Just got my PowerLink today, replaced the master link on the chain and it fits perfectly despite being a Shimano chain

Brilliant invention, will make cleaning SO much easier.

Think I'll soak it in some white spirits as I've read a few people here do that & I have a bottle already with the painting stuff

Where are my stabilisers?

Yep, Isopropyl Alcohol.

Happy cleaning

beany123

powerlinks are 1 of the best things ive ever had

Uchiga

I Tend to clean my bike chain with GT85. Especially after a wet ride. Its a water dislacer and because its a spray and has a teflon coating it also penetrates between each link. I then give it a good scrub with a brush etc.

My brother on the other hand sticks his chain in a bottle of white spirit and gives it a good slosh about and takes it out checks it over and does it again if theres still dirt on it.

My dad is under the impression that old engine oil will clean a chain very well. I personally dont see where he gets this idea from especially after the last time we transported his bike on top of the car as it ran down the paint work on the roof. Although despite is tendency to fly off when cycling it does make every link oily but free from dust and mud.

I did use a chain cleaner the halfords one and found it did an okay job but not as good as the money i payed for it. Up to you really.

Craig321

Uchiga wrote:

I Tend to clean my bike chain with GT85. Especially after a wet ride. Its a water dislacer and because its a spray and has a teflon coating it also penetrates between each link. I then give it a good scrub with a brush etc.

My brother on the other hand sticks his chain in a bottle of white spirit and gives it a good slosh about and takes it out checks it over and does it again if theres still dirt on it.

My dad is under the impression that old engine oil will clean a chain very well. I personally dont see where he gets this idea from especially after the last time we transported his bike on top of the car as it ran down the paint work on the roof. Although despite is tendency to fly off when cycling it does make every link oily but free from dust and mud.

I did use a chain cleaner the halfords one and found it did an okay job but not as good as the money i payed for it. Up to you really.

I've gone off the chain cleaner idea now since I got this power link, no point considering I can get the same result with a cloth if the chain is off the bike.

I need to look at getting some proper protection on my chain, maybe some White Lightning as that has a waxy type base and has kept my brother's chain extremely clean. Muc off wet lube seems to be sticky and attracts a lot of dirt.

Uchiga

Depends on the conditions your are riding in.

Wet Lube for Wet Weather as a general rule

Dry Lube for Dry weather

Long lasting lube is generally wet lube although WAX lube also last a relatively long time.

cavegiant

Wax lube is just not viable for UK conditions. Great for California, but UK, rust magnet.

Uchiga

My brother uses Wax lube for his singlespeed campus bike and thats left out in god knows what weather through the year. The chain is in perfect condition only been lubed a few times with it as well...