Folding Bikes - Cleaning/maintenance on Folders?

Ok...how do you clean the chain and the rear cassette on a folder? My Dahon does not have quick releases like everything else I own, so getting the back wheel off is going to be a challenge to say the least.

Is it worth getting the wheel switched to have the QR to make it easier for flats and cleaning purposes?

I have a cleaning stand and tools if that makes any difference.

Thankyou,
Red Rock

Just get an appropriately sized wrench (15mm is standard, but I don't know what dahon uses) to unscrew the nuts holding the rear wheel in the dropouts.

But taking the back wheel off won't get the chain off - you do that by either using a chain removal tool or by hand if your chain has a master link that isn't too stuck...

Removing the cassette requires a couple of specialized tools, depending on the exact model you have. The Park Tool website should have the information you need.

Do you need to take it off to clean it? you can put some dishwasher detergent on an old toothbrush and/or dishwashing brush or similar and scrub. Then rinse off.

You can buy a chain cleaner also, but do not need one. Do not take the chain off too often, not good for the links.

To learn to take the rear wheel off I think is important, just practice so yoou learn.

If you want a QR at the rear you could just get a new axel instead of the whole wheel, unless you want to keep a spare one.

I do not want to remeove the cassette, just the wheel. This way the chain would stay on the bike and I could clean the cassette. If you have left the chain on, do you move it to the smallest ring on the cassette and then clean?

Any tips on easy removal, as well as, replacement after cleaning, of the rear wheel while keeping the chain on the bike?

Thankyou.

I do not want to remeove the cassette, just the wheel. This way the chain would stay on the bike and I could clean the cassette. If you have left the chain on, do you move it to the smallest ring on the cassette and then clean?

Any tips on easy removal, as well as, replacement after cleaning, of the rear wheel while keeping the chain on the bike?

Thankyou.

I cleaned my cassette while the wheel and chain where on it. I started with the chain on lowest gear (biggest sprocket) and used an 3-in-1 putty knife with a thin rag to clean between the sprockets. Then I moved the chain to the highest gear and did the two lowest sprockets.

I do not want to remeove the cassette, just the wheel. This way the chain would stay on the bike and I could clean the cassette. If you have left the chain on, do you move it to the smallest ring on the cassette and then clean?

Any tips on easy removal, as well as, replacement after cleaning, of the rear wheel while keeping the chain on the bike?

Thankyou.

Since I do this all the time I find it easyer than cleaning my teeth, and I find it difficult to understand how it can be difficult. I am not trying to be rude, just saying it IS easy, but only after doing it once or twice.

I guess the easyest way for a learner is to put the bike upside down, resting on its bars and seat with wheels pointing into the air. I guess it can be difficult to keep the folder balanced like this while you put the wheel back on. Maybe you can get somebody to hold the bike like that or support it in some way?

Also when putting the wheel back on I tend to put the chain on one of the bigger sprockets on the cog before pushing it into its place. Make sure the wheel is straight in its "rear fork" if you\ve got horisontal dropouts.

Maybe look for a wideo on YouTube or one of the "How to" sites for bike mechaniks.

Edit: Just found this one: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=571574