Deep Clean Your Mountain Bike Drive Train | GMBN Tech How To

[@martinjansevanvuuren213]

For me, doing these deep cleaning and service jobs are sometimes more satisfying than going out on a ride. Its like therapy for me lol.

[@alantaylor6691]

Agreed.

[@nilleftw]

Nothing beats a shiny bike or car.

[@pascalheisterborg9675]

Can I bring my bike too you ??? 😄

[@matasofutpemata]

same thing for mee too mate !.

[@lasagna3084]

Completely agree!!

[@ryanford5387]

4:17 if that's a filthy chain then mine must be a biohazard....

[@prgrier1]

must not use filth magnet lube

[@raze6703]

Same

[@eschwarz1003]

Yup

[@mortonfrankfire5400]

Everyone needs a Doddy in their friend group! So much knowledge and a really good teacher. 👨‍🏫

[@mnbv5555cxz]

and he cleans your bike drive train for you!!

[@franzfranky]

I need a Doddy in my bike cave! who is cleaning my whole bike😂

[@bandinda7206]

The funny thing is that im the doddy outta my riding mates, they have no idea what to do to their bikes so they just give it to me to fix

[@joscram1129]

@@bandinda7206 same😂

[@modsquad8u]

@@bandinda7206 hope you at least charge them a few pints for your trouble! I'm that guy with my friends as well, but not for bikes yet, but I used to build hot rods and I'm in IT, so computers and automotive issues usually get sent my way.

[@lanceespinosa7275]

Doddy is like the doctor for mountain bikes

[@gmbntech]

Dr Doddy 😷 it's got a good ring to it

[@scenefromhere]

Anyone else think it might be helpful to have a video that discusses determining wear on components, making it easier to know when to either do light maintenance or a deep clean/replacement? Cheers for the video!

[@unknown-me6hu]

Just deep clean when u feel like it. Or if u have lots of crap on ur drive train. Use your head lil nigga. If it's not to dirty do a light clean if it's heavily soiled then do a deep clean. It's not rocket science. Do you need him to wipe your ass asweel? Or do tou need him to hold your hand while you brush your teeth? Look at your chain when it's new then look at in now. Dose it still look good or worn down? Not rocket science. U need help in the brain.

[@iancho9587]

Hi Doddy, 20-30 min Ultrasonic Cleaner session for the whole drivetrain could really amaze you with the final result. Totally worth it the try + u can manage a beer, or 2...

[@SSH01]

Ian Cho what where how ?

[@benge3092]

Man, I wasn't sure about doddy at first, but now I love him! Much of very good information!

[@Like2Truck]

Same here

[@Cj-nd3nv]

Doddy's the man. Best presenter on GMBN, although they're all pretty good, just Doddy's best at helping the ordinary MTBer with day-to-day issues and basics to improve one's all round riding experience.

[@mistyclan5559]

This was extremely helpful because it rains a lot where I stay and I ride a lot in the mud.

[@gmbntech]

Glad we can help!

[@mrkultra1655]

As you are a professional in the field of bike maintenance, have you ever considered using an ultrasonic cleaning tank? I’ve used one for cleaning things like small complex machine parts, small and large engine carburetors, and pistols, etc... You wouldn’t believe what they can help you get out of the passages of carburetors. From nooks and crannies that you never mind can’t see, but didn’t even know were there. The best part is, the part goes in, the tank cleans it, you take it out a few hours (if needed, sometimes shorter time) later, rinse and lube. They can save you a bunch of time and effort. Worth a try.

[@Deebo1985]

Andrew 'Ed China of the bike world' Dodd. Love GMBN tech, best of the GMBN channels hands down. Well done Doddy!

[@rontreen3278]

Here here! That's Edd China with two D's and Doddy are the best at their trade!

[@benjocalrision]

Agree mostly but some comments have rightly pointed out he hasn't explained some things including BB, relubing and fitting chain, cleaning/checking mech cable. I'm a fan of rinsing the degreaser off the chain using a spray lube and leaving to drip dry hanging up overnight. I then lube with wet or dry oil as needed while it's still hanging, knowing that the oil with find it's way down the chain into all the rollers. He didn't seem to know much about the jockey wheels (I'm sure he does really). The gunk is commonly known as 'grind(ing) paste. It's a combo off lube oil, grease and dirt and it kills drivetrains especially if you ride in sandy areas. BBs are pretty straightforward to remove and check. Give the threads a proper wipe down so that they are spotless and do the same with the threads in the frame. A shop would 'prep' your frame before reinstalling but it should be fine if you're meticulous.

[@simonbrady5904]

I am 60 years old and have been riding bikes since I was 5. Three years ago, I discovered the GMB networks and realised how little I actually new about riding technique and bike maintenance. The team at GMBN and their e-ebike channel are inspirational educationalists. The content and quality of the videos will enable you to tackle most things and achieve positive outcomes. I know from first hand experience. Watch one - Do one and then help a mate. Subscribe to the Chanel and spread the word. I now get so much joy out of my bikes and riding, all from the GMBN / EMBN guys knowledge and passion 😀

[@evanmahon379]

Only reason for using a clear tub is to feel the satisfaction when you see the degreaser becoming very dirty!

[@irvsstella]

No, it's payback for ordering crispy duck in orange sauce, fried rice, sweet and sour chicken balls and a portion of BBQ ribs in syrup. Payback's a bitch lol

[@scottokelberry6747]

This was a great video on how to thoroughly clean your drive train. The issue I have is with relubrication. You would never recommend putting sealed bearing in solvent without thoroughly repacking the bearing with grease. This level of degreasing requires a through effort to relube your chain to avoid premature wear. Simply applying lube as per usual will definitely require miles of riding and multiple applications to work the lubrication back into the inner workings of the chain. In addition, a chain with any use will develop “drive” and “coast” wear on the chain. No attention was given to reinstall the chain in the same orientation.

[@BChiarcos]

And what about the BB? I'll also add that wd40 isn't grease. He used it multiple times as lubrication. Lots of aimless surface scrubbing. Very basic stuff.

[@steveo4991]

@@BChiarcos You do realise WD40 has multiple products right? WD40 spray grease being one of them.

[@fossil98]

I just spent a full day on mine into the November night. I am now a qualified sprocket dentist.

[@Dysmorphious]

Great video Doddy. I've recently started servicing my bikes myself and have learned alot from the GMBM channel over the last year or two. This has been my favourite GMBM Tech video so far. I'll be doing this procedure pretty often as im out in all weather and the bike gets rather grimy rather quickly. Cheers!

[@thirtythreekid]

This video will guilt me into giving all my bikes a full drive train cleansing, this being one of the only downfalls to owning multiple bikes. Cheers Doddy, that's my Sunday morning gone. It may also be worth mentioning to wipe down the freehub body to ensure that lovely sparkling clean cassette isn't instantly installed back onto a dirty surface.

[@josephrennick1297]

There’s something extremely satisfying seeing something getting cleaned😀

[@janguardian]

I use a paint tray to degrease the chain. I leave the chain soak in the well and then drag it through the roller ramp link by link whilst giving them a good scrub with a brush. The ramp's spikes do a great job at keeping the chain in place while I do the scrubbing.

[@franciscocastro8834]

Just loved how everything was explained.

[@abrahamreviews]

Nice! He’s wearing the Oakley Time Machine 🤘🏼

[@jordanarmstrong8358]

A vibrating or "sonic" parts cleaner, similar to ones used to clean jewelry, is a good option for doing this sort of thing as well... particularly for the chain and derailleur degreasing process. Great video, Doddy.

[@Keyboardbeatz]

Who else has anxiety of taking their bike apart and not being able to put it together again? ;( lol

[@M1lan2124]

i dont have that and also dont have the tools to remove my cassette

[@idriveships4047]

Not that hard and you learn heaps by doing it

[@RyanAir-we1gc]

Keyboardbeatz yeah me, i paid 55 dollars

[@tuckera1879]

I don't worry about not being able to put it back together as I taught myself to strip my entire bike then put it back together when i had a cheap bike project. I worry more about introducing dirt or muck or grease or anything else into a spot it is not supposed to be, especially on my brand new cannondale

[@psyCodEd]

dont worry too much. i was a total noob few months ago but i spent a decent amount of time checking videos and sucking up advices. no i do everything on my own. everything. even changed a fork few days back.

[@Tom-ol9em]

Wow.. Seriously the best drivetrain cleaning and reinstallation diy I've ever seen

[@Tenspeed1]

Probably the best video GMBN has put out so far. Thanks Doddy!!

[@heliogoncalves2870]

One of the best bicycle related pages on youtube. Thanks for the videos. Keep the good work. Cheers from Portugal 🇵🇹🇵🇹

[@cambike]

Tip for oiling chain, heat oil up a little with chain in, thins it out to penetrate further, then install. Old motorcycling tip

[@BassSwirls]

Warming Or even leave a chain in oil overnight. It's helping it to bond on a molecular level. Ive soaked supposedly useless (skipping) freehubs in oil for a week and it rejuvenates them.

[@Mike.Muc.3.1415]

Putting the container with the degreaser and the chain into a cheap ultrasonic cleaner works great.

[@petercook7502]

A few comments, most chain manufacturers recommend not to use degreaser but very hot soapy water - I use a chain bath with hot soapy water after every ride and this keeps it like new. Secondly degreaser on the rear mech seems like a bad Idea getting all the grease out of the pivot points that will never get put back properly, again hot soapy water would be better. Only thing I would use degreaser on is chainring, cassette and cranks. Regular good post ride cleaning is much better for your bike. Not sure the ghetto bearing clean is a wise thing either....

[@venroxslip6032]

I was thinking exactly why you and throughout the entire video... couldn't agree more!

[@corvus400]

I'm doing this every spring on my commuter/gravel bicycle.

[@rpaxton443]

Wow, Park Tool Heaven!

[@LordHolley]

I bought a cheap ultrasound. I keep it in the garage, and use it for deep bicycle cleans like this. Nothing is better or easier. Parts come out like brand new again.

[@1Longranger]

I have an 10l, 250W ultrasonic cleaner which is brilliant for mtb chains. Awesome for parts washing.

[@SCAREFACE3456]

I use parafin instead of degreaser, is more cheap and really effective

[@joschalindauer2377]

Could i also wash them with a ultrasonic cleaner?

[@Mylity66]

Yes, although not as a first step, you should try using solvents and brushes to scrub as much as possible and then the ultrasonic clean in a citric degreaser/water mix for the really hard to get spots. But yeah, specially for the chain, it works wonders

[@caveboy9988]

Red thread lock is not a good idea on a bike especially for aluminium. Blue medium strength is ideal. It’s also good practice to let it dry on the threads for a minute or two.

[@kanebrennan3863]

ANNUALLY!!! In a year I have had about 3 cassettes, 5 chains, 2 chain rings and about 3 bottom brackets and got the shop to do a hub service a couple of times. And that is just one of two bikes. I came here to find a better way to clean my chain, I sponge it with pink Mucoff, spray the green Mucoff degreaser on it and rinse, then use Mucoff spray biodegreaser, then leave it to dry naturally. Then lube before next ride. I guess thats the only benefit of being one of those riders that question whether they should go out more than once a month, but the disadvantage of that is you never learn anything. Now time to watch the other 14 minutes of the video.. learned how to clean my derailleur, because I clean my new one after every ride, it doesn't get any build up. But because my 29er commuter was bought second hand and it is the same XT derailluer, i am going to do exactly this on it some point next week when I replace my chain, cassette and gear cable

[@alantaylor6691]

Sounds like you're doing a good job now.

[@Candesce]

On a SRAM drivetrain you can just activate the derailleur lock. Don't need to deactivate the clutch or use a "helping hand". Super handy feature :)

[@lewisscott457]

Perfect, my favourite video to date. I have deep cleaned my drivetrain before but this just made things a bit easier and put my mind to rest that I rebuilt my bike properly

[@THERAMPAGER-ow2uy]

what a great video. Kudos to this gentleman

[@modsquad8u]

I've always been a DIY guy because when I was younger I couldn't afford to pay other people to do things for me and I also learned that many people you pay do substandard work anyhow, so often it was beneficial to learn to do something myself. Thanks for making great videos! I would suggest that using a Sonic cleaning tub may work well also for drive train parts.

[@super-sim1665]

Chain wax soak is a good idea to stop rust lubricant the inside that degreaser has removed and the next time just use boiling water to clean wax out.

[@kathybalsley5034]

This was a great detailed video. It would have been helpful to see how you threaded the chain back on once you put the cranks and rear derailleur back on.

[@dudeonbike800]

I would LOVE to see some empirical data on this subject. As in actual proof that this process actually results in better performance, and more importantly, chain life. Because I've found over the years that chain life can be an elusive thing. First, expensive chains don't necessarily last longer. And second, what you ASSUME is true is not. Like, for example, that a tandem main chain lasts LONGER than a tandem timing chain. How on earth can a chain 2 1/2 times longer with only ONE rider pushing on it wear out faster than a chain with TWO riders mashing on it? Doesn't make sense. I used to be a chain-cleaning freak. I removed my chain, soaked it in solvent, then re-installed and lubed. I was a teenager with lots of time on my hands. But I found that it took about three thorough lubings to get all the squeaks out of the chain. Then I read other professionals comment that removing all the lubricant, only to have to "over lube" the chain to restore it is a waste of time. Why dry out the most important parts, only to have to over-soak the chain trying to get lube BACK in there? And this doesn't even address the fact that a pristine, perfect, shiny, happy chain lasts all of about two and a half minutes into the next dirt ride! It's DIRTY immediately! It's dumb to go to all this trouble on a mountain bike that's actually being ridden off road. Chains are consumable goods - they need to be replaced regularly. Not that they should be abused or abandoned; no, not at all. Chains deserve our love. But not to this degree. Plus, they do great exposed to the elements. They sustain ungodly amounts of abuse and crud, yet still propel us forward with the greatest of efficiency. I suggest that instead of wasting time and money on this silly obsession with tanks, brushes and solvents, just work another half hour at your job so you can afford a good supply of replacement chains in the shop to be at the ready for the next timely chain replacement. And with 12 speed Eagle cassettes costing as much as $450, you BETTER replace that chain before it's too late! Yes, care for your drivetrain. Absolutely. Certain lubes require chain care after every off-road ride. Some DURING a long ride. Care spent cleaning your rings, cogs, pulley wheels, and wiping the majority of the crud off you chain is worthwhile. And yes, if you embark on a mud ride from hell, then absolutely, hose that sucker off nice and clean (after all, it's ALREADY soaked, but soaked with fine abrasives too!), dry and properly lube. But for dry riding? Even SOME wet riding? No, put down the damn solvents!!! Or switch to a Gates drive and be done with this silliness! PS Or please show conclusive evidence that this OCD approach to chain cleanliness actually pays off with considerable chain life extension. If you can prove using these tanks, solvents, brushes, etc. DOUBLES chain life, then I'll reconsider. Short of that, waste of time.

[@Quadlaners]

I do the same soak overnight but use a ultrasonic cleaner works perfect

[@hahmmo]

I am probably gonna pay bikeshop to do this but still oddly satisfying to watch!!!

[@mrfrogg46able]

i use a 9 spd xt 770 deraileur and i put GUB guide wheels. they are the best

[@mwphotographer]

5.26 “and of course why should I clean his bike” lol keeping it real :)

[@DanRoddy]

Been gifted a fairly sound 105 groupset as a replacement for worn 2300 and so that is my Easter project. This is a perfect how to for the first stage. Just need to find some cheap generic degreaser.

[@MTBfixHQ]

Waxing my chain instead of using oils has been the best thing ever, I have a hard time understanding why people still use oils, all it does is collect grime and wear your components out and every time you need to clean it you hate your life! good video though! I personally used petrol as degreaser in the past to clean my chain and cassette and it does the absolute best job but if using petrol I would not soak the derailleur in it.

[@2nd3rd1st]

I think the point of degreaser is that there are environment-friendly options, no one should pour used petrol down a garage or storm drain.

[@MTBfixHQ]

Petrol is not for the masses, but if you want to take your cleaning skills to the next level its required, leave the remainder in a well ventilated area for it to evaporate after use, caution and smarts are needed

[@NickSheppardsheppsta]

I'll second you there Jack Sadek. Oz Cycle taught me that

[@MTBfixHQ]

Likewise, he did a great job explaining everything and I have not looked back since! I rode a new cassette at the start of last year and it still looks brand new.... whenever I used to use oil it would leave the cassette looking pretty bad by the end of the season, i'm sure if you cleaned your chain after every ride it would be ok but who in their right minds wants to spend 1 hour cleaning that nasty drive train after every ride lol. For anybody interested here is a link for cleaning the chain kzbin.info/www/bejne/emHIgKuYo993h6M and here is a link for waxing the chain kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXecn5WtqMaGftU

[@caveboy9988]

Depends where you ride.

[@anbudrew]

Revisiting this after 3 years. I'm gonna try the degreaser on the sprockets and derailleur. I usually go with dish soap and water.

[@woodygee5769]

Lately I've been doing this to my chain once a month but I was concerned I was destroying the chain.. glad to see I was doing it right thanks doddy big man love points go to you

[@alantaylor6691]

My view on that is that any possible destruction by the cleaning process is going to be a lot less than the destruction caused by the build-up of grime from an uncleaned clain, especially the rollers.

[@csidriss4948]

I use ultrasonic cleanig machine, it works great !

[@thecanadian8900]

Red threadlock is forever lock the blue one is the one you should use the red one basically seizes bolts

[@jamlarna]

Fair play dude that's a clean drive train! So what time can I bring the bike round? 👏

[@ironman1518.]

I still do all that every year. ESPECIALLY the rear der pulleys. Found many even brand new had little or NO lubricant!

[@antsarumae4659]

One thing that i did once to clean a muddy and Mucky chain. I tried cleaning it the normal way (old toothbrush and degreaser) but the chain was still gritty. So what i did was i put a lot of degreaser on the chain to get that muck thinner and then pured some hot water over it and that washed everything out of the nooks and crannies of the chain

[@Gabesafish]

In the States, the most ubiquitous brand of threadlocker is made by Loctite. Their red colored product is considered semi permanent, with blue being more commonly used on fasteners that are intended to be removed any time in the future. The red stuff has been known to round out heads and/or snap hardware. Is the red product used by Doddy in this video also semi permanent, or are there different color conventions between GB and the US?

[@bob4q]

Thanks

[@arlingtonguy54]

I am loving the tech channel and am trying some of things I am learning. With the advent of boost bikes and the huge investment in older style expensive wheels, how about a video on adapting narrower wheels to a boost bike? I know there are adapter kits available and that you have to dish the wheel but I haven’t found much good info on how to do it.

[@zonoskar]

No love for the bottom bracket? As long as you have the cranks out, might as well inspect that too.

[@seanknight9898]

Careful though with degreaser. Some will strip anodizing right off and then etch aluminium.

[@ilgiampi]

A nice and great job! Well done, Doddy!

[@carnicer78]

impressive! I would not be able to perform such things even if I watch the video 100 times

[@walterpalmer2749]

I use diesel for cleaning all parts. Works great. (recycle the diesel and the dirt settles out in storage) Dry thoroughly and then lubricate.

[@manitoublack]

Not a fan of threadlock on bikes. Been using a thin film of grease on all threaded fasteners on my bike tightened to the correct amount and never a problem. Plus they easily undo when you need to service them.

[@alantaylor6691]

What the main reason for putting grease on threads? To keep water out, avoiding rust/corrosion?

[@JavierGonzalez-oe1qq]

Excellent video...very good educational material for the novice, such as myself. Alright bloke, thank you kindly!

[@thequestbegins]

Thanks for the great video, a real help! My work shed is almost finish so i can work on my bike now the weather is getting colder and wetter..

[@MarcAntoine01]

I don't really agree on the need to change the link, I always reuse it and never had any issues. I have a special tool to remove them so maybe that helps..

[@ground4922]

Thanks Doddy!......Can ya tear down a SRAM derailleur sometime as well? * Can't believe Neil didn't wash bike before handing it over to you!!!! :-0 Now, when he does clean it......all the grit will end up on those beautifully cleaned parts. Would never do surgery without cleaning up first! Hope nothing fell into bottom bracket etc. when reinstalling it. Sorry, a little OCD ;-)

[@jonathanlaw6261]

Great vid Doddy.... I removed all the bearings and and stoped them in a ultrasonic cleaner.... came out like new.. awesome.. not expensive either got mine of eBay.

[@nyeleskettes]

Would you try out ultrasonic cleaner and putting the chain in with degreaser? I've seen other applications of such cleaner achieving wonderful results and I'm wondering if this could be used for bike chains too.

[@MostFolkCallMeOrangeJoe]

I use an ultrasound tank for small parts, does a great job on chains and derailleurs. It's worth giving them a light hand clean first though to get rid of the big stuff.

[@DoctorORBiT]

And don't forget to put grease onto bolts which are moving parts. This means: Pedals, Crank Axle, Casette holding thing (don't know the english name, but the place on the wheel where you assemble your cassette onto :D) Grease will help keep these parts from seizing up, and making them almost impossible to disassemble after heavy riding :)

[@peterhale4525]

My chevrolet bike didnt clean for 5 years but my bike is 12 years old but still looks new i only need sprocket and tires

[@elidouek5438]

No need to rush Doddy! Neil is still reminiscing with all his old team jerseys he took out for his presenter video!

[@bruceythomson5490]

great foolproof vid

[@alexmalone1642]

Thanks for lerning me! Greetings from Bucharest România 🇧🇪! I have a Cube Analog

[@arlingtonguy54]

That was very helpful, thanks. I’ve just started doing my own maintenance which has come to be quite fun. I never thought of removing the rear mech wheels though.

[@jamesduff9382]

I need some sort of calendar of things to do to my bike! On x day of the month, clean this bit, check that. On the yth month, take this apart, clean and grease, etc. Would need to be flexible to account for northern vs southern hemisphere, or places where riding seasons vary, but a baseline of what needs to be done would be awesome! I've been riding a bike for decades, but don't know much of this stuff!

[@FIGHTTHECABLE]

Dema Ultrasonic Cleaner with its own cleaner fluid is all I use. And I only clean the chain and cassette, as I use wax on my rides. Less muck, more shine. And most the times I only have to give the chain a small clean and wax, because the dirt does not stick to the chain as much.

[@dthr]

Before removing and cleaning that chain might be worth checking it for wear.

[@FernandoDominguez_ar]

Just in time for the weekly maintenance session!

[@advancelast1740]

I think I would leave this to the local bike shop....fascinating to watch though.

[@webchez69]

What about the old method of de-greasing by soaking in gasoline?

[@scottschiavone5757]

I need you for a bike mechanic! Love your videos!

[@HowToGuroo]

fantastic video, great presentation of the process as always

[@tazzmenn]

I am digging the channel and all the different shows. I am totally in love with the Park Tool walls. Makes me drool.

[@etrou4]

If you disassemble derailler, you can remove the chain without breaking the quick link and save some 10-20 $

[@gheorghefalcaru]

Wow Maestro Thank you!

[@barneyklingenberg4078]

Doddy is the MTB equiv. of Edd China the mechanic of wheeler dealers.

[@manmatemonkey5076]

God I hate cleaning my mtb, why well I do it just about as much as I ride! It makes sense as you can inspect the components at the same time but I hate the kneeling down bit and fiddly bits that always seems to attract the wose of the dirt. Never use a hose , always use a bucket...great vid though thanks!

[@Transtaganu]

Great video. Thank you very much.

[@gmbntech]

Glad you found this useful! Thank you for the support!

[@05kendalls]

You madman, Biro behind the ear Legend!

[@andrews9577]

Dodgy at the barber- "Give me the Slingblade/ Gumby lovechild mate."

[@th_js]

YES A NEW VIDEO FROM ONE OF MY FAVOURITE CHANNELS!!!

[@dialgia111]

Could you try an ultrasonic cleaner for chains, and cassettes?

[@Noonenaught]

yes they work great use petrol instead of water for greasy oily chains

[@dialgia111]

At the bike shop i work at we let really nasty parts soak in a bucket of diesel for half an hour

[@Noonenaught]

Mattias M yeah diesel works great too

[@dialgia111]

I dont bother to take the chain off since i have a park tool chain cleaner, but i was curious if the ultrasonic cleaners make the chains look new

[@trevormoore2051]

Mattias M yes it will but the chain is bare so make sure to get lube back in it or it will rust quickly from the water based degreaser

[@joeturner6409]

Feels like watching a TV cooking show lol

[@johnreese3762]

I think you did a great job and I learned a lot! Thanks

[@lkripper]

Doddy, you should make a comprehensive video on how to service different kinds of freehub bodies.

[@jackprick9797]

Great vid. Subscribed and thanks.

[@Montblanc1986]

Park tool cleaner works great!