Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Commuting
Reload this Page >

Keeping Clean from Chain Grease...

Notices
Commuting Bicycle commuting is easier than you think, before you know it, you'll be hooked. Learn the tips, hints, equipment, safety requirements for safely riding your bike to work.

Keeping Clean from Chain Grease...

Old 03-29-14, 05:16 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
rekon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 495
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Keeping Clean from Chain Grease...

On my recent commutes to work I have worn shorts and each time I get chain grease on my legs. It seems inevitable.

How do you guys prevent bike grease from getting on your legs?
rekon is offline  
Old 03-29-14, 05:23 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Eric S.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 932

Bikes: '04 LeMond Buenos Aires, '82 Bianchi Nuova Racing, De Rosa SLX, Bridgestone MB-1, Guerciotti TSX, Torpado Aelle, LeMond Tourmalet 853, Bridgestone Radac

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 101 Post(s)
Liked 46 Times in 36 Posts
One thing I do to prevent a "chain tattoo" is always unclip or put my right foot on the ground when stopping. On group rides I've noticed that the people with calf tattoos are the ones that stay clipped or mounted on the right pedal.

As far as "getting chain grease" on your legs, it sounds like you're using a pretty wet lube. I've been using DuPont Teflon Chain Saver for quite awhile with good results and it's a pretty dry lube.
Eric S. is offline  
Old 03-29-14, 05:47 PM
  #3  
Thunder Whisperer
 
no1mad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: NE OK
Posts: 8,847

Bikes: '06 Kona Smoke

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 275 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times in 2 Posts
A chain cover or full chain case?
__________________
Community guidelines
no1mad is offline  
Old 03-29-14, 05:47 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
rekon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 495
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Eric S.
One thing I do to prevent a "chain tattoo" is always unclip or put my right foot on the ground when stopping. On group rides I've noticed that the people with calf tattoos are the ones that stay clipped or mounted on the right pedal.

As far as "getting chain grease" on your legs, it sounds like you're using a pretty wet lube. I've been using DuPont Teflon Chain Saver for quite awhile with good results and it's a pretty dry lube.
I will try the right leg thing when stopping. The grease Isn't too bad.

Hmm... does anyone have chain guards on their bike? I'm wondering if that would prevent the "chain tattoo". Although, a chain guard may look weird on my CX bike.
rekon is offline  
Old 03-29-14, 05:49 PM
  #5  
Unlisted member
 
no motor?'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 6,193

Bikes: Specialized Hardrock

Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1376 Post(s)
Liked 432 Times in 297 Posts
Originally Posted by Eric S.
As far as "getting chain grease" on your legs, it sounds like you're using a pretty wet lube. I've been using DuPont Teflon Chain Saver for quite awhile with good results and it's a pretty dry lube.
This.
no motor? is offline  
Old 03-29-14, 05:59 PM
  #6  
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 43
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
+1 drier lube. I use Rock n' Roll Gold Lube @ Rock"N"Roll Lubrication - Homepage
ModeratedUser01142019a is offline  
Old 03-29-14, 06:06 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
Giant Doofus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Memphis, TN
Posts: 1,050
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 69 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Here's a simple chain guard from VO that might work for your purposes: VO Alloy Chainguard - Chainguards, Frame Protectors, Kickstands - Accessories

it's pretty low profile, so maybe it will look okay on your bike. It's about $30.

Edit: Never mind. I just noticed that it won't work with a front derailleur. Sorry.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg
image.jpg (67.7 KB, 8 views)
Giant Doofus is offline  
Old 03-29-14, 06:42 PM
  #8  
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Posts: 8,721

Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes

Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4227 Post(s)
Liked 2,488 Times in 1,286 Posts
Don't worry about grease marks. When you stop just wipe the grease off your leg.
wolfchild is offline  
Old 03-29-14, 06:55 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
rekon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 495
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by wolfchild
Don't worry about grease marks. When you stop just wipe the grease off your leg.
Yep that's what i'm down now. I get to work and wipe it off. It's just a little annoying.
rekon is offline  
Old 03-29-14, 07:19 PM
  #10  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 9,201
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1186 Post(s)
Liked 289 Times in 177 Posts
Chain tattoos are something normally associated with newer riders. You don't need chainguards or special lubes, you just have to keep your leg away from the chain. I think it's something you'll have to figure out for yourself. I recall getting tattooed when I was starting, but over time the frequency became less until now I can't recall the last time it happened. Unfortunately, I can't articulate what I do to avoid it. Much like walking, it's something that happens subconsciously.

I suspect all you need to do is to pay attention for a while and make sure you keep the bike away from your leg. After a while it will become second nature much like unclipping before you stop.
gregf83 is offline  
Old 03-29-14, 07:24 PM
  #11  
commuter and barbarian
 
scroca's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Potomac, MT, USA
Posts: 2,494
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
I wax my chains. No more chain lube to attract road grit that will get all over my hands, legs or articles of clothing if I drop them on the chain or rub against it. Now life is lollipops and butterflies.
scroca is offline  
Old 03-29-14, 07:25 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
caloso's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865

Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur

Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times in 1,417 Posts
Lean the bike to the left when you stop.
caloso is offline  
Old 03-29-14, 11:08 PM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
yote223's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: MN.
Posts: 239

Bikes: A MTB and something else with 2 pedals.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
How does the wax hold up in the cold (-10F) ? It seems like it would be fine for mild temps but doesn't it crumble away in the extreme cold? This winter I tried Liquid Wrench Chain Lube and it worked great. It actually has a "set-up" time to firm up. Spray it on, let cure for an hour and wipe off excess.
yote223 is offline  
Old 03-29-14, 11:28 PM
  #14  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
rekon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 495
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by moochems
Melted paraffin (candles) remove the chain and soak it in the wax. Swoosh it around, give it a minute, pull it out, wipe off the excess and re install.


more to it:

Do this with a brand new chain that has been degreased, then washed and dried.

use so e graphite too if you want

Sram power link having chains (pc870 for 8 speed) make removing/installing the chain easier

Not only will chain smudges be a ing if the past but also your drivetrain will last longer. More miles in your chain, more miles on cassettes and rings. Also, research I've do e suggests elated paraffin is the best performing lube. Steals the least energy, means you go faster. Not important to me on my commute, but an interesting perk.


if you google paraffin graphite chain Garth you should find some very nice info, from a user named garth from a different bicycle forum.
Interesting! I'll look into to.
rekon is offline  
Old 03-29-14, 11:29 PM
  #15  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
rekon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 495
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by gregf83
Chain tattoos are something normally associated with newer riders.
I'm a newbie... I accept that. I will try to pay attention to the chain.
rekon is offline  
Old 03-29-14, 11:31 PM
  #16  
Senior Member
 
wphamilton's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 15,280

Bikes: Nashbar Road

Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2934 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times in 228 Posts
Wipe the chain after you lube it. Also a wax lube will reduce it.
wphamilton is offline  
Old 03-30-14, 03:53 AM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
EnsitMike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 438

Bikes: 2013 Cannondale SuperSix - 1998 CAAD3 R500 - 2012 Demo 8 Carbon

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Part of newbies getting chain tattoos is the whole leg position thing, another part is that newbies have dirty drivetrains. I can grab my chain and only will have a light grey mark on my hand. Although I also owe a lot to Rock'n'Roll absolute dry lube. Absolute dry is self cleaning and repels dirt well.


Wipe the chain before every ride with a paper towel or rag. Lube every 100-300 miles or so. Use a chain cleaner when necessary and don't forget to clean the rear cogs. I use credit cards that I get in the mail from companies wanting me to sign up, wrap a paper towel around it, and pedal while placing it between each cog. Also clean the derailleur cogs and front chainring. Do this and even if you do get a mark on your leg, it will be so faint you will barely notice.
EnsitMike is offline  
Old 03-30-14, 05:01 AM
  #18  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 107
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Chain guard disks work somewhat. I found that my pants still got sucked into the chainring and chain if using the big ring.

I have an SKS Chainboard on my touring bike. It works REALLY well. No chance of getting the ole tattoo anymore and I can wear whatever I want. The bike has 3x8 gearing so derailer gearing is not compromised. There are many other options for single speed. It took some fiddling to get installed. The commuter bike has one of those crappy chain guard disks that inevitably crack and break.

Two things really key for installation of this particular model - 1. Your drive side bottom bracket cup needs to press against the faced off edge of the bottom bracket. Phil Wood style bottom brackets sit inside the threads only and won't work - ask me how I know. I found an upgrade kit for my Phil Wood BB that provided an extended threaded cup and retention ring for E-type bottom brackets or chain guards. Nice!
2. There needs to be decent clearance between the big ring of the crank and inside of the crank arm. My Sugino RD2 crankset didn't have enough and I wasn't a fan of removing the the big ring to make it fit or start shaving things. My Shimano Alivio crankset has a tremendous amount of clearance. Unfortunately, the Q-factor is much higher which may bother some people. I'm a big guy so I don't even notice. My MTB has a wider stance.
CrazyLemurBoy is offline  
Old 03-30-14, 05:50 AM
  #19  
xtrajack
 
xtrajack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Maine
Posts: 2,058

Bikes: Kona fire mountain/xtracycle,Univega landrover fs,Nishiki custom sport Ross professional super gran tour Schwinn Mesa (future Xtracycle donor bike)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I have an SKS Chainboard installed on my Xtracycle with a 3x8 drivetrain.
I managed to luck out, hard, in that I had no installation issues.
I think that it may be due to the fact that I ordered the one for a 48t chainring, and mine is only 42. Also I have a Deore dual pull front derailleur, that mounts lower on the frame than the stock Alivio did. I didn't have to cut out the part of the Chainboard that is designed to be removed for derailleur clearance.

The crankarm and chainwheel clearance is very, very tight. I have got just enough clearance so that the crankarm doesn't hit the Chainboard.

I installed the Chainboard for drive train protection from the elements, as opposed to preventing chain tattoos.
I also made a cover from a flexible cutting board, for the non drive side, that is duct taped to the chainboard.
Now about 80% of the chain ring(s) is/are protected from crud thrown up from the front wheel.
xtrajack is offline  
Old 03-30-14, 07:03 AM
  #20  
Banned
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: England / CPH
Posts: 8,543

Bikes: 2010 Cube Acid / 2013 Mango FGSS

Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1053 Post(s)
Liked 41 Times in 36 Posts
i wear super slim cut clothing including suits
acidfast7 is offline  
Old 03-30-14, 07:03 AM
  #21  
Senior Member
 
CrankyOne's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,403
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 358 Post(s)
Liked 48 Times in 35 Posts
Chain case and internally geared hub. Solves this problem and many many more. Having a full case keeps you and your bike cleaner and keeps road gunk out of your drivetrain so a lot less maintenance (like maybe once every 10 or 15 years). The American fascination with trying to commute on something made for racing instead of the simpler route of commuting on something made for commuting is fascinating.

Last edited by CrankyOne; 03-30-14 at 07:08 AM.
CrankyOne is offline  
Old 03-30-14, 07:14 AM
  #22  
Member
 
scububa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: St. Louis
Posts: 27

Bikes: Litespeed Classic - DuraAce, Trek 2120 upg w/9-spd Ultegra

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Knee socks ;-)

I'm on board with EnsitMike ... except that I wipe my chain down as soon as I finish a ride. Keep it clean and don't over lube which is common for new riders (right behind not lubing at all.)
scububa is offline  
Old 03-30-14, 07:21 AM
  #23  
Banned
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: England / CPH
Posts: 8,543

Bikes: 2010 Cube Acid / 2013 Mango FGSS

Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1053 Post(s)
Liked 41 Times in 36 Posts
Originally Posted by CrankyOne
Chain case and internally geared hub. Solves this problem and many many more. Having a full case keeps you and your bike cleaner and keeps road gunk out of your drivetrain so a lot less maintenance (like maybe once every 10 or 15 years). The American fascination with trying to commute on something made for racing instead of the simpler route of commuting on something made for commuting is fascinating.
I agree!
acidfast7 is offline  
Old 03-30-14, 09:12 AM
  #24  
Unlisted member
 
no motor?'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 6,193

Bikes: Specialized Hardrock

Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1376 Post(s)
Liked 432 Times in 297 Posts
Expect to spend a lot of time cleaning the old lube off the first time you do, and don't forget to clean the cassette and chain rings too. You won't need to take so much time doing that in the future if you use one of the dry lubes, and the teflon lube I use leaves everything looking nice and clean for a long time - even longer than the life of most chain lube threads.
no motor? is offline  
Old 03-30-14, 10:45 AM
  #25  
Banned
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NW,Oregon Coast
Posts: 43,598

Bikes: 8

Mentioned: 197 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7607 Post(s)
Liked 1,354 Times in 861 Posts
Black sweatpants.
fietsbob is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.