Chain cleaners- worth it?
 

Hey all,

Are chain cleaners worth it? Do they do a decent job after giving the bike a nice hose off? I'm kind of sick having to remove the chain everytime I want to clean it, then haveing to buy a new pin to put it on. If you like your chain cleaner, which would you go with: Finish Line Chain Cleaner $16.50 or the Park Cyclone Chain Cleaner $14.90.

I think tonight I'm finally going to place a $500 order of tools and what not. I've been putting it off for about 3 months :)

Thanks
Matt

I've been using a chain cleaner for almost a year and like it. It's quick and easy.

I have been using a Park for a couple of years now, I won't go without one.

That's all I need to know! Thanks guys!

Chain cleaners suck. Get a SRAM chain, pop the quick link, let 'er soak in degreaser, rise clean with water, re-assemble, and lube. 10 times better than any crappy awkward chain cleaner.

I have the Park cyclone and it's good for a quick scrub. I usually use it before washing my bike though, then everything comes out squeeky clean afterward.

a cleaner would be easier and it works just as well .

I find a chain cleaner to be nowhere near as easy as popping the chain in a jar with some degreaser.

I love chaincleaners. I do find it easier than popping the chain off.

All cleaning devices are not created equal. I tried 2 before I bought a park.

Yep, I used the finish line and did not care it at all. Now have the Park cyclone and it does a great job.

first off, next time you're in the market for a new chain...get one with a masterlink as mentioned already.

secondly, buy a pressure washer and blast the living beejeezus out of the chain!!:D

VW Addict - have you actually used a chain cleaner? My Trek came with the PC-48 Chain, and I've gone to some lengths to maintain it - yea, its not hard to remove it, wash it & relube & reinstall; but there are times when it might be nice to save time on the run, or clean & lube a friends chain. AS I've always been with sea kayaking, I'd rather be out doing the sport than doing the maintenance.

I've been tempted on these cleaners, but held off so far...

Peter

I do a full clean (vw's method) every so often. But on the fly cleaning I use the tool :)

I've been using the same chain since '02. It's never been "properly" cleaned. I spray it down, wipe it off with wd-40, and hit it with T-9 chain wax. It has never been off of the bike and I've never had a hint of a problem with it.

same here , but I never put water on my chain . I'll soak it in acetone after cleaning , let dry overnight, lube then replace . It works good for me , but then again , I also Cross-chain .:D

Thanks for the info guys. I think I'm going to go ahead and the Cyclone. It's only $15, so what the heck. Oh and I have yet to place that order :( I just can't do it, and I keep telling myself that I'm still adding to the list. I have no motivation!

I agree, we all have some chump change lyin' around to go out and "buy a pressure washer" just to blow out the chain....whaaa?

Seriously though, I love the Finish Line chain cleaner. They warranty the thing forever. (even brushes) It's 10x faster than pulling a master link and soaking. I do agree that a master link is a must. Every once-in-a-while it's good to do a super-thorough clean job on it. I clean and lube my chain right before every ride. All I need is about 60 seconds and it's clean.

Most importantly, buy a chain checker of some sort. Make sure you're not wearing out the cassette prematurely.

Any household degreaser does the job.

Ricardo

I have the finishline chain cleaner and it does a great job. The chain looks almost new again.