Chain Cleaner

[John D9395]

Hi

I put a new chain and cassette on the bike on Saturday, sounded sweet after installation.

Went to Swinnley Forest yesterday, and now it sounds like an ond bone shaker again, what is in the soil / puddles over there that gets into the chain so much?

Obviously I need a chain cleaner, any recommendations?

Muck Off seem to do 2 an X1 and an X3, both look similar in the pictures, one better than the other?

Thanks for any help.

[daddy cool]

Swinley is my local trail - i hear you on the soil. I believe its a mixture of sand, diamonds, dragon scales, and nano-particles of Chuck Norris' beard trimmings.

I had a muc-off chain device - cant remember which one but within 3 uses bits of plastic started snapping off. I persevered but eventually it became unusable. I now have a ParkTool one which has lasted ages, though i think the muc-off one actually cleaned better.

Anyway, regardless of brand i couldnt live without one now. I still take the chain off completely every few rides and rinse it in a ziplock bag full of whitespirit (if you dont already, replace one of the links with a KMC quick-release one)

[il sole]

another vote here for the park tool...gets my roadie chains nice and clean every time.

[Laurel Green]

I currently use Gunk degreaser in an Aldi chain cleaner. Gunk along with most degreasers seems to be rather expensive so, will give diesel a go when the Gunk runs out(though the smell might be a tad off-putting).

[daddy cool]

I use Halfords Citrus degreaser - its £9 a litre (when you use BC discount) and works quite well. Would like to hear about something cheaper though as i get through it like nobody's business...

[neenaw]

I use Surfex degreaser in my Park chain cleaner.

http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/surfex-hd-all-purpos...

I use it neat in the chain cleaner but mix it 50:50 with water and use it in a plant sprayer to clean the cassette. The 5l bottle I've got is nearly finished but I've had it for about 3 years now!

[Batfink]

Would it be wrong to use a can of carb cleaner? Seems to strip all the dirt straight off and blast it off. I leave it to evaporate then re-oil the chain.

[upsidedownmark]

These:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lifeline-master-chain-link...

These:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kmc-10-speed-chain-links/

(in the correct number of speeds variant for your bike, obvs)

A bottle of white spirit/any other solvent you care to come by, some rag and a tub/bowl of some kind.

[Steve vRS]

I use the Muc Off degreaser aerosol sprays but I'm finding it quite expensive in the winter!

[Silver940]

daddy cool said:

I use Halfords Citrus degreaser - its £9 a litre (when you use BC discount) and works quite well. Would like to hear about something cheaper though as i get through it like nobody's business...

Cheapo White spirit from the local hardware/bankrupt stock shop. Normally a couple of quid a litre and very effective.

[Watchman]

Batfink said:

Would it be wrong to use a can of carb cleaner? Seems to strip all the dirt straight off and blast it off. I leave it to evaporate then re-oil the chain.

Without doubt, the best grease remover there is. Once or twice a year, I give my chain a quick blast with this, then squirt some fresh into tub and drop the chain in there for a shake. It's pretty much silver/new by then.

I take the cassette off and do the same to that too. Looks brand new afterwards.

In between times I just blast the grit away with a hose, then GT85 (I bought a box of cans), then when it's dry I re-lube. I've never yet replaced a chain.

[craigthecoupe]

i use white spirit/paraffin normally, but never know what to do with it once ive used it. anyone offer a soloution? i've got a growing selection of skanky jam jars in the garage.

[Celtic Dragon]

A match?

[John D9395]

Hi

Thanks for all the feedback.

Took plunge and went for Park Tool chain cleaner.

Done the chain and it looks like new, runs like new just like it did on Saturday when I fitted it!

Thanks again

[Blakeatron]

I use a cheapy tool from eBay and petrol, seems to work.

Just soak up any excess/leftover in tissue and put at the bottom of the fire before lighting!

[BGarside]

I just agitate the chain in a big plastic bottle of white spirit. The spirit can be re-used after standing to allow the solids to settle out.

Use a quick link in the chain so it can be quickly removed and re-fitted. Dry the chain with a cloth to remove the surplus white spirit and let it dry fully before re-oiling.

[lufbramatt]

Bilt Hamber Surfex is really good stuff, works better than Halfords citrus stuff IMO and you can dilute it quite a lot and it still works.

[Gren]

Park tool one here too and it gets rid of Swinley grit easily. Does need to be used every time I go there though compared to every couple of months riding in the forests only a few miles south.

Don't forget to clean and lube your jockey wheels. Swinley ate my last set.

It's those ginger trails!