Chain cleaning tool

[Irulan]

Something like Citrus-solve (citrus degreaser, auto parts or hardware) or Simple Green, is a great alternative to solvent. I'm surprised that some of you still use solvents when there are these and other environmentally friendly products and methods out there. When I got my Park gizmo years ago, I ran undiluted Simple Green in it, and it worked great, even on really nasty mountain bike chains.

Here's my preferred method now. I do not know if you can put a Power Link on a road bike chain, but this is what I do for our 6 mountain bikes.

Remove chain from bike. Put in a small container with a lid. Pour Citrusolv over the chain so it's completely submerged. Soak overnight if you want. Here's the secret: shake the jar to dislodge any crud. The chain works against itself to loosen gunk. rinse the chain really well, air dry and reinstall. Method B would be to leave the chain on the bike, spray it down really well, and go after it with a toothbrush. I think the jar idea came from Sheldon Brown.

As for solvent, I do hope you are wearing gloves and disposing of it as hazardous waste when you are done with it. It's really nasty stuff, and should be avoided at all costs. (I work in groundwater/environmental cleanup and remediation)