Mountain Biking - Best method for cleaning chain.

My bike got very muddy yesterday and I washed it with a hose around 9:30. When I got back from the ride. Didn't have time to dry it much because it was dark outside. So today I went out and the chain was very dirty/rusty. I'm not sure if it was really rust but I cleaned it and alot came off. Nothing to worry about (I'm assuming). One way I found usefull was to use Q-Tips. Spray a little WD-40 on the tips and clean the chain with it. Worked great. Anyone else done that?

Anyways I'm looking for some different kinds of cleaners for the bikes. LIke something better the WD-40 for the chain lube. And other products to clean the bike. Any ideas? and where I could obtain these items?

Prolink will fix it, or get water and a cheap toothbrush and scrub it.

Where would I be able to get Prolink?

Bikeshop or from prolinks site. Just realize this though, Prolink is not cheap, so when you get it that bottle will last you awhile.

Also whats a good way to clean a dirty rotor?

Cleaning rotors are easy, boil them.

Also whats a good way to clean a dirty rotor?
Denatured Alcohol.

For cleaning, i take my chain off using my SRAM joining link, get an old tooth brush and scrub it with petrol (gasoline). I use normal automotive oil for lubing but i need something thinner cos its really, really sticky.

I also use a SRAM Power link. They're like $4 from a shop. I then fill up a 1-liter soda bottle (one with a screw cap) about 1/4 full with a degreaser. I use Pedro's, but something like Simple Green will work. I then drop my chain in there and let is sit for 10 to 15 mins, then shake the heck out of the bottle (cap screwed on obviously) and let it sit again for a few mins. Then I remove it and wipe it dry. I then hang it somewhere overnight to make sure all the water is gone. If I'm in a hurry, I use a blow tip on my compressor and blow it dry.

Then I reinstall it and I drip one drop of lube at each roller as I'm slowly backpedaling. I'll then backpedal for a minute or two and then wipe off the extra lube.

Currently I'm using Pedros Dry Lube. Works great!

BTW, WD-40 is NOT a lube, it's a solvent/water displacer. WD-40 = Water Displacement formula #40. Do NOT use this as a lube. It will quiet a noisy chain, but only until it dries and then it'll squeek again.

L8R

Alright so I need to get some lube for the chain and some powerlink or prolink? I have about $30 right now is that enough?

I also use a SRAM Power link. They're like $4 from a shop. I then fill up a 1-liter soda bottle (one with a screw cap) about 1/4 full with a degreaser. I use Pedro's, but something like Simple Green will work. I then drop my chain in there and let is sit for 10 to 15 mins, then shake the heck out of the bottle (cap screwed on obviously) and let it sit again for a few mins. Then I remove it and wipe it dry. I then hang it somewhere overnight to make sure all the water is gone. If I'm in a hurry, I use a blow tip on my compressor and blow it dry.

That's whay I do, but I use a very small bucket for the chain. I like the 1-liter soda bottle idea better, though. I'm going to try that next - thanX! :)

The ONLY problem (and it's not really a problem), is trying to get the chain out.

I usually DON't reuse the degreaser, and pour it out slowly. Then catch the chain as it drops. However, I've got 5 bikes and sometimes will clean two chains at a time and thus save the degreaser for the 2nd chain. I use an OLD spoke to fish out the chain.

Also, forgot to add, when I do remove the chain, I'll rinse it with fresh water and then Dry it.

L8R

SimpleGreen = cheap, effective, and non-toxic. I use it on just about everything that gets dirty. For the chain I pour the simplegreen in: http://www.parktool.com/images/tools/CM_5BIG.jpg

You don't even need to remove the chain ;)

SimpleGreen = cheap, effective, and non-toxic. I use it on just about everything that gets dirty. For the chain I pour the simplegreen in: http://www.parktool.com/images/tools/CM_5BIG.jpg

You don't even need to remove the chain ;)

I concur, SimpleGreen is just right, and I also use it in the Park Tool CM-5 Cyclone Chain Scrubber, this tool is amazing, no more messing around with brushes and cloths, a little investment at around $20 but well worth it !

I bought Pedro's Ice Wax. Whats the best way to use that? Chain on bike or off?

On. http://www.cripplefight.com/smileys/nutkick.gif

Simple Green comes a little over-concentrated, so you can dilute it a bit before doing the soda bottle method.

I also use a SRAM Power link. They're like $4 from a shop. I then fill up a 1-liter soda bottle (one with a screw cap) about 1/4 full with a degreaser. <snip>

L8RI use one of the large Countrytime Lemonade containers. Works great and it's a lot easier to get the chain out. Plus the lids on those things are great for holding / cleaning parts during hub rebuilds