Originally Posted by
jeph
I use simple green diluted about 1/3 Sg and 2/3 water. I put this in a small ultrasonic cleaner for about 10 min and then rinse w/water and then maybe Isopropyol alcohol. The chain is sqeeky clean. I do a lube, usally the dumonde stuff and wipe off excess and for dusty summer MTB I wipe the chain w/ rag in Iso alcohol. this gets the chain lube off the exterior of the chain where it only colllects dust.
Works great IMHO.
But... check this out about simple green
http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-4117.html
appearently if you leave in SG for a long time it corrodes the chain (or other parts). I have not had any problems but I don't leave in the SG very long and I do a water rinse to get the SG out. I also pitch my chains when the show
1/16" of stretch.
I like the SG as there is no solvent to get rid of. Mineral sprits are fun to burn though
The alkalinity of Simple Green (SG) is a valid concern with aluminium alloy parts - it will etch/corrode them. This is less of a problem with chains, which are steel, possibly also with some nickel plating. I have never had an issue caused by a few minutes soak & rinse in SG.
I used to use mineral spirits, and still do for wiping down the sprockets & chainrings, but I prefer to use SG on the chain - used neat it mixes with the oil residue just like mineral spirits, scrub with a brush to get between the sideplates, then rinse in hot water. Occasionally a repeat treatment is needed.
Bottom line is there are a number of ways to do this job well if you want "deep down clean" - just find one you are comfortable with.
Cheers,
Ed