meanwhile

Anyway - I've just realized something that might make cleaning my chain a lot easier: the first and only person I saw using an on-bike chain cleaner was an idiot! I glanced at Zinn's book and noticed that when he uses one he removes the back wheel - so no dirty cassette to contaminate the chain! Obviously you'd want to clean whichever chainring you use first, but that's easy.

cyclistbrian

Lots of good advice here but no method mentioned will get your chain truly clean. I use this method: https://sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.html ; -)...Not after every ride mind you...

meanwhile

So - $200 for the Shimano Deluxe kit, $250 for SRAM - but I need Campagnolo!

xoxoxoxoLive

That would be a good question to ask your LBS if they would clean your chain with this method,
and how much would it cost ? .... Quote ( Some people like to work on there bikes, and some
like to ride them. ) .....and as far as my brake cleaner method, think of all the arousal used
ever day, from hair spray, to deodorants, house hold cleaning supplies, and this list could
go on forever......Look at the rubber we lay down on the road each ride, (NOT) good for the
environment, does that mean we should ride less...... I guess we should just all walk !
Bare footed, it does take chemicals to make our shoes you know...

bkaapcke

Citrus degreasers are mildly acidic and water based. Neither one belongs on your chain. bk

irclean

You can read all about my experience with the bike (to date) here: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?666568-It-s-Here!-It-s-Here!-It-s-Finally-Here!!!

meanwhile

1. Citrus degreasers are the standard chain cleaner for professional mechanics now; if you want to argue with Leonard Zinn, the ghost of Sheldon Brown, and Park Tools, be my guest.

2. That they are "mildly acidic" doesn't matter, although I'm sure using the Big Science Words is exciting. The acidity is far below the level that can hurt a chain in the few minutes of immersion it will suffer. Maybe if you left a chain in citrus degreaser for several months or years you might have a problem. Or maybe not.

3. Lots of things are water based. Including water. Which is used for cleaning chains, rims, bike frames - everything on a bike. There is no problem with this as long as you dry what you clean afterwards. A chain wiped with a paper towel and left hanging vertically will dry too quickly to rust.

Sixty Fiver

I use organic de-greasers in a diluted form and restrict the use of aerosols in my shop as much as possible... have had he same can of WD40 for years and it is still near full.

My home brew lube does contain oil but requires such a small amount to get the job done... it also works to free seized parts and lubricate housings and works better than most commercial solvents.

As a chain lube I just re-apply and wipe the chain down and after a few minutes of passing the chain through a shop rag it will be clean and shiny and run as smooth as butter on glass.

Those shop rags get sent off for re-cycling and treatment as they become a biological hazard when they get covered in oil.

Citrus de-greasers can cause contact reactions in many people and gloves should be worn.

khutch

No, one humorous sentence does not mean that the entire post was meant to be. I'm not being thin skinned, just reacting to someone who consistently acts out against other posters. Perhaps the truth is that you just are not a very good reader and don't intend to come off as snarky as you do. I'll take that as a working hypothesis for now, maybe you can be a little more generous yourself.

Why would I expect anything else from a man with a box on his head? I'll have the beef, please....

(WARNING: some parts of this post may have humorous intent)

Ken

meanwhile

Thanks! Belt drive and IGH have to be the future.

xoxoxoxoLive

Here it is..I do fair well in this thread..LOL Richard