Which chain holder

[steephill]

I've never seen or used a chain holder but according to The Bike Book I should use one to keep the chain in place when cleaning the bike with the rear wheel removed. In the past I have just left the wheels on but I want to try and do things 'properly' from now on. Would this device enable me to rotate the chain normally so that I could use my Park chain cleaning tool? Could someone recommend one?

 

[byegad]

IIRC some bikes came with a brazed on hook for just that purpose. Frankly I don't see the need. Also the chain cleaning thingy is a mixed blessing. I bought one, used it once and never again.

 

[eldudino]

I've got one on my bike but I don't ever use it. You can't use the chain cleaner without the wheel being on as it needs to be drawn through the device; it wouldn't really work without the tension given by the chain running in it's usual fashion. I usually clean everything on the bike, then take wheels off to do them separately if they're really dirty, then do the chain. The cassette should remain fairly clean during cleaning of the chain, anything that gets on it can be wiped off easily as the dirt will be diluted by degreaser.

 

[ianrauk]

I bought one used it a couple of times and it's more hassle then it's worth.
Especially if you are using a chain cleaning tool. You will find that the chain will not rotate properly.
Best use chain cleaner whilst wheel attached.

 

[2Loose]

Taking the wheels out does let you get a nooks and crannies you wouldn't normally be able to get at, so it is a good idea from time to time.
My bikes don't have a little sticky out bit on the seat stay to hang the chain on either, but as long as you don't drag the chain across the paintwork on the chain stay, then a hanging chain shouldn't do any damage. Hanging a rag over the chainstay to cushion any slight chain contact would do the job just fine.

 

[Fattman]

The method for cleaning ones bike is as personal as cleaning ones toes... so whether or not to use a chain holder is somewhat moot.

Previous posters refer to a lug on the seat stay which enables you to hook your chain over, maintaining tension in the derailleur. This is very useful when transporting the bike sans wheels, keeping the chain somewhat taut, but unusual to find on a lightweight bike nowadays.

I have recently acquired something similar to this (in fact, a bit more like this) and have found it to be a useful little gadget. It enables the transport-without-flapping-chain thing when wheels are out but is of great assistance if you like to take the wheels off when cleaning.

With such a device you can use a 'clip-on' chain cleaner like the Park tool; if you don't have/like to use one of those, it also enables application of the 'Mickle method' with wheels off. Personally I do like to get the wheels off (on a workstand) and this slightly eases the cleaning process.

In summary, I'd humbly suggest it's not necessary, but for the price is a very useful little thing to have kicking around.

Matt

 

[steephill]

OK, perhaps I don't need one then. Just thinking about it, I suppose I could clean/degrease the chain, then take the wheels off and clean it before doing the frame, which will bit easier to clean without the wheels on, because of all those nooks and crannies. And because I would have done the chain previously, it shouldn't cause a mess. Just thinking out loud now.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Similar to what Fattman uses, but mine is a hub taken from a knackered wheel.

As for those chain baths, utter crap IME.

 

[youngoldbloke]

I have one of these - seemed a good idea at the time, but hardly ever use it. If I need to clean the chain any more than is possible using the 'mickle' method I take it off. If you use a KMC quick-link it is very easy.

 

[ianrauk]

^^ that's what I had... they're useless...

 

[Davidc]

An old single speed hub keeps the chain in order for transporting a bike so would probably do what you want.

When doing a thorough clean it's best to take the chain off - it makes cleaning the chainstays, BB and cranks easier, avoids getting detergent (if used) on the chain, and also stops cleaning cloths, clothes and bits of body gettin a dose of chain oil. The links youngoldbloke suggests work, so do SRAM ones, otherwise use a chain tool.

 

[mickle]

If I had a pound etc...

 

[Fattman]

If I had a pound etc...

You can bask in the fame and glory. All Hail Mickle and his Method!

 

[mickle]

You can bask in the fame and glory. All Hail Mickle and his Method!

Methods!

Internal cable installation, bike washing, stuck seat-post removal, gynotherapy, headset installation and adjustment - the list goes on..

 

[youngoldbloke]

Sorry to rain on your parade, but others were using the same or very similar methods as Mickle's to clean bicycle chains before this forum even existed. I only use 'Mickle Method' as shorthand.