Cleaning your bike chain

[Bakari45]

I’m not sure if video embeds can be done on this site, but I thought I share a 1 minute video took of my bike chain being cleaned. The maintenance guy (Trek bike shop) did a great job of explaining it. He said based on my much you ride you bike, to clean the chains like every 3 to 4 weeks.

Unfortunately I have to take my back again to the shop in order to get a new tube for the back tire. It was my first tire puncture since I started riding the back a month ago. Maybe I can record how he takes off the back tire and replaces the tube, because I have no idea how to do it.

 

[Sierratim]

There are a number of comments re chain maintenance on this thread as well.

 

[indianajo]

I don't clean my chain, unless I get string or johnson grass tangled in it.
I get ~5000 miles per chain. I do lube it biweekly, with 5W non-detergent oil.

 

[Bakari45]

I don't clean my chain, unless I get string or johnson grass tangled in it.
I get ~5000 miles per chain. I do lube it biweekly, with 5W non-detergent oil.

So is the maintenance guy in my video lubing the chain? I’m not sure what the difference is.

 

[jaizon]

great tool for cleaning your chain. https://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-CG-2-4-Bicycle-Cleaning/dp/B07Z8JH85V/ref=sr_1_2?crid=106VX45468JWW&dchild=1&keywords=chain+cleaner+for+cycling&qid=1595622758&sprefix=chain+cleaner,aps,139&sr=8-2

worked like a charm. Then lube. Happy camper.

 

[Marcela]

I don't clean my chain, unless I get string or johnson grass tangled in it.
I get ~5000 miles per chain. I do lube it biweekly, with 5W non-detergent oil.

Ahhh, good to see old school again.

 

[Gionnirocket]

Ahhh, good to see old school again.

I land here as well.
Seems some spend more time and money on chain maintenance then riding and enjoying life.

 

[chromatose]

I use auto brake cleaner and a t-brush. Lube with wet/dry as conditions dictate

 

[FlatSix911]

So is the maintenance guy in my video lubing the chain? I’m not sure what the difference is.

Yes, a clean and lube is shown in the video... welcome to EBR.

 

[Marcela]

I land here as well.
Seems some spend more time and money on chain maintenance then riding and enjoying life.

Use the oil with moly, like Schaeffers. You’ll be happier.

 

[Gionnirocket]

I concur

 

[BCBeaver]

In the shop I work at when I get an especially gross chain (often) I take it off and throw it in the ultrasonic cleaner for 5 minutes. It comes out clean as new. A little tri-flow on it and it's good to go.

 

[jaizon]

I concur

View attachment 60067

AKA Panther piss.

 

[Gionnirocket]

AKA Panther piss.

hahahahaha... I haven't tasted one in about 40 years.... But you're dead on if memory serves

 

[dmays]

Park, Makes a good chain cleaner and the best chain lube, in my opinion is white lightning it uses a carrier that dissipates and leaves the lube dry on the chain

 

[Sierratim]

Chain maintenance and lube become almost a religion supporting very long threads. To add to this one, there have been a number of tests trying to identify the best lube.

This data was published by cyclingtips.com in 2018. Posts on other threads support their findings re Squirt and Rock-n-Roll lubes.

Haven't seen any data that includes 5W oil, ATF, etc, but others swear by these 'alternative' lubes. I'm using Finish Line Dry now but will probably change to whatever is on sale when this runs out...

Ride On!

 

[fooferdoggie]

as long as the lube lasts a week (without rain) and keeps the chain clean thats all I care about. rock and roll does that I have to use the blue stuff in winter. but no gunk buildup

 

[FlatSix911]

Chain maintenance and lube become almost a religion supporting very long threads. To add to this one, there have been a number of tests trying to identify the best lube.

View attachment 60085
This data was published by cyclingtips.com in 2018. Posts on other threads support their findings re Squirt and Rock-n-Roll lubes.

Haven't seen any data that includes 5W oil, ATF, etc, but others swear by these 'alternative' lubes. I'm using Finish Line Dry now but will probably change to whatever is on sale when this runs out...

Ride On!

I love that this test included Mobil-1, Vaseline, and good old 3-in-1 Oil... gotta give em credit for trying everything.

I use Squirt wax and Muc Off Ceramic dry lube depending on conditions... YMMV.

 

[Gionnirocket]

If we rode in a laboratory I could say that these test have some validity... but since we don't I say they are boooolshit perpetuated by the guberment.
IMO the devil is contamination... so the best solution is cheap, easy and often and not how long it last or how few watts burned in a lab.
Wipe it down, Flush it with new oil, Repeat.

 

[Lightning P38]

In the shop I work at when I get an especially gross chain (often) I take it off and throw it in the ultrasonic cleaner for 5 minutes. It comes out clean as new. A little tri-flow on it and it's good to go.

Yes, the best way to clean chain is to remove it, and have a shop clean it for you. I lube my chain when I can hear it is dry, and then wipe off the excess. If you have a shop lube your chain, be sure to wipe the extra lube off, as it gets your wheel greasy and attracts dirt.