TMassimo

Apparently, "Speed Degreaser" evaporates quickly leaving no residue.


It's good to quickly remove some dirt off but I wouldn't use it for deep cleaning. It's too expensive.

I use "EcoTech Degreaser" for deep cleaning and always rinse it off with water. I fill the chain bath with soapy water a couple of times and then just water.

I probably should take the chain off afterwards and give it a good spin but I've never taken a chain off before so I just let it air dry

speshelite

I've used this method as well, but stopped doing so. The cleaning machine sprays and spills dirty liquid residue everywhere.

Nowadays I just wipe the chain down, drip oil onto each link, spin the crank arms a few times to let the lube seep in, then wipe down a bit for a couple of seconds. Faster and less messy.

I think I'll use the chain cleaning machine next time though. It's a fun chore to do.

edit: I implore everyone to avoid TriFlow for your chain. It is the worst. It creates a black messy goo out of your chain and does not last at all. The last time I used it, I got less than 100 miles of use before the chain started making noise again.

Triflow is very, very popular among bike shop mechanics. Then again, most mechanics and shops can't tell the difference between their head and their rear end.

Scooty Puff Jr

I haven't had that problem, maybe because I use a minimal amount of cleaning fluid, and I don't run my chain through the machine very fast, just a couple of slow cranks, and I'm done.

I think to many people over think cleaning bike chains, as long as it gets wiped down and lubed regularly, then just enjoy your ride. I'm heading out for a ride right now before the heat and rain set in later.

ColonelSanders

Thanks for bringing this product to my attention.

coominya

Yes, but $2 degreaser from the auto shop is water soluble, you just rinse it off. The secret is not getting it into places you don't want it hey, but I think the speed link chain is the best innovation myself. Whip it off, shake it around in a bottle of kerosene for 5 minutes, repeat in clean kero, and hang overnight.

a1penguin

I had my bike services with the mobile that comes to the office monthly. The guy there told me I was over oiling my chain! I live in Norcal and don't ride often in the rain and it's never cold here. He had nits about oils and waxes and recommended T-9 as a happy medium for the road riding conditions in our area.

Doctor Morbius

That's how I do it except I use LO mineral spirits.

Scooty Puff Jr

Hey Colonel, this is my cleaning regiment, using a "dummy hub" after a nice cleaning with the diluted Simple Green, couple clean rags, and the machine. You can use your own judgement.

Scooty Puff Jr

I like this "Chain Luber", gets it done right using "Epic Ride" with no mess.

TMassimo

Speed degreaser can be useful in some circumstances but I find the Park Tool CM5.2 machine very, very useful and effective.

omg, I need to get that "Chain Luber". I waste so much lube. Thanks for mentioning it.

Has anyone tried FL Ceramic Wax Lube?

ColonelSanders

I like the look of your setup.

Where did you get the applicator that you are using to apply the Epic Ride?

Scooty Puff Jr

Got it Walmart, it was around $6 and came with a 8oz bottle of Epic Ride lube, it works much better than I thought it would.

TMassimo

I just ordered this PT Master Link Pliers so I can remove the chain after washing it, give it a good spin and let it air dry overnight before applying lube. The problem is the weather here isn't very optimal for air drying anything. It's ok at the moment with temp up to 72F and a few sunny days but it won't last long before it starts raining (it's raining right now).

This might sound a bit silly but can I let the wet chain dry in a fan assisted oven at low temp for a few mins? Wouldn't that be quicker than let it air dry overnight where rust might starts to form? Just wondering...

Scooty Puff Jr

Why not just dry it by running it through a clean towel ? It does seem silly to me to try and dry it in a oven.

TMassimo

so it's ok to apply lube even if the chain is not totally dry?

Scooty Puff Jr

I clean my chain on my bike using a chain cleaning machine, and I've always just ran my clean chain through a clean dry towel a few times, let it sit for a couple minutes then lube it. Remember its just a bike chain, they're pretty tough, there's not a lot you could clean it with short of soaking it in saltwater, that will affect its life. Basically what I'm saying is don't over think it, and keep it lubed.

Doctor Morbius

It depends on what you used to clean the chain with. If it's mineral spirits it will be fine. If something else, perhaps not.

ColonelSanders

I have seen accounts of people on these forums who oven bake their chains at approx. 100 degrees Celsius or a bit higher, to make sure it is truly dried out.

Scooty Puff Jr

Its just a bike chain guys, I don't think I've ever heard of someone's bike chain failing prematurely because they didn't rinse/dry it before applying lube. As long as you wipe it down and keep it lubed, it will be fine.

Why anyone would use mineral spirits when there's so many non toxic degreasers out there blows my mind. That stuff is nasty, the fumes alone keeps me from using it for anything other than maybe cleaning paint brushes.