you need to get out more...

+1. also works well as lube

You must not ride much.

Used Tri-Flow with my Allez, now I use T-9. Initially I thought 3-400 miles was good, but generally what I've been told is 200ish miles. And for me, that results in chain cleaning via the Park Tools Chain Cleaner/Simple Green followed by T-9 several hours later.... at least twice a week. Oy. I thought that using T-9 by itself would suffice, since it seems to clean the chain also. Alas, I still do both due to consulting with other riders. I'm gullible I guess. At least Simple Green is super cheap :)

How about brake cleaner? Take the chain off and spray it with brake cleaner over/in a parts cleaning tub.

+1 on the prolink.

Once every few weeks I'll also do a simple green clean, but it's not really necessary.

I've used brake cleaner and it actually works pretty well. The only problems are a) you have to take the chain off, and b) it's not particularly environmentally sound. But it's certainly effective.

Now I just use a Park cleaner with mineral spirits. Still trying to find the right lube, though. Keep meaning to track down some Tri-Flow since it comes highly recommended, but most of my LBS's don't carry it for some reason.

park cleaner w citrus degresaser when it gets supernasty. otherwise i just use rock'n'roll red.

+1. Very easy, and it works.

Also, a good number of more agressive chain cleaning regiments are actually removing the lube from where it needs to be.

I don't clean per se, I spray GT85 and wipe the chain. Then apply Finish Line Pro Road.

For the Canadian folks, I use MEC's chain degreaser and it works very well, especially when used with their funky chain cleaner thingy. MEC's Wet Lube on the other hand, stay the heck away from it. Picture putting black licorice in the microwave then pouring it on your chain. It leaves a thick, sticky black gunky mess after 1 ride. Had I read the online reviews on MEC.ca before I bought it, I would have known.

I've since switched to Prolink Pro Gold - its amazing stuff. 1 application and a 20km ride, the new Prolink is already breaking down the gunk and making my drivetrain look new again.

my home brew chain lube contains mineral spirits, i apply the lube generously, and wipe down the chain thoroughly, this cleans the chain, and when the mineral spirits evaporate the chain is well lubed.

When I have 8 hours to spare, I follow Sheldon's (RIP) process: ShelBroCo Bicycle Chain Cleaning System

When I don't have 8 hours, I wipe, apply Tri-Flow, wipe again, ride.

I'm anal about my chain-- clean it weekly with Simply Green diluted 50% with water and let it air dry. Lube with Pro Gold .

So does the simple green method do a good job of removing grit? or does it just cut grease?

Simple Green is not as effective as citrus cleaner, so it takes a little longer to work., *BUT* it does not harm plastic and rubber.
Citrus cleaner is hell on plastic and rubber.
I've had citrus cleaner soak thorugh disposable vinyl gloves, and damage the rubber collar and drain plug in my sink.

Reason enough for me to NOT use the citrus cleaners.

i would like to try the simple green method.... how much for a gallon of that usually? And i also STILL have not found my park tools chain cleaner....

For general cleaning and lube these... ^


...and this for the rare, once every blue moon deep cleaning.

I use Rock 'N Roll Gold which is self cleaning, but every month or so I take off my chain and shake it in a plastic OJ bottle with De-Solv-It to get all the grit out of it. Then I swish it in some Rock 'N Roll and put it back on the bike.

I feel obligated to point out that both SRAM and Shimano (sorry haven't bought Campy in a long time) say to clean drivetrain components with neutral detergent. Obviously removing grit is most important.

But yeah, I use Pro-Link, wipe, repeat.

+1
After using up all the citrus degreaser that came with my chain-cleaning kit, I now use Dawn + H20 (as recommended by the bike pro at REI), fill up the chain cleaning tool and spin the crank. Wipe off excess, let it dry, then add Pro Link.