When should I clean my derailleur?
07-08-11, 09:23 PM
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When should I clean my derailleur?
What constitutes dirty? I have the Specialized 105 set
07-08-11, 09:29 PM
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In Washington state? Every other day October-May. You can ease up a bit in June. From now until Halloween you might not have to clean it once if we're lucky.
Seriously though, probably monthly with road use in dry conditions.
Seriously though, probably monthly with road use in dry conditions.
07-08-11, 09:31 PM
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If it's dirty enough to offend your sensibilities, clean it. Otherwise leave it alone. Other than on muddy mountain bikes, I've never seen an RD dirty enough to affect it's function.
There's no reason not to clean derailleurs, but be aware that solvents will run into the pivots, and upper and lower bodies, carrying grit and depositing it there as they evaporate. If you want to do more that rinse an RD off, you're better off removing it and giving it a thorough wash, followed by lubriaction.
The exception to the leave it alone rule applies to winter riders, or those at the shore, who ride through salt water puddles. Salt is death for aluminum components, even anodized ones, so rinse the bike with fresh water to prevent salt damage. I commute year round, and after riding salty roads, I dump what's left in my water bottle onto the RD rinsing salty slush off when I get home.
There's no reason not to clean derailleurs, but be aware that solvents will run into the pivots, and upper and lower bodies, carrying grit and depositing it there as they evaporate. If you want to do more that rinse an RD off, you're better off removing it and giving it a thorough wash, followed by lubriaction.
The exception to the leave it alone rule applies to winter riders, or those at the shore, who ride through salt water puddles. Salt is death for aluminum components, even anodized ones, so rinse the bike with fresh water to prevent salt damage. I commute year round, and after riding salty roads, I dump what's left in my water bottle onto the RD rinsing salty slush off when I get home.
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
07-08-11, 09:34 PM
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Thanks. This may sound naive, but I am naive: how should i clean my derailleurs?
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