Originally Posted by
jeffpoulin
I know some people say to never use WD40 on a bicycle, but I was just wondering if it was okay to use it as a cleaner like this. If not, how do you recommend one cleans their chain?
Some people seem to think they're tribologists.
I routinely clean my chain with WD-40 and a rag, then lube with oil (Tri-Flow is my preferred one, but I'll use just about anything I've got handy, from light machine oil to Vactra #2). If nothing else is handy, WD-40 is better than nothing, but only just - it's too light to handle extreme pressures well, it tends to fly off too easily, and what is left tends to attract dirt. It'll do to get you to the shop, where you should buy some Tri-Flow or similar.
For a really clean geartrain, I'll clean the chain with an organic solvent. Same for the cassette, but be sure to remove it first - no need to de-lubricate your freehub. When everything's shiny and looks brand new, lube with your preferred chain oil.
Check your chain regularly for stretch and replace it only when needed. Otherwise you're just throwing money away.