Any recommendations for aerosol chain cleaner? I keep chain lubed but with the build up of lube etc it's looking a bit sorry for itself. Once cleaner is applied can you use a soft brush to remove all shi** before re lubing
I swear by sdoc100 power gel. Works a treat!! Spray it on, go for a cuppa then rinse off with a strong jet from a hose pipe. Easy.
I'm using WD40 chain cleaner at the mo, spray on & leave few minutes then wipe with cloth/old toothbrush/or this Oxford gadget...depending on how mucky it is. I try & stay on top of it because it's easier to clean frequently & quickly, & therefore a bog standard cleaner does the job I also find using Wurth HP Dry Lube great out of winter as it doesn't clog chain/fling & therefore cleanings a doddle. Not cheap but imo a must have product
If you clean it regularly you don't need those expensive cleaning products. A Gallon of paraffin will last for ages. Wipe it on with a cloth, then clean cloth to take it off every time I wash my bike, dry it, and then Wurth dry chain lube, cos she's 'wurth it'
Probably not much help, but here's my experience: I've never cleaned my chain, ever (I'm a bit lazy about cleaning my bike in general). My first chain lasted until the 28,000 miles service. I spray my chain fairly liberally with Wurth dry chain lube every 600 miles (product chosen mainly because it doesn't end up like nasty glued-on guano on the wheel compared to most, rather than for any superior chain life enhancing properties).
A couple of old tooth brushes and some paraffin gets it nice and clean. No need for expensive cleaners really. 4L of parraffin is around £4.50 where as some cleaners are close to £10 for 500ml. I do use S-Doc chain lube though as I think its decent stuff and with little fling.
I've used various bike brushes like above and other ones you clamp onto the chain etc. used various difference cans of cleaner but the best by miles is good old paraffinas you can get a gallon for under£10 that lasts ages and a old tooth brush. Plus some cardboard to stop it going everywhere cheapest and best you can use. I do make sure I use good lube which is either Wurth or using Doc100 at the mo which is very good also
Ha ha! I don't mind as my Fireblade is never ridden on salted roads, so the layer of grime and dead insects that usually cover it aren't causing any permanent harm...
Chain cleaners are a bad idea IMHO as they wash the grease out of the links so longer term can cause tight spots due to excessive wear. I simply spray some WD40 on a cloth and wipe the dirt off paying attention to the links and ensure all rollers move... then lube with wurth dry lube or motul factory line. All my chains last despite using the bike all year round. Done every 500-600 miles.
Good old standard WD40 and it's in an aerosol can as in the original post. Don't need to use much if cleaned regularly, and it can be used for loads of other applications.
The best chains I've ever had were the ones where I fitted a Scottoiler. Although they can be a pain to fit and set up properly the chain is kept in brilliant condition. Any fling is easily cleaned off with a wipe of a dry rag. If you get too much fling it's because the oiler's not set up properly. Unfortunately a lot of bikes don't have the room to fit one so its paraffin and Wurth dry lube for me.
+1 for Sdoc100 - I use it either once or twice ( depending on how dirty & thick the build-up is) and the chain gets really well cleaned, then i use Motul factory line (white) chain lube.
Paraffin and wurth dry lube for me too....but I always put it on a warm chain never cold...ie after a short ride.
I wouldn't jet water in to a chain or bearing as it will wash out and really wouldn't be good for anything!!
I hardly think the pressure from a hose pipe would do that much harm. I can't see it being any more powerful than riding at motorway speeds in the rain.
I'm sure any water that does get on the chain from riding along will soon be flung off, but rather not put water where it doesn't need to be.
