Originally Posted by
Shimagnolo
I'm intrigued. I've considered buying an ultrasonic cleaner but have been put off by the prices.
I'd like to get one large enough to hold chainrings, but the ones that large cost an arm and a leg.
So how well does it work, and how long does it take?
I bought the larger model that frequently shows up on ebay for $60 about two or three years ago. I find it is very effective. However, you can not fit a chain ring in it in one shot, it will take two or three rotations. I can clean a chain in as little as 2 or 3 minutes if it's one I've maintained. I occaisionally flip a bike or two. They frequently have old, caked on grease and dried out lubrication. Sometimes I can clean a chain from those bikes in 6 minutes, sometimes I let the chain soak overnight in the bath. The unit I have can be set to operate for 6 minutes, then you have to re-set it. I like the unit because while it's doing much of the dirty work, I'm taking care of the next task while the bike is on the stand.