Proper chain cleaning
I’ve got a relatively new bike which I’m aiming to keep in great condition and recently read conflicting views about chain cleaning. I’ve been using this https://www.rutlandcycling.com/accessories/cleaning/de-greaser/muc-off-drivetrain-cleaner-500ml/295-CT.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIstLG1Yan9wIVCuztCh2-aAANEAQYAyABEgK3gfD_BwE which I find to be really effective. Also considered using this https://muc-off.com/products/bio-chain-cleaner-400-ml for an easier, more regular clean however read somewhere that such items may remove too much of the original chain grease (which can’t be fully replaced unless chain is soaked and fully immersed in chain lube) causing quicker degradation. They advocated soap and water instead.
Any thoughts on this? The degreasers and cleaners look great as they’re so easy but is the downside quicker degradation?
Any thoughts on this? The degreasers and cleaners look great as they’re so easy but is the downside quicker degradation?
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i think sram's is the worst, extremely sticky, but none are good lubricants, they all bind dirt to the chain which accelerates wear
see: https://www.velonews.com/gear/tech-wearables/technical-faq-should-you-leave-the-factory-lube-on-a-new-chain/
fwiw i degrease a new chain fully, dry, apply new lubricant (wax*) and fit with a connex link - that way the chain can easily be removed, i have 3-4 chains and swap them around every so often to spread chain/cassette wear over a longer period
*wax stays very clean, has low wear and low friction
2020 Voodoo Marasa
2017 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2016
2016 Voodoo Wazoo
Apply liberally with paint brush - can goall over the bike with no worries
hose off
dry chain
apply lube
sorted
takes 5/10 mins max.
Post of the day
The factory coating is intended to protect the chain during storage/transit and for all the time it spends sitting on a shelf in the bike shop. It also acts as a reasonable lube for the first couple of weeks or so, so no need to degrease it. Having said that, some of the coatings are particularly heavy and sticky and I've had issues with it affecting shifting - in which case just spray some WD or GT onto a rag and wipe the outside of the chain first, without completely degreasing it. After a couple of weeks, just go back to using your lube of choice.
On that note, dont fret too much about it.
I like to fully degrease my chain. spray degreaser of some sort- someone mentioned 'Jizer'- brilliant choice!
Fully degrease. I then pressure wash it. Then compressed air to dry it and blow all the water out. Then I like a good heavy lube. In the winter I'll use a motor oil with little care for how much mess it makes as it'll be shitted up anyway in a few miles. (Then repeat the cleaning process) A well oiled chain with motor oil will see you through a winter without a worry. Although it is a bit messy.
In the summer, my cleaning process remains the same but I use Motul C4 chain wax. Its not 'flingy' so keeps stuff clean. And of course will go more rides with fewer cleans.
IMO people waaaaaaay overthink chain lube.If its oily and slippery- it works!
Yeah, it will attract dirt, but that's unavoidable. Oh, expensive branded chain lubes.... dont waste your money. Theres a host of products in the motorcycle world that are the same thing without the heavy price tag. Motul C4 wax being a good example.
NO NONSENSE HEAVY DUTY DEGREASER 5LTR From Screwfix @ £9.99 absolute dogs-bollocks. It’s a wonder-fluid.
Clean bike as normal, lube as soon as the chain makes the slightest noise.
Maybe I should by some degreaser. 😉
I am not sure. You have no chance.
And when you do clean a chain, it isn't rocket science. You can either use a lot of a degrease that is supposedly environmentally friendly, or a tiny amount of something that isn't.
Something like the Screwfix stuffor Jizer or Gunk foes exscyly tgd same - ifnotbetter - thsn domething like Muc Off and myrid euivs but costs far less - doesn't carry the marketing although its sll thd same stuff
Jizer, Screwfix etc you can afford to slop on and forget whereas Muc Off etc as it costs a ridiculous amount you've gott be more careful.
Winter, I'll clean once a week.
I change chains roughly every 4500km, which is every 10-12 weeks for me.
I use morgan blue degreaser and clean the chain once a week (unless I have ridden in sh11ty conditions and it needs proper cleaning). This keeps chains in v good condition throughout their use.
As an experiment, I used a chain over the winter, wiped it down and mainly soap and water rather than fully degreasing it each week. By the time I got to around 4000km, it was in bad shape, cracking on the connecting plates at various points. I assume it wore much quicker as I was not fully cleaning it and tiny bits of debris in between links were speeding up the damage.
https://screwfix.com/p/no-nonsense-heavy-duty-degreaser-5ltr/88668
I've always used Morgan Blue which is OK in the summer when the chain isn't that dirty but doesn't really do a great job for winter riding.
If riding in the dry, any experience of typically how long between re-applications with regular rides? 2-3 weeks?
Got caught out by Progold Prolink ~6 years ago, didn't realise it was a "dry" lube, killed chain and cassette within six months of regular short commutes, because I wasn't applying fresh after wet rides!
2020 Voodoo Marasa
2017 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2016
2016 Voodoo Wazoo
I am not sure. You have no chance.
Sold!
park bike
paintbrush soaked in degreaser.
spin cranks backwards as fast as you can whilst holding paint brush in
do same to cassette
hose off.
all this chain off/hot water/ etc sounds like a right faff.
Muc-Off dry lube is much filthier than Finish Line. I'll be going back.
I am not sure. You have no chance.