Originally Posted by ricewin
Since we are all taking about clean and degrease the chain. I'm wondering whether it's good to use those engine degreasers sold at auto parts stores. They are usually much cheaper than the degreasers at LBS. Maybe brake parts cleaner is also a choice, which is cheap, non-sticky and won't stay. So it could be better than WD40 for clean purpose. Does anybody use them to clean your bike?
Yes! I use brake cleaner from an auto store. Flat out works FAST! I only use it on the freewheel or cassette by taking off the wheel and holding it so the degreaser runs away from the spokes and tires. I don't like all the crud running all over everything. It works so well you don't even have to spray it full throttle. You can just kind of goose it or finesse it if you will. This way you will have a lot left over for use for another time.
Then I use ProLink chain lube. Prolink has a cleaner in it as well and it seems to keep everything clean. It does such a good job that I don't think I will have to use the brake cleaner again for a very long time. You can use brake cleaner on the chain as well. I have done this in the past and it also works very well. But I do it in a way as to not let all the crud and degreaser get all over the paint. It's not that the paint gets hurt but if there is any wax on your paint there won't be if the brake cleaner gets on it.
J B