Chain maintenance

[xJimx]

Can someone please give me an idiot's guide to chain cleaning/maintenance?

Is it worth buying a 'chain cleaner' device? As someone who doesn't want to start removing parts (mainly because I'll never get the bloody things back on properly!) the cleaner appeals to me, but is it any better than just putting some cleaning stuff on a rag & running the chain through it?

Do I need to buy specific fluids for cleaning/dereasing the chain & then re-lubricating it, or are there everyday cheaper options?

Cheers

[fredrikw]

I have a chain cleaner, but I never use it, it's just messy and the chain doesn't get very clean. I wouldn't recommend getting one.

You get a long way by lubing the chain before each ride, and wipe the chain thoroughly after doing this. The chainlube will do a pretty good job in dissolving the dirt, and wiping anything that is wipeable will remove excess lube that'll only collect dirt.

For cleaning the chain I use washing up liquid, works in most cases.

The key is regularity, not wait several weeks but do it after every ride. Just takes one minute each time and will give you hassle free performance for a long time.

[seitan]

if the chain is that dirty ill jet wash it then spray it with gt85 (similar to wd)

[xJimx]

OK cheers guys.

So if I just wash the chain with washing up liquid/warm water, then spray with GT85 & wipe it that'll do the trick?

[the crazyest vegan]

i dont like GT85, i've tried it twice now, both times gave my chain a good clean with water degreaser etc, then sprayed it, left it and it was rusty in the morning! not impressed.
Just clean often, if my chain gets wet i spray with WD40 when i get home, in the winter i like to protect my chain a bit more and use a more solid lube that will stay on the chain.

and chain cleaner tools dont work, i have one and its rubbish as well

[Big Good Wolf]

I use this stuff.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/images/finish-line-xc-ind.jpg

Last time I bought some it was on offer as a pack of three, so it worked out a bit cheaper.
I haven't tried all that many lubricants to really decide which one is best, but I'm commuting off road most days and that one seems as good as can be expected.
I tried motorcycle spray on chain lube and it set a bit thick so the chain didn't want to flex round the tensioner. It would probably be OK on a hard tail single speed.

[vCLaW]

For properly cleaning my chain I take it off (a SRAM Powerlink is very useful for this). Then put it in a coke bottle, with a bit of white spirit, then shake it a lot. This does get loads of dirt off it, including grit etc inside the chain.
Then fish out the chain, and rinse it and spray with WD40 or similar.

Then add whatever sort of lubricant you like (WD40 is not a lubricant). I usually use the Finish Line XC stuff that Big Good Wolf linked to. Though I might try Green Oil when I next need to buy some more.

[clintpatty]

WD40 is good to get the water out after rain or cleaning your chain with water. But don't ride with it. Put some real lube on after it. GT85 is nicer for cleaning/lubing the chain, but it's something I would put on every ride if I was going to use only it. I use T9 for chain lube and let it sit an hour or 2 before wiping.

[Dave Noisy]

I guess i'm the only one who likes the chain cleaners! They aren't perfect, but get a lot of the grime off.

I stick with a dry lube (Pedro's Dry) all year, and it keeps things quite clean overall.

[Boo]

I've been told that every now and again it pays off to take your chain off and clean it thoroughly before attaching a bit of string to one end, then dipping the chain into a container of oil, let it sit overnight before removing and wiping it clean with a clean rag. This is supposed to keep the chain in good condition.

[the crazyest vegan]

well when you consider that a chain will only last a few thousand miles typically it's not worth going to so much hassel, you can clean the chain properly without removing it from the bike, I read somewhere that you have to make sure the chain goes on the right way as well when you put it back on.

[Mr. Cleetus]

I guess i'm the only one who likes the chain cleaners! They aren't perfect, but get a lot of the grime off.

I'll second that! Now, could someone please come put mine to work on my chain for me?

[Vava]

Green oil is great and it smells lovely!

[vegcrow]

Has anyone else tried Green Oil? I seem to recall OA having links/sponsorship from a similar product made from recycled veggie oil, made in Santa Cruz, CA, USA. I guess that company didn't survive.

[Simon E]

Has anyone else tried Green Oil?

Yep. Works well for me.

I don't use a chain cleaning device. Dunking the chain in degreaser apparently doesn't do it any favours either, it strips the factory lube out. See KMC service advice and CTC's chain Q&A page.

I use a toothbrush and a small amount of citrus degreaser briefly to remove the grime before washing it off with water. Once the chain is dry I apply Green Oil by putting a drop on a toothbrush and brushing along the chain to work it in between the links. I rub it lightly with a cloth to remove excess - too much on the outside means it attracts more dirt.

This usually lasts for a couple of weeks of daily commuting or sometimes longer before it starts getting a bit noisy. The Green Oil seems to continue to work when the outside of the chain is getting a bit dry.

GT85 is a reasonable substitute in dry weather and/or if you don't do many miles. WD40 is a dispersant and has no real lubricating properties. I wouldn't recommend using it as a chain lube.

Don't put any lube on the cassette, it doesn't need any.