Citrus chain cleaners (or otherwise)

[bfrobisher]

I had purchased a PARK mechanical chain cleaner machine and it came with some pathetic chain cleaning solution. I priced the citrus cleaners at the LBS and thought that $10.00 per bottle was kinda steep for a about 12oz.
I did some searches and found citrus based biodegradeable cleaner from www.grainger.com for about $12.95 a gallon.
I ordered a gallon and it appears to be the exact same stuff, designed for use in degreasing automotive parts etc etc.

What is your method for cleaning your chain?

What lubricant do you use?

Do you do it differently on your MTB/Road bikes?

I was also considering going to a WIPPERMAN chain so I could remove the chain and then soak it off the bike and deal with it that way.

Thanks for reading.

[gregk]

Originally posted by bfrobisher

What is your method for cleaning your chain?

What lubricant do you use?

Do you do it differently on your MTB/Road bikes?

I was also considering going to a WIPPERMAN chain so I could remove the chain and then soak it off the bike and deal with it that way.

Thanks for reading.

My cleaning method consists of the following:

1. Spray liberal amounts of Formula 409 all purpose cleaner (degreaser) on chain while spinning pedals backwards.

2. While still spinning, wipe off excess with a rag/t-shirt.

3. Repeat step one, but with Pedro's Extra Dry Chain Lube in place of 409.

4. Repeat step two.


I really like the Pedro's Extra Dry. Back in the old days I used regular 10W-30 oil for the chain. You should have seen how much dirt and grime that stuff picks up on the components and chain. The Pedro's really works well and keeps things clean.

I do the same cleaning process for both mountain and road bikes.

[rek]

I use automotive degreaser with my chain cleaner. I used to use mineral turps, but everything (including me, and my clothes) ended up stinking of it by the time I was done.

It's a flouro red coloured non-petroleum based cleaner that I think is biodegradable.. it doesn't smell of citrus though, actually it has no discernable smell.

I picked up a 5 litre bottle of it (enough to last me a long time, even with my OCD-esque maintenance regimen) from the local auto parts store for about AU$10. Not a lot more than turps, and a lot cheaper than the "specialist" bike degreasers.

[Snarl]

I also have the Park Chain cleaner and it's excellent. I use a biodegadable automotive parts cleaner (Cheap at Canadian Tire) called "Simple Green" that appears similar to what your using. Once a month (Or if it's real Dirty) I run the Chain through the Park Cleaner with that Fluid, then rinse with Water and wipe chain down. When the Chains dry I apply a drop of Pedro's Extra dry to each link then i work it in by hand. 1-2 times a week I give the chain a quick wipe down and Once a week I apply a little more lube. This proceedure has worked extremely well for me.

Good Luck !

[JohnO]

I use a small ultrasonic cleaner I picked up off of ebay for $50. Originally, I bought it for cleaning up some antique models I have, but it works very well on bicycle chains, too.

In the cleaner is a solution of water, soap, and degreaser. After two hours in the cleaner, you should see the junk that comes out of what looked like a fairly clean chain. In the case of the MTB chain, there will be piles of gook in the cleaner's tray.

Only real trick to an ultrasonic cleaner is to lube the daylights out of the chain once you are done - the cleaner digs lubricant out of every nook and cranny.

[Routier]

I just spray my chain with Morgan Blue Bio Cleaner.
What am I doing wrong?!

[RalleighOke]

I use parafine, leave the chain in it for a while, then use an ordinary paint brush to "Paint" the oil off, wipe if dry very and then lube it descently again.

[justcook]

I personally can't stand cleaning my chain. I use Finish Line KryTech wax lubricant on my chain before EVERY ride, and it's great for preventing dirt build up. I used to have to clean my chain constantly, and now it's something I hardly worry about. Otherwise, I agree with gregk about the spinning backwards and wiping with a rag technique so you don't have to take everything apart.

I would say DO NOT buy a special chain just because it's removable. I've fooled with chains a bit, and at the end of the day, I can say that you're always better off using the same brand chain as the rest of your gear system, especially in these days of 9- and 10-speed derailleurs (not sure how to spell that!) and triple front rings.