cleaning the chain

[smokey52]

#36596

I usually wait until the salt is washed from the roads before I get back on the road bike. This year I got stir crazy, so I need to clean the chain. The LBS is shut because of Covid-19, so I checked online for directions. Thursday I plan to use Sheldon’s system: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.html -smokey

[Cosmic Kid]

#36597

Hmmm….that seems like a lot of overkill. And in this day and age of thinner and more precise chains, I’d be wary of disassembling every single link.

I would recommend getting an ultrasonic cleaner, dropping the chain in with a Simple Green / water mix and run it trough a couple of times. Chain will come out completely stripped. Use a quick link to reassemble and lube properly.

Less than a hour to complete the task and very easy.

[Orange Crush]

#36598

Wipe with rag. Put some 3 in 1 oil from Canadian Tire on it and consider it done.

Am I missing something?

[79pmooney]

#36599

Posted By Orange Crush on 03/30/2020 07:30 PM
Wipe with rag. Put some 3 in 1 oil from Canadian Tire on it and consider it done.

Am I missing something?

We’re missing something.  Canadian Tire is mighty hard to find down here.

As I recall, 3 in 1 oil was developed for bicycle chains, sewing machines (and guns?).  Still very good, just low-tech and dirt attracting.

[smokey52]

#36600

oops. I meant Wednesday.

[Orange Crush]

#36601

Ben yes low tech but it seems to get job done at rock bottom pricing. Since 1894, 3-IN-ONE®’s versatile multi-purpose drip oil has been a trusted tool used by professional tradesmen and do-it-yourselfers to lubricate moving parts, penetrate rust, clean and protect tools, and much more. Its precise, easy-to-use drip spout enables precise application, with no over spray or splatter, and its updated packaging has a fill level indicator strip that shows you when you’re running low. 3-IN-ONE® oil can be used to lubricate tools, hinges, nuts and bolts, bicycles, wheels, fans and many other moving parts.

I’ll gladly ship some down to Oregonia for an appropriate commission.

[79pmooney]

#36602

Oh, 3 in 1is locally available. Just not the Canadian Tire I have some (in the older packaging) and I use it. but not for chains.,

[Cosmic Kid]

#36603

3-in-1 will work, but it isn’t the best choice….as noted it attracts dirt and isn’t the most efficient lube out there.

A clean, well lubed drivetrain with a high performance lube will save you watts….

[longslowdistance]

#36604

CK, if Smokey’s OP was posted tomorrow, you might understand it better.

[smokey52]

#36605

LSD- Here is Sheldon’s page with the link to the cleaning instructions: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/bicycleHumor.html

[Orange Crush]

#36606

Haha. I solidly blame CK for misdirecting us all.

Who cares about missed Watts if you’re biking the wrong way. Of course the rest of us are guilty of following along in the draft instead of checking the route.

[Cosmic Kid]

#36607

CK, if Smokey’s OP was posted tomorrow, you might understand it better.

Oh, goddamnit….I knew I had seen that article before!!

[79pmooney]

#36608

Posted By Cosmic Kid on 03/30/2020 06:13 PM
Hmmm….that seems like a lot of overkill. And in this day and age of thinner and more precise chains, I’d be wary of disassembling every single link.

…

C K, I don’t see the issue with doing this.  But – the new chains have peened pins so you cannot reliably reuse the pins and outer plates.  But, there’s an easy remedy.  Replace the pins and outer plates with quick links.  Done.

I looked at Sheldon’s site.  He beat me to it.  The SRAM Deluxe Kit.  (And a bargain!  Best Power Link prices I’ve seen.  Harris must sell a lot of these kits and have a deal with SRAM.)

Speaking of Harris, the current times and the long hours we sequestered now have to kill – I see a windfall happening.  Lots of cyclists with lots of time to kill.  A whole bunch if chains cleaned right.  There’s gonna be a rush on those $249.95 kits.  (Got hammered with your Wall Street holdings?  Salvage your losses and buy Harris.)

Oh, and Harris/Sheldon is/are really ahead of the curve.  Mechanic is fully outfitted for COVID.

[6ix]

#36609

Here is what I do because I’m extremely OCD about chain wear and noise. I just slap a new chain on every 1,200-1,500 miles. A new Dura-Ace chain is only about $45 so why not?

In-between replacements, I clean with a wet rag and Simple Green (although I’ve heard that Simple Green can negatively impact the steel but whatever) and currently use Rock and Roll Gold or Red lube. Went down the wax path last year with WendWax and left dissatisfied. Since I lube my chain every other ride, wax really didn’t do much for me.

So, my solution is much different than taking apart the chain and sonic cleaning it. Seems like a colossal waste of time and a major pain. To each their own.

[longslowdistance]

#36610

Yes simple green is toxic to steel. Use sparingly and diluted. But even then it sure cuts the grease.
Sonic cleaning is not a major pain if you happen to have the gear or know a guy. And it really works, but frankly is overkill on bicycle parts. And surely this late in this thread you get the joke about disassembling a chain.

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