Cleaning bicycle chains...
Went to the local bike shop and got ideas...But it's still confusing. He said the best way is to soak the chain in something overnight. But, I am not mechanical and that would mean he would have to do it. He said some people use carburetor cleaner (for cleaning) or other items. Then Triflow or White Lighting for lubing the chain. Any ideas...Or am I going to be watching Youtube videos for hours to try and figure it out?? Thanks, Brian
Went to the local bike shop and got ideas...But it's still confusing. He said the best way is to soak the chain in something overnight. But, I am not mechanical and that would mean he would have to do it. He said some people use carburetor cleaner (for cleaning) or other items. Then Triflow or White Lighting for lubing the chain. Any ideas...Or am I going to be watching Youtube videos for hours to try and figure it out?? Thanks, Brian
Why not just use a plastic pan from the dollar store, spray it with the carburetor cleaner and let it sit while you sleep? Then before you put it back on, just put the grease or oil on.
I have mine done annually at my spring servicing, but it's easy enough to do at home, too.
HW333--SW 289--GW of 160 5' 11" woman. I only know the way I know & when you ask for input/advice, you'll get the way I've been successful through my surgeon & nutritionist. Please consult your surgeon & nutritionist for how to do it their way. Biggest regret? Not doing this 10 years ago! Every day is better than the day before...and it was a pretty great day!
I use one of these:
Works like a charm... open the thing up, fill with chain cleaning fluid, clamp on chain, turn pedals slowly. Little brushes scrub the chain. Remove, dry with towel/rag, i let it sit for a while, then lube.
Heaviest: 313/VSG Pre: 295/Surgery: 260/Maintenance target:190 - Recent: 195 (08/15/19)
1st 2015&2016 12-Hour Time Trial UMCA 50-59 Age Group
1st 2017 Race Across the West 4-Person 50-59 Age Group
4th 2019 Race Across America 8 Person Team
Yeah, me too. Or just run a cloth over my chain.
HW - 225 SW - 191 GW - 132 CW - 122
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What cleaning fluid do you use?? It's funny, on YouTube I am getting so many different answers. Everyone has their own ideas and say that any other way is crazy or you're using junk. Hard to know what is the truth or what is at least "NOT" the thing to do.
Even stuff from Bicycling Magazine has their own ideas...Brian
Park tools seem to be used by a lot of folks, I really doubt it matters That much. I use the park tools degreaser.
i did 5000 miles last year. Had bike overhauled and they replaced chain, cassette and chainring as a set. Chains and gears are consumables, like tires.
Heaviest: 313/VSG Pre: 295/Surgery: 260/Maintenance target:190 - Recent: 195 (08/15/19)
1st 2015&2016 12-Hour Time Trial UMCA 50-59 Age Group
1st 2017 Race Across the West 4-Person 50-59 Age Group
4th 2019 Race Across America 8 Person Team
I've never cleaned a bike chain but this looks like a great idea for doing so!
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I use one of these:
Works like a charm... open the thing up, fill with chain cleaning fluid, clamp on chain, turn pedals slowly. Little brushes scrub the chain. Remove, dry with towel/rag, i let it sit for a while, then lube.
Oh, that looks soooo cool! I am going to buy one for my son who is a hard core cyclist!
HW333--SW 289--GW of 160 5' 11" woman. I only know the way I know & when you ask for input/advice, you'll get the way I've been successful through my surgeon & nutritionist. Please consult your surgeon & nutritionist for how to do it their way. Biggest regret? Not doing this 10 years ago! Every day is better than the day before...and it was a pretty great day!
Well I did it...Not very good, but here is what I did. Went to Home Depot and found a degreaser...I think it's the same as a carburetor cleaner. Took an old toothbrush and brushed on the degreaser. Scrubbed the chain from all sides...Then wiped with rags. I then repeated the process...Did some of the gears, too. Rode the bike and put it into all the gears to try and clean them. This stuff can take off paint so I wiped down wherever it was wet. I then used a penetrating oil...Rode the bike again through all the gears. Then wiped off the excess oil. Then used Simple Green to clean other areas of the bike. Don't know if I did right, but that's what I done did!!
