Chain cleaning - how do you clean yours?

[Tad]

I'm experimenting with a paraffin wax/engine oil combo on the Clubman. Heat the wax, drop the chain in, scrape the crap that rises to the surface off and discard, then leave your chain to drip dry over the container you heated the wax in and save for next time.

It seems OK, but I'm not sure how a derralieured system would find it. Mr Shimano would cry.

Failing that, have you seen the £4 chains for sale in Asda? They're OK!

I've heard of the ASDA chains, I'm going there tomorrow to stock up. I do 120+ miles a week on the commuter on and off road in all weathers, taking the chain off every week to clean it is a bit OTT for me as I'm lazy. I've tried KMC, SRAM and Wipperman, they all last 3 months or there abouts. I think the £4 chain is the way to go.

 

[Grannygrinder]

.

£4 chain feedback would be appreciated

 

[Tad]

Re: .

£4 chain feedback would be appreciated

If I can get hold of one I will start a "£4 chainwatch" thread and keep it updated in the manner of that irksome git Bill Oddie and the lurvely Kate Humble. Kate Humble, phwoar!

 

[mikesnowdon]

Muc-off isnt a lube, its a cleaner. Clean your chain with it by running the chain through a rag and apply some good quality chain lube after its dry.

I meant Muc-Off chain lube not the bike cleaner.

OK.

In that case if your cleaning and lubing properly but still chewing up chains I would think your chainrings and/or cassete are worn. Worn cassete or chainrings will stretch the chain.

 

[cchris2lou]

your chain indicator tells the chain is used , but is that a problem ?

does it jump all the time ?

i use baby wipes to clean and GT 85 to lube .

 

[barry2017]

I know exactly what you're saying. I used to do a similar mileage. When I still had a commute.

The biggest reduction in maintenance comes from riding with full length mudgards, IME. Keeps all the mechanical bits that much cleaner.

Still, the £4 chain is a good solution.

 

[al]

I take my bike to the cycle centre in Penzance with some cakes!!

Not only do i get a chain lube, but also a cup of coffee a nice sit down and a good old chin wag!!

Thanks fellas, i love you all! yes even mikey.








Al, not gay, just happy!

 

[TheGreenRabbit]

TGR chain cleaning method

1 - take chain off
2 - wash in petrol once or twice or until clean
3 - dry
4 - lube
5 - put back on bike

easy !

 

[al]

Not as easy as going to the cake shop!

 

[Tad]

As this is my only form of transport (the other bikes are for fun) I prefer preventative maintenence to repairs. The last thing I want to be doing is getting filthy repairing a broken chain on the way in to work (I do have a pair of surgical gloves in my emergency repair kit just in case though). Add a freezing cold frosty morning or raining pitch black night when you can't feel your fingers in to the mix and my will to live would evaporate.