First Chain Cleaning

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2012-07-30 2:13 PM

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Member
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2525
Chicago, Colorado
Subject: First Chain Cleaning

I have almost 200 miles on my 10 day old bike, and I think its time to clean the chain.  The shop lube is starting to get a little dark and grimy.  

I have dry lube, and degreaser.  My chain has a quick release link. I have an old toothbrush for some scrubbing.  

So, someone give me the steps for cleaning the chain and the cassette and the chainrings.  I mean every little itsy bitsy step.  From chain on the bike and dirty to chain on the bike and bright and sparkly again. 

2012-07-30 2:15 PM
in reply to: #4337713

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Champion
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, Minnesota
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Subject: RE: First Chain Cleaning
2012-07-30 3:39 PM
in reply to: #4337713

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Master
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Kailua, Hawaii
Subject: RE: First Chain Cleaning

personally I would do a lube and wipe down more often than 200 miles.

usually every other ride, unless it rains or was a long ride (>50miles), and then every ride.

the grit will wear out the drive train fast.

I just spray it with lube and wipe with a rag while rotating the chain. it gets the dirt and grit off pretty much and lubes. brush out the cassette and wipe the crankset rings.

2012-07-30 4:11 PM
in reply to: #4337713

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Pro
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, New Hampshire
Subject: RE: First Chain Cleaning
Get something like Pedros IceWax, or my favorite, Rock n Roll Absolute Dry.

Drip a drop on each and every chain link (you back pedal and just add one drop per link). Let stand for a minute or two and then use an old t-shirt (or buy a pack of shop rags at your local automotive store or Wal-Mart...) and wipe down the chain really good. The chain should look sparkling again, if not, continue to wipe (you simply can't wipe it down too much!).

That's it! Cleaned and relubed.
2012-07-30 4:14 PM
in reply to: #4337713

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Subject: RE: First Chain Cleaning
Here are step by step instructions:


http://sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.html
2012-07-30 4:21 PM
in reply to: #4337713

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Subject: RE: First Chain Cleaning

This depends on how hard I rode and in what conditions, but about every 4 weeks I take the chain off and soak it in citrus degreaser, scrub it with a toothbrush, clean the cassette and derailleurs, and put it all back together. According to SRAM, I should replace the SRAM Powerlock master link every time I do this, but I am careful and have the Park tool, so I reuse them. I use T-9 lubricant.

Clean it with one of those nifty chain cleaners in between.



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