Bicycle Mechanics - Need to finally clean my bike.

I finally need to to wash and clean my recumbent. Just called LBS and asked about their chain cleaning tools and so forth. They have a chain cleaning kit from finish line the has the cleaner and degreaser and lube and you do not need to use a cleaning tool to clean the chain. So which works best, using a chain cleaning tool, or not? Or is it ok to take the chain off and clean it by letting it soak in a container of solvent? I'd have to buy a chain removal tool to do this. If I use this method how easy is it to put the chain back on?

Most chain cleaners I have used do a good job, but i don't think any of them beat a good soaking. As far a chain removal and reinstallation it's rather simple, i'd say just have you lbs show you how when you buy the tool if you go this route.

You will probably get a whole range of replies for this one. It never fails to create a good argument. Personally, and this is only my opinion, I clean my chain on my MTB by wiping off old oil and muck with a cloth, before relubing the chain. That is normally a 5 minute job. But every now and then I use a chain-cleaning tool and degreaser. I spend a fair amount of time doing this to get the degreaser back out of the chain. I wait for it to dry a bit, then relube the chain well, often it needs relubing a couple of times to run sweetly. I do that maybe twice a year at most.

I would not take your chain off to soak it, as everytime you extract a bolt from a chain link, you weaken the bolt and thus the chain. If you want to do it, then get a Sram chain, which has a power-link. These can easily be taken off in seconds by hand, without damaging the chain. I use them (PC-69s) on all my bikes, having ditched the Shimano chains long ago. You don't need a tool for them either. :) (Except for the initial installation. But your LBS can do that for you).

The type of lube you use can also create a good argument, so I'll sit back and let the others try. :)

I'd agree, a good soaking is better than any chain cleaning device. I own a Park Tool device, and it works well for the quick clean and in betweens, but I give my chain a good soaking every couple of months.

I suggest using a quick link. I can't remember the name, I think it's a Sram Power Link or something. Yeah, just checked view it here: http://www.sram.com/product/chain/powerlink/index.asp This allows you to remove the chain without having to continue to break the links and replace the pins.

I use one on each of my bikes and it works great. I've never had a problem with it unintentionally coming apart, but I've read of others who have. I'll keep using mine until I have problems.

As far as the soaking goes, I use a 2-litre bottle of soda and cut the top off and fill it about 2-3 " with degreaser. Drop the chain in and swirl it around, let it soak and repeat. Then I let the chain dry on a rag and blow it with compressed air. Then I reinstall and relube!

L8R

Oh, here's a picture (if it works!)

I should have been more specific on what I use for lube. I prefere White Lightening. It has worked well since I started using it 4 years ago. For everything else I use some stuff called poly-tech. As far as cleaning my chain I am going to my LBS during my lunch hour and talk to them about the best and most economical way to go about this. I know now I do not want to remove the chain though if at all possible. How ever since I will be using White Lightening for the very first time on this chain I think I will have to remove it to properly clean it so I can apply the it. Thanks for the suggestions on the power link that looks like the route I am going to go at least this time.

To clean the derailers would brake parts cleaner work? Or is that to harsh of a solvent?

There are several acceptable methods for cleaning a bike. Be sure to lubricate pivots after cleaning, and inspect as you wash. See for more detail see
http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/BCB4.shtml

http://www.parktool.com/images/repair_help/wash36.jpg

Can anyone held with that contentious subject, chain lubrication? I've been using Pedro's Ice Wax on my road bike and followed the directions, first cleaning the chain bare and putting two coats on, etc. After a 50 mile ride the chain was squeaking.Can anyone suggest another brand of lube?
I find on-bike chain cleaning a real hassle and I think the chain gets much cleaner if you take it off, but I don't like continually breaking links with my chain tool. I have an 8 speed 105 drive train. Will a SRAM powerlink work with my chain?

Originally posted by Chris Tolley
Can anyone held with that contentious subject, chain lubrication?<snip>
I'm using Dumonde the motorcycle formula. LBS sells the bicycle formula for $15/4oz vs $8/16 oz. See HERE (http://www.mtbreview.com/reviews/Lube/product_22251.shtml) for another viewpoint.


<snip>I have an 8 speed 105 drive train. Will a SRAM powerlink work with my chain?
The powerlinks are sold according to chain width. Your LBS will sell you the correct one, appx $5 or less.

Originally posted by Calvin Jones
There are several acceptable methods for cleaning a bike. Be sure to lubricate pivots after cleaning, and inspect as you wash. See for more detail see
http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/BCB4.shtml

Thanks for the link Calvin! What do you do at Park Tool?

This is how I clean my cyclocross bike:

When I come back from a ride, the bike is almost always caked in mud and filth. I get the garden hose and hose it down, careful not to spray with too much pressure around the BB. I then take a soft cloth and dry the bike.

[Okay... I'm much more conscientious with my road bike. If I was that careful with the cross bike, considering how dirty it gets, I'd never actually ride it.]

As for lubes, I really, really, really can't stand Pedro's Ice Wax. It is the perfect lube for perfect conditions... and I never see those...

I use three different lubes at different times of the year. In the winter [on my cyclocross bike and MTB] and at the very beginning and end of the road season, I use Finish Line Cross Country. It's an excellent, durable, bad weather lube, and I actually use it year 'round on the 'cross and MTB.

On the other hand, it's also quite viscous and tends to go black pretty quickly, so when spring comes around, I use Finish Line Teflon on the road bike. Keep in mind that I never ride the road bike in the rain if I can help it, and I find that a lube with FL Teflon lasts about 200 km in normal conditions.

Come summer and mid-season, I use White Lightning on the road bike. It's clean, quiet and effective, but I find that I do start to get chain noise after about 150 km, so I make a point of lubing after/before every ride. WL isn't quite as gloppy as Pedros, and I find it gets into the links much more efficiently.