Chain cleaning

[jim55]

cleaning ??,do it prop ,take it off the bike ,get a used 2ltr coke bottle (or any suitable container )-empty of course, put the chain in ,cover with a degreaser (gunk is really good )screw cap on and shake ,give it a while and when its not bad take it out and dry it with an old rag(bin this) and refit and relube ,while the chains off give things a gen clean in that area (chainstays and the cranks and stuff)not a lot of hassle and very good

 

[sabian92]

Water mixed with dishwasher detergent is also a worthy substitute apparently ?

The salt from the detergent is bad for your chain. Avoid if you can.

I use white spirit. Good at cleaning and far cheaper than real chain cleaner!

 

[Cubist]

I like that cycle chat forum on the link gets a mention some good PR there What chain lube is recommended wet or dry?

Dry. Wet tends to attract dirt and grit, and this leads to questions on chain cleaning on internet forums. Finish Line ceramic wax. Reassuringly.expensive. The chainsaw oil boys will be along in a minute.

 

[Hitchington]

I Mickle once a week!

 

[mickle]

My work here is done..

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

The chainsaw oil boys will be along in a minute.

I like chainsaw oil.

 

[Iain G]

My work here is done..

You are 'the' mickle?

 

[DWiggy]

I spray a bit of muck off onto the chain and leave for a couple of minutes, then put some more muck off into my chain cleaner tool with some water and do this 2-3 times, wipe down then lube, then wipe down one last time seems to work for me.

 

[Cubist]

My work here is done..

..... although being remembered for a few minutes of furious wiping might not be everybody's idea of a claim to fame.......

 

[Nathjh]

And I say unto you, Mickle thy chain.

I was a silly boy before and my chain was disgusting. Now after using said method it sparkles like almost new!

 

[Basil.B]

Can't understand how can you clean a chain with a dry cloth.
I always use a dab of white spirit.

 

[IncoherentJeff]

My preferred method is Motul Chain Cleaner, an old tooth brush & a cloth.
Purely because it's always around to use on my motorbike chain too.

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

I am one for chain cleaning tools. Park one with Morgan Blue cleaner. I can't seem to better the results I get with this combo so I stick with it.

 

[Arjimlad]

I use a chain cleaning tool thingy on old chains whose owners have never mickled, to get the worst of the filth off. I then Mickle.

I have taken to using a mineral oil lubricant for wet weather though, as my chain has been known to show a bit of rust by evening time after riding into work in the morning in such conditions.

 

[MaxInc]

Are there any reasons against using motorbike chain lube on a bicycle? I have a couple of Castrol race lube cans and figured if they're great for a bike, they may as well work fine on a bicycle?