Doc V

I use Simple Green HD Pro (5gal jug from Home Depot) diluted 1:3 for degreasing and as a chain cleaner in the Finish Line chain cleaning device. The HD Pro version is safe for Al unlike the standard SG, which must be rinsed off (per SG website). I also use the 1:3 SG for cleaning the brifters and handlebars. For the frame and brakes I use Meguiar's Ultimate Wash and Wax Anywhere, which washes the frame and applies a polymer wax all in one shot. Cleaning the bike takes about 15-30 minutes depending on how thorough I wish to be.

Nebby10

Get a lawn and garden sprayer like this, you can find them at Home Depot or Lowes in the garden section for a bit more.

JameB

So how much is enough or jut right? I've seen YouTube videos that suggest that you should try to get as much oil as you can off the chain with a rag. End result: your hands should stay clean when you touch the side and top of chain. Is this true?

How strong are these?

Nebby10

Depending on the nozzle they've got decent pressure, but they're definitely not a pressure washer. Why do you need a strong spray for anyway? High pressure water isn't something you want near your bike.

JameB

Sweet, this seems like the best option since there are no hoses for me. Thank you!

rpenmanparker 

OP even the best water-compatible degreaser sucks compared to mineral spirits or just WD-40. They require a lot of elbow grease to cut the filth, and then they need to be rinsed off. They leave a tremendous sludge in your sink or tub. And finally you have to push out the water with WD-40 anyway (if you think like me, that is) to get the lube in the way it should be. I would just use the mineral spirits or WD-40 in the first place.

PaulRivers

Lol, I'm just saying'! - if he can fit a dirt bike in there, should be able to fit a road bike...

Machka 

What oil are you using on your chain?

I ride on paved roads, paved roads with debris, and gravel roads and don't get "so much black residue" on my drivetrain in a month ... I don't get that much build-up in 6 months.


You're in Canada ... go to Canadian Tire and into their kitchen section. They sell Simple Green in a spray bottle for kitchen use. Canadian Tire also sells Simple Green in a spray bottle for automotive use over in their automotive department, but it's more expensive. Maybe the kitchen spray is somewhat diluted. I use the kitchen spray.

Pick up one of those Park Tools chain cleaner devices (linked in one of my previous posts here) ... you should be able to get them at just about any bicycle shop, but first I'd check MEC.

Lay down large garbage bags on hard-surface flooring (i.e. linolium, outdoor pavement, but not carpet). Set the bicycle on the bags. If you are concerned about spills you might raise the edges of the bags with rolled newspaper or towels to create a shallow bath. Or put the bicycle in the bathtub if there's room.

Spray the whole drive train with Simple Green, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. While waiting, read the instructions for the chain cleaner device.

Fill the chain cleaner device to the fill level with hot water and some Simple Green. Attach it to the chain, according to the instructions, and spin the crankarms to move the chain. Empty and repeat (if it is really bad, you might have to do this a couple more times). Empty and repeat with plain water ... no Simple Green or other soap. Then rinse with the showerhead, if you have the bicycle in your tub, or with a spray bottle of hot water. You want to remove as much Simple Green as possible.


On occasion, I have used brushes, similar to toothbrushes, for the gears. Spray them with Simple Green ... let sit for about 10 min ... spray again and scrub with brushes ... rinse well.

And a couple other pieces of cleaning equipment I've found useful are the spray bottle with hot water and a clean old sock, which I wear over my hand to wipe down the bicycle in general, and then to work on the drivetrain if it happens to be really bad for some reason.


Then lightly oil the chain.


I used to do a relatively thorough (a completely thorough cleaning would involve removing the chain, rear wheel, etc.) cleaning like that about once a year ... maybe twice a year if I had been riding through some really bad weather with rain, slush, mud, etc.

coolcamaro12

Well now I know that my Specialized Tarmac and wr250 can fit in a shower now

beeballman

Living in an apartment, I try to keep it clean as can be. I usually clean it after every ride. If you keep the basics clean, then it stays pretty clean. Trick one, don't over lube the chain and wipe it down after each ride. Keep a spay bottle of water and light cleaner to clean and wipe the frame down after each ride. I also usually wipe off the tires and rims as well. Mine usually stays pretty clean.

RR3

If on the road, I shower in my "Kit".......kill two birds with one stone so to speak.

coolcamaro12

Do you throw it in the dryer afterwords? I tried that and it was impossible to air dry

JameB

I recently purchased Schwinn Bicycle Lube from Canadian Tire (link). Though it's not a racing lube, I'm not riding a race bike so it's all good.


Yeah that's what I am having a problem figuring out. How lightly? I've heard some people say to lube every chain link while others are saying to lube and essentially wipe everything down with a rag!

Am I correct in assuming that you only need a bit of oil in each chain link on the inside while none on the outsides??

Machka 

Yes.

I usually use Tri-Flow ... and just a teensy drop in each chain link.