In anticipation of threads that will be popping up asking how to clean a drive train, I wanted to see what the consensus is on the 'best' way to do it (Road bike only). It seems like every thread I have ever read argues to either:
PS: I made a survey on survey monkey. feel free to vote, no sign in required:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8JPD3PT
So, What is the best method?
Many people advocate that placing your chain or other components in to a 32 oz bottle filled with simple green is a big no-no. By doing this, the lube that the manufacturer applied which is found nested in-between the components will be removed, which will shorten the life of the component.
Other say that only a simple wipe down of the chain with a rag, and using the old 'rag and credit card' trick between the cogs is sufficient, when coupled with a good lube and / protectant.
But what about those bikes that have tons of road grime on the chain and cogs? Is it time for a replacement?
I would like to know your recommendations. Is there any actual data that shows which is optimal? For god's sake, this is a bike chain, does it have to be this difficult? Are there more than one way to skin a cat? Perhaps all of these methods are fine...
And the survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8JPD3PT
- Only clean on bike with a toothbrush. rag, etc..., immediately re lube (Never use de-greaser)
- Remove drive train, let soak in a degreaser (Simple green, etc), then re-lube accordingly.
- Wipe with a degreaser for a surface cleaning, then re-lube accordingly.
- A combination of the above...
PS: I made a survey on survey monkey. feel free to vote, no sign in required:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8JPD3PT
So, What is the best method?
Many people advocate that placing your chain or other components in to a 32 oz bottle filled with simple green is a big no-no. By doing this, the lube that the manufacturer applied which is found nested in-between the components will be removed, which will shorten the life of the component.
Other say that only a simple wipe down of the chain with a rag, and using the old 'rag and credit card' trick between the cogs is sufficient, when coupled with a good lube and / protectant.
But what about those bikes that have tons of road grime on the chain and cogs? Is it time for a replacement?
I would like to know your recommendations. Is there any actual data that shows which is optimal? For god's sake, this is a bike chain, does it have to be this difficult? Are there more than one way to skin a cat? Perhaps all of these methods are fine...
And the survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8JPD3PT