What is the best way to clean a MTB chain?

[TNOSE_E]

But how do you clean your chain and cassette without spraying your rear hub? Maybe that's why you needed new hub bearings' date=' because normally those bearings should last nearly forever? I also never ever needed to replace my rear derailleur because it was worn out.[/quote']

 

Easily done. Set the pressure tream to narrow, aim it horizontally towards the back of the bike. No direct pressure near the seals.

 

American Classic MTB wheels need frequent rear bearing replacement because they were under designed. They use 4 tiny 17mm x 26mm x 5mm bearing in the rear hub. 

 

They changed the axle thickness recently and solved the problem. Thats why I specifically mentioned 'American Classic'

 

Gives me an idea for the next video series on my website. I'll demonstrate how I do it.

 

A chain is a chain, a very primative method of transferring force. The method of cleaning will just change the lifespan. I've merely tried everything else and found a method that's efficient and quick, which gives great results long term. 

 

Just leave them to battle on........

[GoLefty!!]

High Pressure Cleaner - 3 words....

  

 

Two words: water intrusion

 

One Word: AMEN

[Tumbleweed]

My LBS says Squirt is the bees-knees and all they use.

which is your lbs?

[Ispeed_V]

Parrafin and a paint brush

[Gasping]

My LBS says Squirt is the bees-knees and all they use.

which is your lbs?

 

Pro Cycles?

[Tumbleweed]

My LBS says Squirt is the bees-knees and all they use.

which is your lbs?

 

Pro Cycles?

i kinda know that shop

[GoLefty!!]

@Brighter-Lights: FYI the water intrusion from high pressure cleaners is more than 100 times higher than from rain or soapy water.

 

I'm amused...

 

On average' date=' I ride about 16 000km offroad per year.

 

Each 32 000km I go through:

 

4 sets of derailleur pulleys (R800) 

8 chains (R1000)

2 sets of chainrings (R1300)

2 cassettes (R1000)  

2 sets wheel bearings (American Classic wheels) (R600)

1 rear derailleur (R700)

 

I drilled the cable guides to accept full length outer housing.

 

It's a fact that I spend a lot less on my bike than most people. I don't pay R300 for a bike clean. I power wash it (5 mins) and once a month or second month do a bearing/lube service (1 hour) (pop the bearing seals out, add new grease, clean if needed)  

 

How much does the everage rider spend per year on bike services and time in the shop? + parts because of poor maintenance?

 

How much water can enter a chain? or how much water can enter your chainrings and cassette? you have to be really stupid to argue with this one - or never have used a pressure cleaner and inspected / disassebled the parts afterwards...

 

Using parrafin does a lot more harm, it goes past seals and wash out grease.

 

If you don't aim the pressure spray near the seals, it can't get in. Period.

[/quote']

Don't call me stupid, I don't call you stupid either.
And I also don't hold my "cycling career and experience" up here to proof I'm right even though I could beat you easily on this one.

Back to the facts: Obviously you don't damage a chainring by using high pressure. And you are right, if you don't aim the pressure spray near the seals, everything will be fine. But how do you clean your chain and cassette without spraying your rear hub? Maybe that's why you needed new hub bearings, because normally those bearings should last nearly forever? I also never ever needed to replace my rear derailleur because it was worn out.

 

Godlike reply

 

[Snidge]

Clean with parrafin and a chain cleaner device thing.

Oh and what is wrong with Q20 as a lube?

[GoLefty!!]

not enough viscosity

[CycleJunkie]

 

Chain cleaning is a religion on its own and I don't want to get ex-communicated. However' date=' none of the above methods work if you've lubricated the chain with that wax rubbish.

 

Edit:    The word lubricated is not applicable when talking about wax, the word I was looking for was punished/harmed/disfavoured/wronged/abused/damaged

 

 

[/quote']

 

So what do you recommend?

 

[GoLefty!!]

for wax lubes, use a solvent.

For oil lubes, use a biodegradable degreaser.

[johannrissik]

There is only one way to clean a chain properly..

http://sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.html

 

And you can't excommunicate me, it's too late.

 

[Rocket-Boy]

Shoo quite a few different ways mentioned.

I always used to clean the old junk off with a solvent and then use an aerosol motorbike chain wax. It seems to work quite nicely once you have wiped the excess off and I never had any problems with it.