How To Clean Drivetrain
- Thread starter TrekGuy
- Start date
Buy a chain cleaner. Less than $20 online. Use a solvent that won't kill you.
I usually wash my chain when it looks like there's a bit of grit/dust on it, but I have only done this twice over a year and a half.
I usually wash my chain when it looks like there's a bit of grit/dust on it, but I have only done this twice over a year and a half.
barbieri chain cleaner and fluid
takes about 90 seconds once every month or two, depends on weather conditions that I ride in
takes about 90 seconds once every month or two, depends on weather conditions that I ride in
I clean maybe once every 200 mi, lube often. I found a cheap brush (for golf clubs) that really works for cleaning the casset and the cogs on the derailer (have no flippin clue the correct term). I finally broke down and bought a chain cleaner and I'm happy I did. My dad actually takes the chain off, puts in in a bottle of degreaser and shakes it around until it's clean 
. I keep telling him that he's going to pull out all of the factory lubing, but then again he only cleans his bike once a year .
. I keep telling him that he's going to pull out all of the factory lubing, but then again he only cleans his bike once a year .
OoAmericanGirl said:I clean maybe once every 200 mi, lube often. I found a cheap brush (for golf clubs) that really works for cleaning the casset and the cogs on the derailer (have no flippin clue the correct term). I finally broke down and bought a chain cleaner and I'm happy I did. My dad actually takes the chain off, puts in in a bottle of degreaser and shakes it around until it's clean
Factory lubing? Is there really such a thing? Doesn't it get worn out or off anyway? I'm so confused.
sogood said:
I do it when it's way dirty, which almost never happens. My Pro Link tx keeps the chain clean and oiled. It easily passes a close visual inspection. Many people "clean" their chains this way, and just as many people are getting very long lives out of their chains. Note that when I do my Pro Link tx, the chain ends up dripping Pro Link a bit; then the cranks get turned for a while; and finally the chain is wiped down to remove excess. Presto chango: clean, oiled chain.
Every time you clean your chain with solvent, or apply any oil, you are washing out the factory grease. Many people get rid of it before even fitting a new chain. Whatever you do, it'd all be gone within a few months. No matter, that's what you're oiling it for.OoAmericanGirl said:I keep telling him that he's going to pull out all of the factory lubing, but then again he only cleans his bike once a year
I used a similar product, called "Krytech", which is a "dry" teflon-containing lubricant. I don't recall ever having to clean the chain while using it. I've since switched to Prolink (Cheeky Transport in Newtown stock it).sogood said:
Given that I can buy a DA/XTR chain on ebay for A$45-55, it just isn't worth my time to haul the chain off, shake it in a bottle, wash it under the tap, bake it in the oven, refit the chain and then spend 10 minutes washing my hands and wiping the floor. It's not even a given that doing all this extends chain life when you're using a "dry" lubricant.
I use mineral spirits (kerosene/diesel fuel) and a paintbrush to clean the chain and sprockets. First, I use a plastic container (like a large CoolWhip container) about 1/3 full. The chain at the rear derailleur can be submersed into the liquid and spun backwards. This takes all the grime off the chain. Then I coat the chain with White Lightening. I do this usually after one to three rides, depending on how much grime is on the chain. About every third time I use a spray cleaner/conditioner before the wax lube.
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