Ecko_1

Thanks for all the useful info rouxtjie! I will go home and fit the powerlink. Looking around for a good multi tool now. I see there is a new thread discussing them.

I am also in the market for a new multi tool. The Park Tool looks like an option. I was considering this Birzman one from Evobikes. Anyone have some experience or useful info?

I cant see the video. Should I just pull out the link I broke completely and fit the powerlink in its place? Could the stiff link cause the derailler to jump/catch when back pedalling slowly?

Misunderstanding. I didnt try fit it. On my mates recommendation I just rejoined the original masterlink. It was one link that had a bigger pin than all the others.

I went to the local Cycle Lab (being the only bike shop open on a Sunday as it is in a mall), and the salesman said that they only have SRAM powerlinks that work with the Shimano chains. I bought one but did not fit it. The mate who I borrowed the tools from recommend that I reinsert the master pin that I took out to break the chain, as that is what he does. I usually take his word when it comes to bikes as he is the neighbourhood go to guy for bikes and is quite capable of building up complete bikes. Can you recommend anything from the above based on your experience. I still have the SRAM powerlink in my car. I have pushed the masterpin that I took out back into the chain to join it.

I did the clean last night. Borrowed the neccessary tools and bought myself some Powasol. Cassette and chain is nice and clean. I lubed up last night as well. Quite a simple process with the right tools.

I only have the 2 roadbikes at the moment so they are a lot less complex than the MTB. I built up a couple of cheap bikes as a kid, so I am comfortable tinkering with the bike, Technology has obviously advanced and I will need to read up on whatever it is I intend on fiddling with. I have arranged to fetch the tools from my mate tomorrow. My wife is going to sleep at her mums tomorrow as sister is in town. So tomorrow night I will spend with my bike and a 6 pack or so.

I now see that removing my chain and cassette will allow me to clean those properly, and eliminates the need to spray harsh chemicals near the hubs and other moving parts.

Thanks for all the info. Never thought that a simple thing like cleaning my bike would reveal such a wealth of knowledge. I am doing everything properly (although slowly at times due to budget restraints), so I will buy a chain whip and cassette remover next month. This month I need another pair of shorts (only have 1), and I think the multi tool is more urgent. Ill borrow the tools I need for the clean from a friend for this clean. Links shouldnt be too expensive from my LBS.

Guess what...I dont have a multi tool (not one that I carry with me when riding). I am getting one with the same order. So far I ride with a few people who do have so I have been reliant on them. From above then I would need to buy new powerlinks for my chain (Tiagra 4600 10 Speed) and keep with me just in case I ever experience a broken chain while riding).

From what i have read, the chain whip is needed for the cassette, and it seems more for removing individual rings on the cassette. I have also noted that the whip makes it easier to put the cassette back, but some people use an old chain or heavy cloth. Would I be able to manage without a chain whip?

So I have been looking on the online stores for the required tools. I will need a chain breaker definitely. I need to see if my chain came with a powerlinnk as stock.

Never would that touch my car. Meguiars is lucky to even be near my paint

And also not for cars

This probably would apply the same to bikes as it does to cars. Sunlight has something in it that eats at your clear coat.

Thanks for all the helpful replies. The bike is farely new, and being a roadbike the drivetrain is fortunately fairly clean. Its just not shiny and nice like when I bought it. AFAIK Powasol is not a degreaser. Is this true for Cleen Green (I have CG in my cupboard ATM)? If so then I should be safe to spray onto the drivetrain? I currently dont have any specialist tools as mentioned, so nothing can come off to clean yet. So it will have to be an on bike brush clean. I have read to avoid using car wash shampoos on the driver train as it contains wax. I plan to clean the whole bike with Cleen Green (it foams a bit more than Powasol) and dirty bits with Powasol. I will lay a coat of car wax on the frame once I am done as the CG will strip the paint of any protective layer it currently has.

So it isnt a problem to spray the cassette? My big concern is water seepoing into places the cloth cant reach and seizing up things like bearings.

No compressor, and I dont think my wifes hairdryer is anywhere as strong enough then. Sun dry it will have to be. I usually dry the frame with a microfibre cloth

I will clean the whole bike, but to date my bike cleans have really been limited to the wheels and frame (had bike for 2 months). So I want to clean the bike properly this weekend, and am worried about water and the moving parts of the bike like the cassette, chain and crank and deraillers and pouring water on them.

My question is more around the moving parts. My intention is to give these parts a brush clean with either Kleen Green of Powasol (depends on what is available at the time). How do I safely rinse the bike after the clean? Am I safe to use a jug and rinse all the soap away? Let the bike drip dry and then lube properly? Do I need to perhaps blow dry the cassette with the wifes blowdryer on cold setting for a bit? I ask this as my search did not prove very fruitful on the forum, and the topic i posted a reply to got no response. I am hoping for better luck here.

This will also be my first full distance Shova. I am also driving up to Jhb to ride my first 94.7 in November. Would have liked to make next year my first Argus as well, but budget does not allow, and entries are closed. I also need to put in some more hill training. A group of buddies and I are planning on heading out and riding the Shova route before hand. It will be a 3am stealth mission though, to avoid traffic as far as possible. Good luck to everyone riding.

Cheap Look. The gent is doing his best to locate the rightful owner. If that person does not make an appearence than OP gets himself a cheap Look for his good intentions.

Afterthought...are you referring to the picture of the smashed wall on the previous page?

Where is "here"?

Thread revive. I cant seem to find another one with info i need, I want to clean my bike. I am happy with the cleaning of the frame etc. But the componenrts (cassette, deraillers etc) that are greasier worries me. I will use cleen green or powasol or something similar with some light brushing. WRT to rinsing. Is it ok to rinse everything with a hose? If not how do i get all the cleaning agents off the bike?