Bicycle Mechanics - Did I finish line the chain correctly?

I know this may have been asked 10 million times, but finally broke down and got the finish line chain cleaner.

Now wondering if I did it right. Here were my steps:

1. dry roll chain backwards thru cleaning tool
2. wiped off a bit of gunk on the outside of the chain and roller wheels
3. used degreaser and rolled chain thru about 25 times.
4. wiped off smears on roller wheels and chainring
5. slowly when thru about 1 1/2 length of the chain dripping lube on each roller [ I lost track of where I was and wanted to make sure got entire chain.]
6. let set overnight before riding

Anything I did wrong or missed? Bike does seem to ride easier, but not sure how often to do this.
It doesn't yet seem totally clean, but i didn't want to overdo it.

It seems like it would be easy to get too much degreaser on bike and residual may work against cleaning.

The chain clean unit seems to clean up with water.

I have the Park Tools version which I assume is similar. The step that they recommend on their web site (and that you didn't mention) is that after running it through the tool 30 times with the solvent, it's suggested that you then clean the tool and replace the solvent with soap and water and run it through again. This helps to remove the solvent. Then dry and lube (wipe off the excess lube).

Here (http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/CM5.shtml) is the Park Tools procedure.

If you're cleaning with a water based de-greaser/detergent etc. it's best to let the chain dry thoroughly before re applying lubricant. Also no need to let the lube "set overnight" - it is ready to go immediately if you need, just wipe off the excess.

Personally I prefer to fit the chain with a Power Link (Sram's removable link) and remove it for cleaning, though I have used chain cleaner systems in the past.
My favourite method at the moment is to remove the chain, remove the worst of the muck with degreaser, then get it sparkling clean in the washing machine. To prevent damage to the machine, the chain is tied into a pair of old socks, and placed in with a regular wash of clothes (not whites.....). It sounds daft, but works a treat.

Also, the more frequently one cleans & relubes, the less sense there is in using "magic" chain lube as sold by the bike shop at inflated prices. In fact I believe there is fairly little sene in these products anyway, but that is just my 2p.

Cheers,

Ed

That extra step makes a lot of sense. I'll use it next time.

How frequently do you go thru this process?

Frequency varies, according to riding conditions. In fine weather, maybe every 300 miles or so, but in the winter I'll try and clean more frequently. The descision on when to clean usually depends on appearence but this is all subjective. As I use an oil lubricant (rather than wax or Teflon), I clean when the oil visible on the chain has started to turn black and "gummy".
Cheers,

Ed

got it, thanks

when u clean the chain and the rd, do u also clean the cogs? on the rear ed holland? do you take them off to clean them? i have the da20 and want the grupo t be in good nick

toomyus - Yes, whilst the chain is off I usually take time to wipe the dirt/oil off the sprockets and chainrings. There is no need to take them off the bike for this though, just get a suitable rag and "floss".

Ed

Also no need to let the lube "set overnight" - it is ready to go immediately if you need, just wipe off the excess.

Says the guy who doesn't use Boeshield

u <snip> u <snip> you

How is it that you can only spell you correctly one third of the time? I'm trying to understand this phenomenon and for the life of me I just don't get it.
http://img217.echo.cx/img217/1002/textspeak7oe.jpg

That extra step makes a lot of sense. I'll use it next time.

How frequently do you go thru this process?

I do it when I start getting long black tatoos on my right leg after a long ride :D

In season, about once a month or so. Just make sure you lube - no reason to go crazy over this.

... Nope, no Boeshield here - I note they do recommend 2 hours wait before riding after application Here (http://www.boeshield.co.uk/). I'm tempted to try it, but at £2.95 for 30ml or £6.95 for 120ml it rather falls into the expensive, overpriced category as far as I'm concerned. It seems to me that it it better practice to use an inexpensive lubricant and clean the chain regularly. Still, I'll willing to listen to a good argument.

Oh god, sorry, I just realised this is starting another chain lubing, which grease to wear, Campagnolo or Shimano, presta or Schreader thread.

Cheers,

Ed