Bicycle Mechanics - Best on-bike chain cleaning DEVICE ?

I asked this question in another thread, but most every responder thinks I'm talking about fluids (yet again). So here's a retry:
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I'm just not happy with the performance of my old chain cleaning device and I'm going to retire it.

What's a really good one for the money? The Finish Line chain cleaning device (http://www.finishlineusa.com/products/chain-cleaner.htm) looks good, but so does Park Tools' and Pedro's.

Anyone had a chance to compare devices?

How does it hold up to aromatic cleaning fluids, like mineral spirits or gasoline (benzene to you Limeys)?

I've used Park (earlier model) and Finish Line. I prefer the Finish Line machine.

Al

I've gotten very good results using the White Lightning Clean Streak setup.

I still prefer the paint brush and rag to any device

I asked this question in another thread, but most every responder thinks I'm talking about fluids (yet again). So here's a retry:
-------------------

I'm just not happy with the performance of my old chain cleaning device and I'm going to retire it.

What's a really good one for the money? The Finish Line chain cleaning device (http://www.finishlineusa.com/products/chain-cleaner.htm) looks good, but so does Park Tools' and Pedro's.

Anyone had a chance to compare devices?

How does it hold up to aromatic cleaning fluids, like mineral spirits or gasoline (benzene to you Limeys)?
On bike devices aren't worth the cash. http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=4305408#post4305408

rag + toothbrush. (But don't use the toothbrush to brush your teeth nor the rag to wipe the sweat from your brow afterwards.)

I've had the Park,more trouble than it's worth.This question is posted at least once a week by a member,the answers vary little. A rag,a toothbrush's just fine Here's when a machine pays to have,as far as not only money but the stink, mess and time : a bikeshop uses a machine ;they clean 20 chains a week ,maybe that many a day.You and I may do it once week.One needs to fool with the cleaner to fill it,run the chain trough the plastic toy-like contraption,get sprinkled with cleaner and stink everything up.Then, properly dispose of the vile, toxic,
used cleaner.Most persons that have written here and those I've known will agree.A bike shop is diifferent.

a bikeshop uses a machine ;they clean 20 chains a week ,maybe that many a day.
No, bike shops just throw them in the solvent tank and use brushes. Clip on "chain cleaners" are for those people that 'need' a special tool in order to even bother with cleaning the chain because they're generally too lazy to do it the right way. Even the ****ty job they do is better than nothing, not by much mind you, but better than nothing.

For me, nothing has worked as well as regular applications of Pro-Link, with a thorough wiping with an old t-shirt and an occasional brushing with an old toothbrush.

Im a rag and tooth brush kind of guy! :)

No, bike shops just throw them in the solvent tank and use brushes. Clip on "chain cleaners" are for those people that 'need' a special tool in order to even bother with cleaning the chain because they're generally too lazy to do it the right way. Even the ****ty job they do is better than nothing, not by much mind you, but better than nothing.I guess I do it the lazy way because I use the Finishline chain cleaner and have got good results from it. I don't see the difference between using a solvent tank and brushes and using the chain cleaner that has a solvent tank (albeit smaller) and brushes. I used to take the chain off and swish it around in a bottle of mineral spirits but the chain cleaner is much easier. But I am just lazy.

This question is posted at least once a week by a member
Yeah? Show me one, even beyond the short time you've been here.

Lots of questions about fluids and off-bike machines, but none about on-bike devices. Say, did you even read the question?

On bike devices aren't worth the cash. http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=4305408#post4305408

Did I ask you for the "best way"? And that post says nothing about why "On bike devices aren't worth the cash". It just states your opinion (yet again) with no support.

Here's a hint. Belittling the poster doesn't work; it will get you banned. You want people to give your opinion some weight, have a supporting reason or two.



Clip on "chain cleaners" are for those people that 'need' a special tool in order to even bother with cleaning the chain because they're generally too lazy to do it the right way.

If I'm going to break the chain, then I'm going to soak it, dry it, rinse it, dry again. And clean both cog sets and pulleys - the cassette preferably off the bike. When re-assembled the lube dries overnight. Easily an hour of work and the better part of a day ET.

I'll do that after a few hundred miles, but to keep road grime low I'll run the chain through the device a couple times in between.

Glad you have so much time on your hands. Some of us don't.

I know a bike shop that uses them, but only because the shop is too small to have a solvent tank around.

Here's a hint. Belittling the poster doesn't work; it will get you banned. You want people to give your opinion some weight, have a supporting reason or two.

Gee, I would think that years of experience using and selling the stupid things as a shop wrench would qualify me to know what I'm talking about but I guess a IT droid would be more qualified somehow.
Before you go threatening banishment <shaking> you should know that I'm not in the least bit worried about it. I answer this same question week in and week out if you want to waste your money and your time that's your business. You'll get the same results with a light spray of degreaser into a rag (to clean the sides) and a stiff dry paint brush (to knock out the crud between links) that you will with any machine.

Finishline and use their degreaser. Works great.

Gee, I would think that years of experience ... would qualify me to know what I'm talking about
Prove it.



if you want to waste your money and your time that's your business.
So you say. Yet you keep posting, and posting, and posting...



You'll get the same results with a light spray of degreaser ... that you will with any machine.
If your procedure produces the same results as the machine (and I won't argue that it doesn't), then it follows that the machine produces the same results as your procedure. And presumably faster.

That rather contradicts your previous statements, doesn't it?

For me, nothing has worked as well as regular applications of Pro-Link, with a thorough wiping with an old t-shirt and an occasional brushing with an old toothbrush.

+1!

I converted to Pro-Link a few years ago, and life is good. I also do the rag and sometimes a paintbrush or toothbrush depending on how nasty the chain has gotten. For 90% of my cleanings (which I do before most rides) simply use a rag, and Pro-Link.

... Brad

Prove it.



So you say. Yet you keep posting, and posting, and posting...



If your procedure produces the same results as the machine (and I won't argue that it doesn't), then it follows that the machine produces the same results as your procedure. And presumably faster.

That rather contradicts your previous statements, doesn't it?
THIS SUBJECT HAS BEEN MENTIONED if not as a dedicated subject as such BUT mentioned.Pay less attention to well intentioned posters by insuting them and calling them liers and author a better thread already if you hate the answers and members so much !! Stop makling posting responces a nagative experience fight-boy

THIS SUBJECT HAS BEEN MENTIONED if not as a dedicated subject as such BUT mentioned.Pay less attention to well intentioned posters by insuting them and calling them liers and author a better thread already if you hate the answers and members so much !! Stop makling posting responces a nagative experience fight-boy
Drinking early today?

Your point is mine, but directed to the wrong side of the conversation. I haven't insulted anyone. At least not yet.

And in case you hadn't noticed, this is my thread.

Prove it. Prove what? That I'm more qualified to talk bike mechanics than an IT droid? :roflmao:


So you say. Yet you keep posting, and posting, and posting...
It's obvious that you've made up your mind, but I hope to keep others from wasting their cash.


If your procedure produces the same results as the machine (and I won't argue that it doesn't), then it follows that the machine produces the same results as your procedure. And presumably faster.

That rather contradicts your previous statements, doesn't it?
Not at all. My procedure illustrates that you can achieve the same questionable results without spending the money on a piece of crap machine.
Beer money vs. crappy machine?
WINNER :beer:

Brakekleen, Costco car towels, and Ream 'n' Clean pipe cleaners. It's all you need, unless you are a mud runner. bk

So can we all agree that the best device for on-bike chain cleaning is a rag?

Rag and pipe cleaners.

So can we all agree that the best device for on-bike chain cleaning is a rag?
Sure why not

Arguing over nothing ftw!

No, objecting to a thread hijack.

But I suppose the original question is dead and buried now. :mad:

I am sure my method will be viewed by many as overkill, but it keeps my OCD brain happy.

I do an "A" service every 300 miles: Park tool, rear wheel off cassette cleaning, chain rings off and cleaned by hand. Re-assemble, lube. Used to use ProLink, have been on Purple Extreme lately.

"B" service is every 100 miles: Soak a sponge in degreaser and run chain through enough times to get most dirt, dry with paper towels until no more dirt comes off, clean cassette and rings as best as possible while on bike, lube.

Overkill? Probably. But my bike shop guys always comment on how sparkly my drivetrain is, and I easily get 6,000 - 7,000 miles out of a chain.

Mike

If time is tight (or preffer time on the bike over time in the shop) use a machine. If time is not an issue, or you just like being in the shop (myself) use a rag, degreaser and spend all day if you want to getting that chain clean! woot I use my very own blood to re-lube my chain

Well folks, the debate is over. We can all rest easy now knowing what the best chain cleaning method is:

I just ordered three kits (http://sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.html)

The debate was about method.

The question was about an on-bike device.


Btw, I think ShelBroCo needs to raise its prices so people will take them seriously.

If you clean your chain often, only a rag or shop towel is needed. The choice of cleaners is up to you. bk

I know I'm making a mistake by chiming in here, but... DMF is specifically asking about devices, not means, not alternatives; just devices. Anyone with personal, practical and specific experience using said devices (on-bike as stated in the thread title) need only comment with their experience. I do not believe this thread was meant for debate or argument, simply a dialog regarding on-bike cleaning devices. The thread and its author's goal/intention seems quite clear to me.

You are all free to resume your *****-slappin' ways... http://forums.ratedesi.com/images/smilies/icon_headache.gifhttp://forums.ratedesi.com/images/smilies/icon_chainsaw.gif

Raiyn is correct...to a point. Cleaning a chain in a solvent tank with a brush is the best way in a bike shop since most bikes they get haven't been cleaned in years and the chains are just a mess of gunk. Using a rag also works but it's messy and will get solvent and black crud on you hands. I use the Finish Line Machine after using the Park and Pedros, and found the FinishLine to be the best...or at least I thought it was the best; it cleaned better and lasted longer anyways. Any cleaning machine needs to be used slowly so you don't splatter solvent juice all over the place. Otherwise your hands stay fairly clean. I only use a rag now to wipe the access solvent off. But since I clean my chains a lot thus the chains are fairly clean to begin with a solvent tank is completely useless and would not clean any better.

Well folks, the debate is over. We can all rest easy now knowing what the best chain cleaning method is:

I just ordered three kits (http://sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.html)

I saw that a while back, it still makes me laugh! cheers :beer:

While I manually scrub my own chains in the bathtub, at the shop we use the Park machine. It seems to work well, is easy enough to understand by even our dimmer shophands, and seems to have a better work ethic than some of them. When I am in the bike cleaning pit, I start with the machine and finish with stronger solvents and a brush if needed. I also seem to be the only person that bothers to wash it out after each use.

The debate was about method.

The question was about an on-bike device.

if i'm cleaning the chain ON BIKE, the DEVICE i (and most of my professional mechanic bretheren many of whom have been doing it for 10+ years) prefer to use is A RAG.

At the local LBS, where the owner has near 30yrs himself, he prefers to use one of those plastic solvent scrubby thingy's from pyramid... it works great and in a short time. fill it with solvent, clip it on and run the chain through. Very clean chain is what you'll get. Pour the dirty solvent in a jug and wait for your hazardous chemical pickup day with your trash man.

Everyone at the shop uses it. None of them use a rag...

Flame on...

Chains only last 2500 miles or so. At least on my bikes. I like the Park cleaning kit. Cleans the chain with ease. Why all the inconvenience of rags, solvent tanks for something on the bike maybe only four months.

the DEVICE i .. prefer to use is A RAG.

Which cleans it OFF not OUT. IOW, a rag doesn't get down inside.

If you also use solvent to get down inside, a machine produces a lot less slop. But again, we're back on method...

Hostile threads like this scare the dirt off and out of my chain.

It's effortless, and flawless.

Keep up the good work.

Chains only last 2500 miles or so. At least on my bikes. I like the Park cleaning kit. Cleans the chain with ease. Why all the inconvenience of rags, solvent tanks for something on the bike maybe only four months.

I don't know what's wrong with your chains. My chains have all lasted over 6,000 miles. In fact just before I go on a tour a replace the old with a new chain, then that new chain will see about 6,000 miles (depending on where I go and for how long) before getting back home. I then measure for chain wear and most of the time I'm able to continue to ride on it for a couple of thousand miles more. I also never had a chain break on me.

But, like I said before, I'm a bit anal about keeping my chains clean and lubed, I take a chain cleaning machine (currently the Finish Line) and a bottle of Pro Link, and clean and relube the chain almost every other night, and especially after a rain and or a dust storm.

Some of my older bikes use the older wider chains, and those routinely go between 12 and 15 thousand miles before their replaced.

This isn't worth starting a new thread, so on a related topic - Does anyone have any comments on using compressed air blowing from the inside of the chain outward to blow out the small chunks of crud? I'm not talking about super high pressures up close enough to lodge the bits, but from a ways back.

I typically use just a rag and clean the exterior of the chain AND thoroughly clean all sprockets, plus a good lube thereafter.

PS - yeah, I know, air isn't a device.

Which cleans it OFF not OUT. IOW, a rag doesn't get down inside.

If you also use solvent to get down inside, a machine produces a lot less slop. But again, we're back on method...

the cleaning machines don't clean the grime out either. they clean the surface grime off of the outside of the plates, and the inside of the plates, but they don't get INSIDE the rollers, where it is most important to clean, as grit and grime in there is what leads to chain wear. if you simply want your chain to look pretty, go ahead and waste your money on a cleaner when a rag and a spray bottle of solvent does the same job.

i just use a high quality lube (dumonde tech) one drop on each of the rollers every two weeks and then wipe it off thoroughly and that's enough to keep my chain running quietly and smoothly, and looking rather clean. been doing that for two years and all the chains on my bikes look and sound great. the chain cleaning machines are bunk.

I wish I knew how many miles I get on my chains, but I change them out so often to stay in fashion I can't get a proper mileage figure as they never have time to wear out.

A plastic milk bottle. Put a removable link in the chain and remove it periodically for a bath. Wipe your chain down with a rag and WD40 in between. Must work because I get good milage on my chains (2 to 3k miles typically) with no excessive wear on the chain rings and cogsets. I measure the chain with a park tool every 2 weeks.

This isn't worth starting a new thread, so on a related topic - Does anyone have any comments on using compressed air blowing from the inside of the chain outward to blow out the small chunks of crud? I'm not talking about super high pressures up close enough to lodge the bits, but from a ways back.

I typically use just a rag and clean the exterior of the chain AND thoroughly clean all sprockets, plus a good lube thereafter.

PS - yeah, I know, air isn't a device.

Since bicycle chains don't have o-rings like motorcycle chains, it may force dirt and/or grit deep into the rollers and you may never get it out. Suppose it's what direction you are cleaning your chain...typically you want to clean from the inside outwards, most of the dirt will be on the outside part of the chain. After you clean off the majority of the dirt with a water hose, chain cleaning spray, or etc etc, just use a grunge brush, which has been around/used for years, with some solvent to clean the chain, then use air or air dry the chain before re-oiling it. If you are cleaning the chain on the bike, just backpedal a bit to expose a new area to be cleaned and keep going until you are done. Doesn't take that much time to do unless you haven't cleaned or oiled your chain in ages.

Know quite a few people that take off their rear wheels so they can clean and dry in-between the sprockets/gears on the cassette. Lately I've been seeing people use DuPont Teflon Spray Wax on their cassettes and front sprockets and they claim dirt doesn't stick as much and cleaning/drying is much easier and faster in those tight spaces.

Children!!!

If I have to come over there, ... ;)

the cleaning machines don't clean the grime out either. they clean the surface grime off of the outside of the plates,

The machine doesn't, but the solvent inside them does.

Or at least that's the theory.

I wish I knew how many miles I get on my chains, but I change them out so often to stay in fashion I can't get a proper mileage figure as they never have time to wear out.

OCP !! http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/tongue0011.gif