Chain Cleaners actually Work!!!

[gtRTSdh]

I bought a muck-off chain cleaner as part of the 3 for 2 at halfords and I have to report that it actually works! I've cleaned my third chain tonight, first on the Specialized racer I've got up for sale, then the Xizang which was a bit mucky.

Then I did the chain on the RTS which was caked in crap and it went from a mucky black to shiny silver in a matter of seconds!

I honestly didn't think that chain cleaners worked but now I'm a real devotee, it's so satisfying bringing a mucky old thing back from the gunk!

Such was the result I was motivated to remove the chain set (less than 5 minutes thanks to external BB), remove the chainset and clean the chainrings! Now this bike was put together about 6 and a half years and hasn't been apart since so the rings were caked as well! WD40 has got to be the best cleaner going all back together now, next the cassette is coming off and going in the hot wash at work for a full spring clean!

 

[minor_LEGEND]

Hmmm perhaps I should get one. I've always thought they look a bit gimmicky.

 

[Gruff]

Yep they do
just picked one up in Lidl for 3.99

 

[dvatcmark]

They surprised me too, I use GUNK engine cleaner now in the cleaner rather than cycle specific degreaser as it's loads cheaper and works as good or better than the 'propper stuff' although it doesn't smell as nice

 

[utahdog2003]

Your chain will be a pile of dust in three days, after that GUNK engine degreaser bath.

You know what else cleans a chain. A rag.

 

[gtRTSdh]

Your chain will be a pile of dust in three days, after that GUNK engine degreaser bath.

You know what else cleans a chain. A rag.

You need a serious dose of OCD to do inbetween the links with a rag!!!

 

[klaw71]

They may clean your chain, but you'll ruin it at the same time, KMC say NEVER EVER use one with solvent, it will take the grease out of the internals of the chain, which i presume relates to all makes of bicycle chain. As said before use a rag.

http://www.kmcchain.eu/?en/maintenance/

 

[gtRTSdh]

I think it's all relative, using a chain cleaner with degreaser and then not lubricating the chain is clearly going to be a disaster, but using a chain cleaner as part of a maintanence routine is surely of benefit removing the crud. KMC say use a toothbrush, I've got better things to do thanks!

 

[grogee]

WWSD? (What Would Sheldon Do):

http://sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.html

Or, as a non wind-up, this (scroll about halfway down page):

http://sheldonbrown.com/chains.html

 

[dvatcmark]

I can see where KMC are coming from, but if I didn't clean my chain I'd end up with a nice grinding paste of grease and granite dust inside my chain which kills it in no time. Hence I can;t really see the problem with a degrase and clean followed by a full re-lube.

My record on chain life to date is killing a chain in 1 ride, the keilder 100 last year. Brand new at the start of the ride, completely worn out by the end of the race (over +1% wear on a park gauge). Just shows you what mud and rock dust can do to a chain Although I didn;t stop to lube it once and that can't have helped