Cleaning and lubrication
Cleaning and lubrication
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Discussion

Skyedriver

Original Poster:

23,376 posts

311 months

Monday 25th May 2015
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What are the current preferences or recommendations for cleaning (particularly areas like the chain rings and rear cassette) and lubrication.
Used GT85 in the past but guess there's something much better
Thanks

joema

2,754 posts

208 months

Monday 25th May 2015
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Some degreaser or muc-off for the chain when I wash it. Wipe clean and then I use GT85 followed by some chain oil - dry/wet depending on trail conditions.

Wouldn't worry about lubrication of cassette, just clean it followed by a quick squirt of gt85 over the mechs.

daddy cool

4,106 posts

258 months

Tuesday 26th May 2015
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Something like halfords citrus degreaser sprayed onto chain rings and cassette - scrub with an old toothbrush.
Moving onto the chain, a chain cleaning device is a must - fill it with the same degreaser, or muc-off (neat) and keep backpedalling until its as shiny as new.
Rinse everything off with clean warm water

shake the bike and let it drip dry, and/or give it a spray of GT85 (avoiding brakes, natch). Then apply lube ONLY TO THE LINKS of the chain. I usually give a quick squirt of GT85 to some of the moving parts of the derailleurs too.

Every few cleans i'll take the chain off for a soak&shake in a sandwich bag full of white spirit. If you do this after you have cleaned the chain you will be surprised how much more dirt/grit/grease comes out.

ukbabz

1,647 posts

155 months

Tuesday 26th May 2015
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I've got a park tool chain cleaner - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/park-tools-cm52-cyclone-ch... which I fill with a de-greasing liquid. Then use baby wipes to get the excess muck off the cassette and chain ring. A toothbrush sounds a lot less faff though!

whatleytom

1,536 posts

212 months

Tuesday 26th May 2015
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I use a chain cleaner, but with white spirit in. Way better than any degreaser I've found. Clean and dry, then lube again.