cleaning the chain
Last Post 04/21/2020 10:40 PM by Frederick Jones. 32 Replies.
Author Messages
smokey52

Posts:492

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03/30/2020 04:32 PM
I usually wait until the salt is washed from the roads before I get back on the road bike. This year I got stir crazy, so I need to clean the chain. The LBS is shut because of Covid-19, so I checked online for directions. Thursday I plan to use Sheldon's system: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.html -smokey
Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

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03/30/2020 06:13 PM
Hmmm....that seems like a lot of overkill. And in this day and age of thinner and more precise chains, I’d be wary of disassembling every single link.

I would recommend getting an ultrasonic cleaner, dropping the chain in with a Simple Green / water mix and run it trough a couple of times. Chain will come out completely stripped. Use a quick link to reassemble and lube properly.

Less than a hour to complete the task and very easy.
Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
Orange Crush

Posts:4499

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03/30/2020 07:30 PM
Wipe with rag. Put some 3 in 1 oil from Canadian Tire on it and consider it done.

Am I missing something?
79pmooney

Posts:3178

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03/30/2020 07:58 PM
Posted By Orange Crush on 03/30/2020 07:30 PM
Wipe with rag. Put some 3 in 1 oil from Canadian Tire on it and consider it done.

Am I missing something?

We're missing something.  Canadian Tire is mighty hard to find down here.

As I recall, 3 in 1 oil was developed for bicycle chains, sewing machines (and guns?).  Still very good, just low-tech and dirt attracting.
smokey52

Posts:492

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03/30/2020 08:18 PM
oops. I meant Wednesday.
Orange Crush

Posts:4499

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03/30/2020 08:36 PM
Ben yes low tech but it seems to get job done at rock bottom pricing. Since 1894, 3-IN-ONE®'s versatile multi-purpose drip oil has been a trusted tool used by professional tradesmen and do-it-yourselfers to lubricate moving parts, penetrate rust, clean and protect tools, and much more. Its precise, easy-to-use drip spout enables precise application, with no over spray or splatter, and its updated packaging has a fill level indicator strip that shows you when you're running low. 3-IN-ONE® oil can be used to lubricate tools, hinges, nuts and bolts, bicycles, wheels, fans and many other moving parts.

I’ll gladly ship some down to Oregonia for an appropriate commission.
79pmooney

Posts:3178

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03/30/2020 10:30 PM
Oh, 3 in 1is locally available. Just not the Canadian Tire I have some (in the older packaging) and I use it. but not for chains.,
Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

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03/30/2020 10:40 PM
3-in-1 will work, but it isn’t the best choice....as noted it attracts dirt and isn’t the most efficient lube out there.

A clean, well lubed drivetrain with a high performance lube will save you watts....
Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
longslowdistance

Posts:2881

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03/31/2020 07:29 AM
CK, if Smokey's OP was posted tomorrow, you might understand it better.

smokey52

Posts:492

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03/31/2020 07:41 AM
LSD- Here is Sheldon's page with the link to the cleaning instructions: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/bicycleHumor.html
Orange Crush

Posts:4499

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03/31/2020 09:20 AM
Haha. I solidly blame CK for misdirecting us all.

Who cares about missed Watts if you’re biking the wrong way. Of course the rest of us are guilty of following along in the draft instead of checking the route.
Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

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03/31/2020 10:09 AM
CK, if Smokey's OP was posted tomorrow, you might understand it better.


Oh, goddamnit....I knew I had seen that article before!!

Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
79pmooney

Posts:3178

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03/31/2020 11:34 AM
Posted By Cosmic Kid on 03/30/2020 06:13 PM
Hmmm....that seems like a lot of overkill. And in this day and age of thinner and more precise chains, I’d be wary of disassembling every single link.

...

C K, I don't see the issue with doing this.  But - the new chains have peened pins so you cannot reliably reuse the pins and outer plates.  But, there's an easy remedy.  Replace the pins and outer plates with quick links.  Done.

I looked at Sheldon's site.  He beat me to it.  The SRAM Deluxe Kit.  (And a bargain!  Best Power Link prices I've seen.  Harris must sell a lot of these kits and have a deal with SRAM.)

Speaking of Harris, the current times and the long hours we sequestered now have to kill - I see a windfall happening.  Lots of cyclists with lots of time to kill.  A whole bunch if chains cleaned right.  There's gonna be a rush on those $249.95 kits.  (Got hammered with your Wall Street holdings?  Salvage your losses and buy Harris.)

Oh, and Harris/Sheldon is/are really ahead of the curve.  Mechanic is fully outfitted for COVID.
6ix

Posts:485

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03/31/2020 08:24 PM
Here is what I do because I'm extremely OCD about chain wear and noise. I just slap a new chain on every 1,200-1,500 miles. A new Dura-Ace chain is only about $45 so why not?

In-between replacements, I clean with a wet rag and Simple Green (although I've heard that Simple Green can negatively impact the steel but whatever) and currently use Rock and Roll Gold or Red lube. Went down the wax path last year with WendWax and left dissatisfied. Since I lube my chain every other ride, wax really didn't do much for me.

So, my solution is much different than taking apart the chain and sonic cleaning it. Seems like a colossal waste of time and a major pain. To each their own.
longslowdistance

Posts:2881

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03/31/2020 09:20 PM
Yes simple green is toxic to steel. Use sparingly and diluted. But even then it sure cuts the grease.
Sonic cleaning is not a major pain if you happen to have the gear or know a guy. And it really works, but frankly is overkill on bicycle parts. And surely this late in this thread you get the joke about disassembling a chain.
Dale

Posts:1767

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04/01/2020 01:11 PM
It boggles my mind that a cleaner can damage steel but it appears to be the case.

Rock and Roll lube is my favorite. I've got a hold-dozen bottles of other brands that I'm too cheap to throw out or give away. I sue those when the conditions are crappy and I know I'll do a full blown chain scrubbing afterwords.
Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

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04/01/2020 02:38 PM
Sonic cleaning is not a major pain if you happen to have the gear or know a guy. And it really works, but frankly is overkill on bicycle parts.


There is nothing better than showing up on a group ride with a sparkling, silver drivetrain that is completely silent when pedaling. That alone means it is not "overkill".
Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
longslowdistance

Posts:2881

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04/01/2020 03:14 PM
Fair enough.
6ix

Posts:485

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04/01/2020 03:42 PM
What CK said. It's one of the simple joys in life. I barely ever ride with anyone let alone a group but take great pride in having all of my bikes - almost - always sparkling clean and silent. It allows you to hear that "whoosh, whoosh, whoosh" of your tire's contact patch against fresh asphalt when putting the hammer down. Pure bliss.
Dale

Posts:1767

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04/01/2020 04:38 PM
What is this fresh asphalt you speak of?

#chip&seal
#gravelgalore
#lowgastax=crap4roads
79pmooney

Posts:3178

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04/01/2020 04:54 PM
Dale, every new development in Oregon gets fresh asphalt. All the new streets and driveways and all the utility trenches into the old streets. We get to ride the utility trenches while looking at the driveways.
Orange Crush

Posts:4499

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04/01/2020 05:10 PM
Posted By Cosmic Kid on 04/01/2020 02:38 PM
Sonic cleaning is not a major pain if you happen to have the gear or know a guy. And it really works, but frankly is overkill on bicycle parts.


There is nothing better than showing up on a group ride with a sparkling, silver drivetrain that is completely silent when pedaling. That alone means it is not "overkill".


My low budget low tech infrequent cleaning approach is silent.
smokey52

Posts:492

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04/20/2020 07:24 PM
Coming back to this, and not as a fool, have any of you used diesel fuel as a chain cleaner/lubricant? It's higher in carbon number than mineral spirits so is less volatile than gasoline or kerosene. The coffee can/shake method has been described using mineral spirits with 10/30 oil added in the old VN forum. Would this work with diesel?
longslowdistance

Posts:2881

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04/20/2020 08:44 PM
IIUC, diesel is the go to for Europe pro mechancis. Cheap, plentiful, easily available, and has some staying power in Euro wet. They even degrease the bikes with it. The Euro peloton may have a distinct fragrance.

Nick A

Posts:625

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04/20/2020 08:46 PM
Who knew there were so many methods? LOL.

I use an old "disposable" tupperware". I put chanin in it, laying flat, but kind of wound into a spiral, so it fits. I put an inch of orange citrus degreaser (by the gallon at big box Home Depot, etc.). Clean with an old tooth brush. Let dry on onld rags or paper towls. Lube.

Nick
longslowdistance

Posts:2881

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04/20/2020 09:27 PM
Endorsement here.
With additional applications and wiping off excess for the first few rides to follow.
Orange Crush

Posts:4499

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04/20/2020 09:54 PM
Now I’m curious about that Euro wet. Apparently Euro has some redeeming qualities but we had a European barista in our office once and quite frankly the brews it produced were terrible. I would say undrinkable.

I seem to recall we had some petrol based stuff to clean our greasy hands (that’s probably why we have that peculiar smell) but don’t recall using it on bike chain.

Anyway KMC recommends taking it easy on degreasers and the like or at least not soak your chain in it. They should know a thing or two about chains.
smokey52

Posts:492

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04/20/2020 10:26 PM
Nick, what's your lube of choice?
longslowdistance, which treatment are you endorsing? Orange citrus or diesel? (not sure of the antecedent)
Orange Crush

Posts:4499

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04/20/2020 11:13 PM
Smokey... https://www.kmcchain.eu/MAINTENANCE
Nick A

Posts:625

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04/21/2020 07:19 AM
Pro link Chain Lube by ProGold Lubricants.
progoldmfr.com
79pmooney

Posts:3178

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04/21/2020 10:36 AM
Nick, I want to see if I got this right. "Prolink" chain lube by ProGold costs $8.50 US per 4 oz bottle but the real pros use diesel fuel at !~10 cents US for that same bottle. (You do have to supply your own bottle.)

And on a completely different note - the Aretha Franklin song "Chain, chain, chain, chain of fools ..."

I use TriFlow and FinishLine wet. Cheaper than Prolink but I'm also guilty.

Ben
Nick A

Posts:625

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04/21/2020 10:57 AM
All true, but a bottle last me a couple years, at least.
longslowdistance

Posts:2881

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04/21/2020 10:40 PM
When we owned a diesel car I did try using diesel as a chain cleaner and lube. Not scientific. Seemed ok. I also tried synthetic 10w40 mixed in mineral spirits. Liked that better but what do I know. I’m back with pro link gold. I don’t mind the price and it works for me. I don’t ride in the rain much. Do see dust and grit on the gravel.


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