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Do they really work? Are you supposed to rinse off the bike chain and lube after?
In the past I've just sprayed Tri-Flow on, wiped up the dirt, then sprayed it lightly, and wiped off the excess. Then washed the bike. I'm getting tired of having to wipe Tri-Flow off of the bike. So I was thinking about getting a Cleaner Machine and a non-spray lubricant. I was wondering if those machines really do the job.
I think it works great. After running out of the prefered cleaner, I just use Dawn.
The cleaner machines do a decent job. Plus all the grit and funk is captured in the reservoir rather than all over your bike, the floor, you.
I like citrus cleaner. Works well and doesn't stink to hell and gone like most cleaners do.
For lubricant, I have two favorites.
I live in Seattle and have ridden in rain so hard I could hear it pinging off my top tube. So, in winter, I use Phil's Tenacious Oil. As the name implies, once you put it on, it stays on. If you go this route, be ready to wipe down your drive train after every ride.
I also use Boeshield. It's a little expensive, but the stuff is wonderful. It'll also help clean your chain when you put it on.
Love my Park Tool Chain Gang. http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...ght=park+chain Wasn't so enthralled with the citrus degreaser it came with. I work better using dish-soap and water, the chain and such come out much cleaner and hold lube better for me.
The Park Tool stuff was just too oily. Took forever to evaporate and really messed with my lube.
YouTube chain cleaning vids: http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...&search=Search
I'm one who does not love my Park Chain Cleaner. I find it to be a hassle to use and clean up after. I find that, for the chain, a good grease-cutting dishsoap (I use Dishdrops from Quixtar), a small bucket, a toothbrush and a rough towel seem to do find and are easier for me, for some reason.
Thanks! The LBS has the ParkTool chain cleaner. I picked it up today. I'll see what they recommend for a lube. Although it is a bit rainy this time of year, there is no way that it is like Seattle. :)