Originally Posted by
Schlafen
Drivetrains need to be cleaned not degreased.
It’s less about removing “grease” than removing oil which is basically thin “grease”. Of course if you don’t use oil, you don’t have to remove it. As an added bonus, you don’t have have to clean the drivetrain all that much. My drivetrains never need degreasing or even cleaning. I’m not a hot waxer but I do use solvent wax lubricant and never need to “remove” it.
Dish soap + water for frame and wheels only.
Or car wash.
I clean my main bike and commuter weekly and at most, regular WD40 + a cloth is enough for drivetrain.
Again, if you don’t use something that traps dirt, you won’t need to clean. Frankly, you clean about 52 times per year more than I do. This is my drivetrain about 800 miles into a 1500 mile tour. This is typical of my drivetrains even without being on tour.
My chain, cassette, and chainrings last as long as others report with a minimum of cleaning.