Jockey wheel cleaning on mtb

[Reesha]

I 'grab' the caked on dirt with a slightly damp microfiber cloth, rotating the the jockey wheel to expose the grime. That does the trick nicely.

[Catrin]

I 'grab' the caked on dirt with a slightly damp microfiber cloth, rotating the the jockey wheel to expose the grime. That does the trick nicely.

Ooooh, this is a very good idea and simple as well. Thanks Reesha, I knew there had to be a more simple approach from what I was considering.

[Becky]

I do what Reesha does. Works a charm!

[OakLeaf]

I use an old toothbrush. Clean the whole drivetrain at the same time so that grime from one part doesn't wind up re-contaminating the rest of it.

Usually my procedure for a deep cleaning is chain cleaner with Park Tool solvent first, then scrub the cogs and derailleurs using the solvent remaining on them from the chain cleaning (Park Tool's derailleur brush is really handy for getting in between the cassette cogs, as well as between the brake caliper arms, although often I'll need to use a shop-grade paper towel folded once or twice to get into the really narrow spaces). Then rinse with water, spray with Simple Green, re-scrub spots I missed, repeat until everything's clean, using a soft rag for frame cleaning and a garden pump sprayer to rinse the grime off - just the right amount of pressure to get the chain really clean, and a nice narrow stream, so I'm not risking forcing water and soap into bearings where they don't belong.

Then re-lube everything (chain, brakes, derailleurs) of course.

I usually only go to that extent about twice a year, but now and then it's nice having a clean bike.

[Becky]

I want to try this stuff for the cassette and chainrings: http://www.finishlineusa.com/products/gear-floss.htm

Next time I place a bike stuff order, I'm going to add it to the list.

[OakLeaf]

That looks really handy! I wonder how easy it is to wash.

[Becky]

That looks really handy! I wonder how easy it is to wash.

I'm thinking that I could toss it in a mesh bag and wash it when I do my other rags. In theory, it should wash up like any other microfiber cloth- it will still be grease-stained, but not greasy-feeling.

I'll report back once I get a chance to try it.

[Catrin]

I want to try this stuff for the cassette and chainrings: http://www.finishlineusa.com/products/gear-floss.htm

Next time I place a bike stuff order, I'm going to add it to the list.

I have this, it is great for cleaning the cassette. I got it from my wish list for Christmas Washing is interesting, I am thinking about just tossing them in the washer next time but the pieces of "floss" are pretty short.

[Catrin]

Oh yes, WHERE are you finding Simple Green locally? I refuse to pay shipping charges. I've been unable to find a local source but that probably just means I've not been looping at the right store...

I just take the chain off and swoosh it in a bottle with chain cleaner. I like the White Lightening spray cleaner for this as it evaporates totally from the chain so no rinsing/water is required. SRAM power-links are reusable and it gets it cleaner quicker than the tool. It works for me, my LBS wrenches converted me to this method.