Cleaning the chain

[Lise]

What is the best way to keep the chain clean? Should I wipe it down after every ride? I have "Finishline Citrus Biosolvent" that I used to clean a really dirty chain on my old, found-in-the-alley bike. The chain on my Bianchi looks clean, but I'm sure it's picking up all kinds of dirt. I want to treat her with respect and keep her running smoothly. What do you knowledgeable ladies recommend I do?

[Veronica]

I clean mine before a big ride, when it's making funny noises or not shifting properly.

V.

[Lise]

How do you clean it?

(I've never ridden with a group or been part of a club--I guess you guys are it! So I pick up bits and pieces of bike knowledge here and there, and figure no question is too simple to bring here.)

[Veronica]

I take the chain off, bring it into my bathroom sink and scrub it with an old toothbrush and a citrus degreaser. I go over it at least 4 times, top and bottom (the parts that actually touch the cogs) and then do the left and right sides, just to make it prettier.

V.

[Lise]

She repeats slowly....take...the...chain...off....oooookay.....

I know I sound like a simpleton but....now how do I do that? Put it on the smallest cog, and then just lift it off? I'm not going to try tonight, too late, but soon. And it'll go back on and fit fine and I'll feel like I'm a genius and should write Zen and the Art of Bicycle Maintenaince, right?

[ladyjai]

i bought a chain cleaning tool from the shop.

I've heard recommendations of 200 miles. I'm running at more along the lines of 400-800. rain brings things to an immediate head, though.

here's how I do it:
better if one has a stand, but I have flipped my bike upside down. Using the tool makes it easier, and i direct the hose (medium flow) at the rear cog and "output" area of the tool. the water picks out the grease and degreaser and pretty soon the chain is nice and shiny. then i remove the rear wheel and spray the cogs and using a clean towel edge I insert it and pull it to the right (the set turns) for a partial turn, then to the left (it stays) and continue the process, respraying (simple green in my case) as needed. Usually only one circle is needed to get the gunk off between each ring. Then i hit the rings up front. If you only get it off the chain, you only get half the problem cleaned up.

I return the wheel, run the chain through a few spins against a dry towel, and reapply oil according to directions.

i hope this made somewhat of sense.

[Veronica]

I have a master link so my chain does come off pretty easily. Before I switched chains I would need to use a chain breaking tool. You can clean it while it's on your bike. I just prefer to do it inside where I can use warm water to rinse it. Of course it gets dried thoroughly and chain lube. I think we use Pedros Ice Wax.

V.

[IndyGal]

In order to take off the chain, you have to use a special tool to break one of the links. Some folks install a special link called a "master link" which comes apart easily to make chain removal simpler. I don't usually take my chain off for cleaning. I sometimes clean it on the bike using my chain cleaner "thingy". It's a plastic device with brushes inside that attaches to your chain.You put cleaning solution in it and run the chain through it. It works pretty well, but it's kind of a hassle. More often I'll just spray it with Simple Green and scrub it with a stiff brush. I then rinse it off using my garden hose, but not too much water pressure! Just a trickle. Turn cranks a few times to get the water off and let dry before applying lube. Chain cleaning can be messy, so make sure you have newspapers underneath.