chain bath

ezra_pound

Hi all.

I'm new to cycle commuting and have no exerience with cleaning chain etc. Just wondering if a cycle chain bath is recommended. I need to clean my chain but don't want to have to mess around with mechanics. Are there any shortfalls with chain bath?

Thanks

irishmotorist

All you need is a chain cleaner and degreasing agent to put in it. The cleaner (with the degreaser inside it) closes around the chain and you pedal backwards to clean the chain. If you haven't done it before, you may need to give it a bit of a scrubbing as there could be lots of beat in dirt. Don't forget to rinse the chain afterwards.

ezra_pound

irishmotorist wrote: »

All you need is a chain cleaner and degreasing agent to put in it. The cleaner (with the degreaser inside it) closes around the chain and you pedal backwards to clean the chain. If you haven't done it before, you may need to give it a bit of a scrubbing as there could be lots of beat in dirt. Don't forget to rinse the chain afterwards.

Thanks. Thats the thing I meant by chain bath. Bought some chain grease today and gave my chain a dry wipe witha a cloth and then sprayed tones of grease on. Will get chain cleaner and degreesaser soon and do proper job.

irishmotorist

I'd recommend it. The main problem with chain degradation is the rollers and pins and a surface wipe won't clean the inside bits.

funnights74

Lots of very handy instructionals on bike maintenance on youtube, well worth a browse.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMGxiLc8jHE

Craig06

I bought the xtools one from chainreaction very cheap. I think about 12 euro.

ezra_pound

Thanks all for advice xtools cleaner it is then. First I have to fix my stupid car!

ratracer

There will be a certain amount of dripping from your chain onto the floor, make sure you cover it, or do the cleaning outside.

The Big Lebowsky

If you want to clean your chain properly, then use a tiny drop of diesel and an old tooth brush..or small paintbrush...Then use a sponge and hot water with washing up liquid to remove the diesel... rinse with cold water..Finally to dry-run the chain through a dry clean rag...Job done

This is how the pro mechanics do it...Chain scrubber my arse...:D

piston

If you really want to do it properly, take it off, soak in diesel, wash in diesel, allow to dry, then put it in an old saucepan of oil and heat until the oil thins and goes into the chain properly.