Originally Posted by
staehpj1
I would question some of the standard advice.
Regarding cleaning... I have had the best luck with using a lube that doesn't attract dirt and seldom "cleaning" a chain. Rinsing with any pressure at all or with solvents just helps the grit get deeper into the chain where it can do damage. I have had very good luck just applying lube (I like Boesheild T9) and wiping the chain off. Rarely if the chain is really muddy or something I might rinse it off with a hose with no nozzle and only the pressure of the water coming out of the hose (no using a nozzle or thumb to spray).
Regarding chain life... I expect to get 10,000 miles out of a chain and buy decent brands, but not premium models of chain. I am currently using an SMC that has 5000 miles and shows almost no measurable wear. I check it fairly often by measuring 12 links. If they get to 12-1/16" I think about replacing them pretty soon. I NEVER let them get to 12-1/8".
BTW the SRAM removable links are nice and work with other chains too.
I agree that you should use a lubricant that is dry...and use very little of that
I gave up oil based lubricants ages ago and I seldom clean my chain. Even with a dry wax lube, I can go for weeks without adding more. If you do use an oil based lubricant...and too much...solvents without pressure, i.e. just soaking the chain, can remove the grit on the surface without getting it down into the moving bits because the grit won't stick to the metal without the oil there.
But it is best to avoid the whole cleaning issue if you can
