Originally Posted by
bikecopXXX
i used spray degreaser on the whole bike when i started out...i am convinced it stripped the grease out of all my bearings and caused free-hub failures and other issues. if you use it keep it away from bearings/seals. it is thin and can pass right thru seals. now i wash with water only and not that often.
Very good point. It can definitely wash out your bearings. I limit its use to the chain. However, because it is fairly costly, I keep a couple gallon cans of mineral spirits in the shop and go at it with a couple brushes. Mineral spirits can also wash out the bearings. It is a powerful cleaner/solvent.
Those one-gallon detergent jugs, with the spout pried out make great containers for chain cleaning. Pour in about three cups and drop in your chain. Screw on the top and shake for about three minutes and presto - super clean. I use a second one with a fresher rinse in it to finish off. I found out that a magnet is helpful to retrieve the roller that might come out with the shaking.
I know the chain is clean when I can twist it and not hear the grit in the rollers.