Cleaning the chain

[Bella]

Someone already mentioned this but it bears repeating:

Spin Doctor Clean Machine Chain Cleaner. Comes with a plastic encasement that collects all the gunk as you clean. Intricate brushes attack the chain up down and around.

Works like a charm. I take a look after a ride to gauge how much dirt I picked up. Typically every three rides.

[bcipam]

There are "masterlinks" you can buy for most chains. Conex (Sp?) for Shimano and Sram also makes a link. More expensive chains now come with the link pre-added. The link allows you to undo the chain without tools, take it off the bike for cleaning and return.

Generally I just use Pro-Link very carefully on my chain after doing a good dust off with a clean cloth and soft brush. I add the Pro-Link one link at a time until the chain is done and them wipe carefully. My chain tends to stay fairly clean, even on my mountain bike. If it gets really dirty, I remove it, use citrus degreaser (diluted quite a bit), then a good wipe with a clean cloth, put it back on the bike and apply Pro-Link very carefully.