Cleaning the Chain

[Deborajen]

Spray on degreaser is definitely easier. Basically you just spray it on the chain (set the bike over some newspaper - or remove the chain from the bike). After letting it stand for a couple minutes, it cuts right through the grease and most of it drips off. Then wash the chain with water and a little dish soap or bike wash. Be sure to drip the water from above. If you spray sideways, you can lodge dirt, etc. into the bike's components.

Deb

[brok]

I wear platex gloves when I clean the chain on my bikes. I also carry platex gloves in my bag in case of a flat - I can fix the flat and still have clean hands

[DebW]

You could get one of those gadgets with the wire brushes and the fluid reservoir. You attach them to the chain/derailleur cage and spin the pedals backwards as the chain runs through the fluid and brushes. No taking the chain off the bike. They work pretty well.

[bcipam]

I used to get a really greasey, dirty chain and it was lots of work to keep clean. I would get filthy. A friend (a neatnik, bike geek guy) showed me how to properly lube and clean a chain.

Once every two month or so I take the chain off and soak it in diluted citrus degreaser. I have a Conex link on my chain so it's easy to remove.

But between major cleanings, I use a cassette brush, a clean rag and small amounts of Pro-Link lubricant.

I put on latex gloves to keep my hands clean. I use the cassette brush (a thin bristle brush especially designed to fit inbetween the cassette rings) tp clean out the cassette and brush down the chain. I wipe the chain with my clean rag to get the extra icky bits of grit and grime and then I very carefully place one drop at a time, on each chain link connection. After doing that I use another clean rag and throughly wipe down my chain. I do this before and after each ride. It doesn't take that long to do.

Turns out the chain just doesn't pick up all that grit and grime anymore and stays fairly clean. Plus it operates well as it is well lubed and clean.

BTW the latex gloves are a must - I keep them everywhere.