Digital Gee

I'm taking my Roobay into the LBS today for its 200 mile checkup to tighten all the cables and such. I'm thinking of buying a chain cleaner device. I've never tried one but I've seen one that sort of clamps over the chain while you rotate the pedals. Is this thing worth it? It's about $25 if memory serves.

card

I don't like the cleaners. To me they are messy. Check out Rock N Roll. Easy to use, fast and IMHO does anexcellent job--especially touring.

I think it was originally developed for mountain bikers.

stapfam

Maybe for Mountain bikers but if you want to clean a chain- this is the easiest way to do it- Even on a Roobaix. Problem is that it is messy to use. And Unless you have a good sized area outside to wash the chain and then wash the bike and then lube up- There might be easier alternatives.

SaiKaiTai

When I got the chain and cassette replaced on my GF, it was recommended that I just hold to chain in an old teeshirt and spin it on through. Do this before every ride.

Digital Gee

Why do I always read GF and think "girlfriend"?

What kind of girlfriend comes with a chain and cassette?

Terrierman

The kind you can ride anytime you like for as long as you like and that never complains.

maddmaxx 

Get a small rug 3 X 5 cheap, preferably with a backing. It will serve as an excellent work mat under the bike while cleaning and relubing the chain.

Let the chain dry (in the sun if possible for quickness, overnight elsewise) before relubing.

Be careful if wiping the chain with a rag not to drive gritty dirt or lint down into the links.



For anyone with a removable link chain, here is a free chain cleaner.
1. Remove chain from bike.
2. Place in clean plastic soda bottle. (24 oz pepsi bottle is good size)
3. Insert cleaning solution of choice. (simple green or citrus cleaner diluted with water)
4. Shake hard. (I hope you still have the cap to the bottle)
5. Pour dirty cleaner out.
6. If step 5 still dirty then repeat.
7. Cut bottle open to remove chain
8. Rinse clean with water
9. Dry overnight
10 Reinstall and relube.

MNBikeguy

Wait.....hold your GF down with a chain and run a wet t-shirt.......What?

card

Have you tried the Rock N Roll product? I've used it about 5 yrs & think my chains are clean. Granted, I could take the chain off, soak it, dry it and then relube it; however, I haven't noticed my chains having a shorter life span since I've been using this product, and I save a WORLD of time. I live by the KISS theory.

check it out.
https://www.rocklube.com/

MNBikeguy

Seriously, Park has a hand held cleaner that works quite well without removing the chain. Just need a large towel undneath is all.

ang1sgt

For me on my Clyde Bike I am using the SRAM Chain with the gold power link so I can take it off and clean it off the bike. I like the idea of that and most of the other Techs at the shop use em and love em. Knowing my luck, I'll bust it up or have some horid experience with it.

Chris

SaiKaiTai

Agreed on the "GF" thing... I will never use that again.
I didn't get to finish my thought earlier... was summoned by The Man.

Anyway, the LBS told me that the only place the lube is needed -wanted- is between the rollers.
The rest is just a dirt magnet... and trouble.

So, he said, over time, when all the excess luve is wiped off, the chain will get shinier and shinier.
This is what you want.

Digital Gee

Well, I'm back from the LBS and the 200 mile tune-up. They didn't do it -- they checked it and said, "This bike hasn't worn enough to merit tightening anything up. Go ride another 2-300 miles and bring it back then."

I think that's actually a compliment to the bike and the components. My first new bike, the Trek 3900, need a LOT of adjusting after just 100 miles.

So while I'm there, I notice a few more Rooooooobaaaaaaaays on the sales floor. Uh oh! They've marked them on sale!!! I bought mine just two weeks ago!!!

The manager, when told of this situation, gave me a $125 (plus tax) refund (that's how much difference between my price and the sales price) on the spot. Now THAT made me feel really good!

Beverly

Nice.....sounds like a good LBS.

RockyTopBiker

You could run your chain through an old pair of gf's panties, then.

Tom Bombadil

If you are looking for a cheap chain cleaner, Performance has a combo set, with chain cleaner, degreaser liquid, and a cog brush, all for just $14.99.

https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...TOKEN=37946754

Then if you use the BF 10% off coupon, it's only $13.49 for the whole thing, plus shipping.

SSP

I've had pretty good luck using the Park chain cleaner tool, with Simple Green (50:50 with water).

Note: do NOT use a product called "Greased Lightning". It's a citrus-based cleaner, like Simple Green, but it also contains phosphoric acid, which will screw up the finish on metal parts (ask me how I know this...).

spry

We,ve all seen this play out before with your last bike.That High Zoot LBS is going to play you like a fiddle,sell you $300 worth of must have bobbles to ride in San Diego road bike fashion show.
No one wants to see a 50+ guy riding around in $130, white+pink, Pearl Izumi spandex,with matching shoes.

Keep safe this holiday home slice

bkaapcke

Chain cleaners use water based degreasers, many of which are acidic. Both are the wrong thing for your chain. Use a shop towel (costco) and some Brake Klean. Moisten a small spot on the towel once and do the chain. Then do the chain some more with just the dry towel. Use Ream 'n' Clean pipe cleaners to get between the rollers. Once around with one pipe cleaner is enough. Wipe again with dry towel. Use as little lube as you can get away with.

Do this regularly and you won't have any problems. The only possible problems come from letting it get too dirty in the first place. BTW, This should only take 10 minutes. Oh yeah, floss the cassette with the edge of the towel wetted with brake klean too. bk

The best time to start using a new cleaning regimen is on a brand new bike. You bought a nice one, spend the time it takes to keep it nice.

BluesDawg

I used the Park cleaner years ago. It worked, but always made a big mess on my rear wheel and tire. I just use ProLink lube and wipe off the excess. When a chain get really messy, like after a rainy day ride, I take it off and clean it in a soda bottle with Simple Green or similar degreaser. SRAM power links work well on Shimano chains, too. Just use a chain breaker to remove a link and replace it with the Power Link for tool free chain removal and reattachment.

spry

Ream and Clean?Thats the local property tax bureau in northern Ohio.

old and new

+ 1 I have to add

spry

Kerosene,always works,dry with rag,chain lube or wd-40.

Jet Travis

When my chain gets dirty, I usually just buy a new bike.

swan652

Excellent...that should just about cover the cost of your new clipless pedals.