Cleaning the chain

[DebW]

Great tips on here.
I'd really like to take the chain off - and do have a chain removal tool. I've used it several times before, but on a much older bike.
My current bike has a Shimano HG chain - am I right in thinking these have special pins which aren't designed to be removed and reinserted? Can anyone shed any light on this?
Maybe a master/quick link would be a good idea if that's the case.

Any chain has to be breakable or it couldn't be installed on your bike. I'm not aware of any difference in HG in this regard. But I wouldn't try a master link on a HG unless it was specifically made for that chain. The HG links are beveled in specific ways. Keep using the old chain tool. Regarding master links, it's an old idea that's been recycled. Used to be that only 3-speed and single-speed bikes used master links. How many times did people come into the bike shop in the 70s asking for master links, and we'd reply "Master links don't work on 10 speeds (ie. with derailleurs)".

[MomOnBike]

I put my chain in a container and pour the degreaser on top and leave it for about 2 minutes to allow the degreaser to work its magic.

I've also heard that some people shake the stuffins out of the container once they put the chain/degreaser in. Then pour off the gritty degreaser & have another go at it.

These same people then dip the chain in some sort of magic potion (after it's rinsed & dried, of course) that lubes everything up until time for the next chain cleaning - which will be soon.

These are also the people who polish the bike to a fair-thee-well & complain about never having enough time to ride.

(Hint: I ain't one of these people, I'm just reporting what I read)

I kind of like the idea of agitating the chain, since you took it off, anyway. And maybe even a second wash is a good idea. I'll probably never know, though