Chain cleaning

[Ccchicane]

Mickle is the only way for chain maintenance! Started doing it recently and I'm a convert! My chain is lovely and shiny and quiet as can be, check out the pro mechanics videos on YouTube for an easy cleaning routine, almost all agree with mickles chain care tips :-)

 

[Garz]

I've used Finish Line Chain Cleaner with Finisk Line EccoTech Degreaser it works well. I've also used Finish Line Speed Degreaser (aerosol) which is quick and easier if the chain isn't really mucked up.

Thanks, do you happen to have shares in 'Finish Line' ? If not, you should....

 

[Fab Foodie]

Mickle method is also recommended by KMC ....
A lubed chain is better than a clean one.

 

[Lien Sdrawde]

+1 for Mickle - not used my chain bath for two years.

Super slick gear changes and lovely clean chain every time I go out.

 

[mickle]

I love you guys.

 

[T4tomo]

I used to be a remove chain, degrease, rinse, dry, relube person.

But actually a spray of wd40 and wipe down with a rag before relubing works as well if not better and its far quicker.
I know not of the "mickle method" but it sounds similar.

 

[Aleksic]

Another +1 for mickle here

 

[andytheflyer]

I use Mickle, and 90% of the time it's brilliant, but 10% of the time the spaces between the links are full of a well ground paste of glacial sands and our local Cheshire/Shropshire finest cowsh!t. Mickle does not get at that - only the outer surfaces of the chain, so I have to remove the chain, then bath in FS10, wash, dry, re-fit and re-lube. Or am I missing something?

 

[ianrauk]

I use Mickle, and 90% of the time it's brilliant, but 10% of the time the spaces between the links are full of a well ground paste of glacial sands and our local Cheshire/Shropshire finest cowsh!t. Mickle does not get at that - only the outer surfaces of the chain, so I have to remove the chain, then bath in FS10, wash, dry, re-fit and re-lube. Or am I missing something?

Yes you are....Babywipes....

 

[mickle]

I use Mickle, and 90% of the time it's brilliant, but 10% of the time the spaces between the links are full of a well ground paste of glacial sands and our local Cheshire/Shropshire finest cowsh!t. Mickle does not get at that - only the outer surfaces of the chain, so I have to remove the chain, then bath in FS10, wash, dry, re-fit and re-lube. Or am I missing something?

*whispers* You're not doing it right if you have to 'Have to remove the chain, then bath in FS10, wash, dry, re-fit and re-lube'.

 

[Cuchilo]

Is there a link to the Mickle method . A search throws up lots of people saying use it but no method

 

[avalon]

I gave up cleaning chains years ago, believing that using solvents washes grit into the rollers and shortes the life of the chain. Now I just lubricate each roller regularly and am convinced that my chains last a lot longer than they did when I use to clean them, in fact they now outlast most other components on the bike.

 

[ianrauk]

Is there a link to the Mickle method . A search throws up lots of people saying use it but no method

HERE

 

[Davidc]

I gave up cleaning chains years ago, believing that using solvents washes grit into the rollers and shortes the life of the chain. Now I just lubricate each roller regularly and am convinced that my chains last a lot longer than they did when I use to clean them, in fact they now outlast most other components on the bike.

Given the fairly short life of chains you'll get away with it. Trouble is it leaves all the grinding paste on the outside wearing down the transmission.

Mickle's method gets rid of all that while lubing the chain. Even if the chain lasts no longer than just lubing it everything else in contact with the chain benefits from a mickling.

As for cow dung - I do remove the chain, but only so I can dedung the mechs and jockey wheels and the adjacent bits of frame. The drive side crank and chainrings sometimes have to come off too to get that stuff off. The chain only ever needs a mickle though.

 

[Richard A Thackeray]

'red' diesel & an old toothbrush (only last a few weeks though, then fall apart) and an old rag.

Scrub chain with diesel soaked toothbrush to get gunk out.
Let it drip out, onto rags, or newspapers.
Use wet, not soaking, diesel enhanced rag to wipe/lubricate chain


I bought 3/4 gallon 9 years ago,& still have a lot left, despite dealing with 5 bikes

NB; this method is no good for bikes that live indoors, as wives/girlfriends don't really like the smell of diesel in a room........