Cleaning the Chain

[maillotpois]

Citrus degreaser is fine for the chain - you don't need anything stronger. A friend uses Simple Green. Same idea.

I always take the chain off if I am doing a good cleaning. And the cassette. I just did it all this afternoon. I use an ultra sonic heated cleaner, but you can also put everything into a tub of hot water/cleaner and put it on your clothes dryer while running/vibrating. If you take the cassette off use a zip tie to keep the pieces together in order!

To clean hands afterwards, we use "Zep heavy duty hand cleaner" with pumice. It is gritty, but cleans very well. I don't mind a little grease under the fingernails as it is cheaper than a manicure!

[Kano]

I always take the chain off if I am doing a good cleaning. And the cassette. I just did it all this afternoon. I use an ultra sonic heated cleaner, but you can also put everything into a tub of hot water/cleaner and put it on your clothes dryer while running/vibrating. If you take the cassette off use a zip tie to keep the pieces together in order!

I haven't figured out how to take the chain off, at least not far enough so I could put it in a pan on the dryer! But this sounds like a really cool idea, since it would rattle the dust-crud out of there without scrubbing each link.

and, I'm not even sure what the cassette is, though I think it might be those gears on the back wheel. Taking that off -- probably a good way to clean, but hmmmmmmm.

And since we're cleaning, any easy way to do the front rings? Parts of them seem to be mighty hard to get at!
When I was puttering the other night, DH's bike was gross -- but then, I've taken a scrub brush to mine once or twice this summer already, and he hasn't! It's about time for me to do that again on mine. He needs to do his himself, though. It's not that much fun to do the cleaning!

And once again, just in case I don't say it enough: Thank you ladies one and all for all the great information I've been finding here!!!!!

Karen in Boise

[rheidis73]

Kano, I am in your same shoes. I haven't figured out how to take the chain off. I am sure the cleaning would be a lot easier.! Any suggessions?

I didn't know that simple green works good for the chain. I will try that next time!

[Tri Girl]

I'm a Simple Green user. Used to buy the expensive degreaser (and bought the whole chain cleaning kit, too- which I never use anymore). The mechanic at the LBS told me Simple Green works just as well, and is soooo much cheaper (and more environmentally friendly). I use it to clean the chain and cassette with a bristle brush, and then wash my hands with it. And he also said the best way to clean the bike frame is with Windex. I love multi-purpose cleaners that will not only clean my house, but clean my bike!

[SalsaMTB]

Kano, I am in your same shoes. I haven't figured out how to take the chain off. I am sure the cleaning would be a lot easier.! Any suggessions?

I didn't know that simple green works good for the chain. I will try that next time!

All you need is a chain tool! The park tool site has a lot of good instruction on maintenance. Here is one on installing a chain..

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=25

[DebW]

And since we're cleaning, any easy way to do the front rings? Parts of them seem to be mighty hard to get at!

To clean between the chainrings, just drop the chain to the inside and try brushes or rags. I find it easy with a rag - hold the rag with 2 hands about a foot apart and saw it back and forth between the rings. Or hold it still and have someone else turn the crank.

[Bike Goddess]

I often use BikeWash to clean my bike and my chain. I also have used the chain cleaners referenced here. They work well too.

If you can get your bike off the ground so that you can move the wheels, cleaning and lubricating the chain is much easier. You can find portable stands on the market- lots of bike shops sell them. Then the challenge is to find a place where you can do the work!

Cleaning up afterwards? Believe it or not, I use Tide powdered detergent. I put some under my nails and scrub away with a nail brush. Result- clean nails, no grease or black stuff anywhere.