How do you clean inside the links?

[Holdsworth]

My chain has done getting on for 1500 miles since I bought the bike new in May last year, it shows signs of corrosion on the outside from all of this winter grit but I make sure I clean it pretty much every other day using a rag/baby wipe and lube with bike oil.

There is crud visible within the chain itself that a rag cannot get to and I would like to know how to remove it.

Would a wipe passed through each and every link be sufficient or would a full-on application of degreaser be on the cards? I am worried that this is shortening the life of the chain by being there by wearing it away quicker, I can hear a slight crunchy, grinding noise if I gently twist the chain.

 

[CopperCyclist]

Give it a really, really good clean, using chain cleaners and brushes. If its as bad as you say it'll probably take the whole can. It's not too hard to do though - mine got in a similar state once.

Once done, let it dry, and when it's completely dry, try starting from scratch again with the Mickle Method to keep your chain clean - search the forum to find it.

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

1) Bike Floss.
2) The Mickle Method.

 

[ianrauk]

cottonbuds

 

[potsy]

Don't bother

 

[youngoldbloke]

Time for a link to The ShelBroCo Bicycle Chain Cleaning System again? Anyone?

 

[ianrauk]

Don't bother

Now why doesn't that surprise me?

 

[fossyant]

Stiff brush, old toothbrush. Use dry.

 

[Redvers]

Check the chain for wear with a chain wear indicator as it may well have worn beyond its limits and be quietly wrecking your cassette and chainrings.
In which case don’t bother cleaning it, replace it without delay.

If it’s still ok only a chain scrubber will do.
I’ve tried most of them, the best is the Park Tools one:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=8207

It’s a bit more expensive but the wearing parts are renewable and the cleaning fluid is pleasant to use and biodegradable.

 

[The Brewer]

I jet washed mine, came up nice, then Mickled it

 

[MattHB]

I jet washed mine, came up nice, then Mickled it

I get told off for doing that!

 

[ianrauk]

I get told off for doing that!

yeah you don't want to be doing something like that. The pressure will wash out all the internal lube.

 

[The Brewer]

I know but anything for an easy life

 

[HLaB]

I thread a baby wipe through each individual link and that seems to work. With the last chain only fitted last Fri (341miles old) the weather up until tonight has been fairly decent so I've just wiped down ever 2-3 rides (I'm using ceramic wet lube) and I've been very pleased with the results.

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

If it’s still ok only a chain scrubber will do.

I’ve tried most of them, the best [least crap, but pointless none the less] is the Park Tools one: