removing chain
 

Stupid question I guess, but Ive never done it on a multispeed.(24 speed)...wothout breaking the chain. I need to really clean it.

What's the question exactly? If it's "Do I have to remove the chain to clean it?", the answer is no. Get one of those clamp-on chain cleaners like this one from Park (your local Sports Authority/Rei/Academy should have something like it).

Yeah, I was going to just soak it in gas but still need to know how to take a chain off just because...

You cannot remove a chain without breaking it (or sawing through your right chainstay or seatstay). The best online instructions for all bike maintenance is the Parktool website:

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=25

Bob

Your question is not really clear my friend, but I think you're asking "can a chain be removed without breaking it?.

No. You cannot remove a chain from a bicycle unless you break the chain, whether that means using a chain tool to remove a rivot OR separating (breaking) the chain via a special link such as a Powerlink used on a SRAM chain.

However, you do not need to remove (break) the chain to clean it. You can clean it on the bike.

I'm assuming here that you have a Simano chain, correct? If so, Shimano chains cannot be separated without completly driving out the rivot, then when you have to join it together again, you need a special Shimano replacement rivot.

If you want to break your chain often to clean it then I suggest getting a SRAM chain with a Powerlink. That way you can just pop this special link off with your fingers and remove the chain and reinstall without ever needing a chain tool. I use them on all my bikes and remove my chain to clean.

Hope that helps.

No matter how you do it don't use gas as the cleaning solvent. It's way too dangerous both from toxicity and flamability stanpoints. Either use kerosene or, better yet, one of the water based citrus cleaners like Simple Green.

I second the motion: DON'T USE GASOLINE!!!!!!

It should also be noted that you can use a SRAM powerlink on a shimano chain... so go ahead and break it and then spend the extra couple of bucks on the powerlink which will save you the trouble next time.

Practice with a powerlink several times with a clean chain, off the bike.

Ya don't say! That's good to know!

+1. Buy an 8 speed power link (I am guessing you are using an 8 speed chain based on the 24 speed reference). In fact, buy two and throw a spare in your repair kit in case of an emergency on the road.

A masterlink makes chain cleaning and maintenance much easier.

The power link costs $5 the whole chain with the power link is $16.

I know this is going to CAUSE A LOT OF DISAGREEMENT but I have used my pressure washer when I'm in a real hurry to clean the chain off. Keep the blast away from all bearings and let the chain dry off before relubing well with your snake oil of choice. No ill effects so far.

Thanks guys.