Get A Factory Fresh Chain In Less Than 10 Minutes! | Maintenance Monday

Some of us cyclists are really good at cleaning our chains after every ride, whereas some of us... aren't that good. Either way saving time on your maintenance means more time for everything else in your life, be it watching live racing on GCN+ or just riding your bike! Alex takes you through his ultimate chain cleaning guide!
Useful Links:
Adventure Documentaries, Exclusive Shows & Live Racing on GCN+: gcn.eu/plus
Download the GCN App for free: gcn.eu/app
Visit the GCN Shop: gcn.eu/gcnshop
Join the GCN Club: www.gcnclub.com/
Do you have any methods for cleaning your chain? Let us know in the comments below!👇
Watch more on GCN Tech...
📹 How To Get Factory Fresh Shoes 👉 gcn.eu/7mt
📹 Watch our Editor’s Choice Playlist 👉 gcntech.co/EditorsChoice
📹 Watch the latest GCN Tech Show 👉 gcntech.co/GCNTechShow
🎵 Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound 🎵
Escucha mi Salsa (Instrumental Version) - Son Habana
Lilacs - [ocean jams]
#gcntech #gcn #cycling #roadbike #biketech #bikediy
Photos: © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Bettiniphoto / www.bettiniphoto.net/
Brought to you by the world’s biggest cycling channel, the Global Cycling Network (GCN), GCN Tech is the only channel you need for all things bike tech - past, present and future.
Simply put, we’re obsessed with tech: we seek out and showcase the best in bikes, components, tech, accessories, upgrades and more from races and events, tech shows and product launches across the globe to bring you the best in road bike technology.
We’ve also got great maintenance videos to help you get the most from your bike; pro-bike tours from all the biggest races; special features and the weekly GCN Tech Show. We also take a deeper look into the future of cycling, apps, smart tech and virtual riding.
Join us on the channel and the GCN App to submit your content, vote on the latest tech and keep abreast of exciting new trends.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Castelli Clothing: gcn.eu/Castelli
Giro Helmets: gcn.eu/Giro
Pinarello Bikes: gcn.eu/Pinarello
Zipp Wheels: gcn.eu/Zipp
Topeak Tools: gcn.eu/Topeak
Canyon Bikes: gcn.eu/-Canyon
Pirelli Tyres: gcn.eu/Pirelli
Orbea Bikes: gcn.eu/Orbea
Vision Wheels: gcn.eu/Vision
Wahoo Fitness: gcn.eu/Wahoo-Fitness
Park Tool: gcn.eu/-parktool
Elite Bottles: gcn.eu/EliteBottles
Whoop Fitness: gcn.eu/Whoop
Komoot: gcn.eu/komoot
Selle Italia: gcn.eu/SelleItalia
SIS: gcn.eu/ScienceInSport
Zwift: gcn.eu/Zwift
Shimano Wheels: gcn.eu/Shimano
Shadow Stand: gcn.eu/ShadowStand
DMT Shoes: gcn.eu/DMT
Muc-Off: gcn.eu/MucOff
Watch our sister channels:
Global Cycling Network - / gcn
GCN Racing - / gcnracing
Global Triathlon Network - / gtn
GCN Italia - / gcnitalia
GCN en Espanol - / gcnenespanol
GCN auf Deutsch - / gcnaufdeutsch
GCN en Francais - / gcnenfrancais
GCN Japan - / gcnjapan
GCN Training - / gcntraining
Global Mountain Bike Network - / gmbn
GMBN Tech - / gmbntech
Electric Mountain Bike Network - / embn

[@Alan_Hans__]

DON'T shake too vigorously. The chances of the jar breaking are directly proportional to the distance to the nearest carpet.

[@esenel92]

Haha yeah, I was about to say the same, and wearing something like gardening gloves to protect the hands from the sharp pieces of glass if it breaks while shaking.. But maybe it's just me that's unlucky enough to have stuff like that happen 😁

[@MattRose30000]

Or just use a plastic jar

[@esenel92]

@@MattRose30000 depends on what cleaning chemicals you use, as some might dissolve the plastic leaving you with a big mess anyway

[@nemeczek67]

"inversely proportional

[@hollci87]

@@nemeczek67 came to check if this has been addressed in comments. Was not disappointed 😄

[@roblucchetti2993]

If you want to avoid shaking a glass container with a metal chain inside of it, while wearing greasy gloves: You can also check the bottom of your muc-off or other degreaser container to see what number appears within the recycle symbol, denoting the plastic type used. Find another container with a same number, and it will be just as inert" as anything else.Also much safer.

[@danielsekera3525]

reasonably sure that old cycling water bottles will not leach anything in the relatively short time (few months to a year) from a supposed won't harm the environment product that comes in plastic to begin with

[@firesurfer]

Put the chain in wire mesh and wrap it loosely, then put it in the bottle. (like heavy duty window screen repair for insects)

[@s1mpleton]

Funnily enough, those triangular arrows don't mean recycling. They just imitate recycling symbol, so the plastic industry looks more eco-friendly to the public eye :)

[@josephlaviolette146]

Instead of water for the last step use denatured alcohol/methylated spirits. It drives the water out and dries really quickly so you can get lube on there sooner. I've had some chains rust while waiting for the water to dry since the previous 2 steps essentially strip all the coatings off.

[@joehart3826]

Yer but the rust goes as soon as you ride, so it don't matter. Water is nice to use.

[@manitoublack]

Agree. Never put water on a chain.

[@BixbyConsequence]

Yes I don't know what compels people to put water in a bare steel bearing interface. My preference for degreasing and cleaning chains is "Marvel Mystery Oil".

[@johnnyboy3357]

Sorry but i don't trust gcn, i have a forbidden secret about chains only i know about and not even manufacturers know it, i will only clean my chain once and only once, then, it will perform as good as new as long as it takes, no need to clean ever again, no worries even if it gets wet by rain, once cleaned, it will perform as good as new until the sprockets wear out, I call it the eternal clean, which material and the method how i clean is a secret, after twenty years my chain is still good as it was back in day one, smooth and supple despite dirt and grime, im not revealing it for mercy on the manufacturers, they're gonna kill me if i expose it lol

[@djseitz425]

​@@johnnyboy3357 you're weird

[@janwillemkuilenburg7561]

I bought an ultrasonic cleaner that needs much less degreaser because I make a mix of degreaser with warm water. It cleans chains much deeper. By saving money on quantities of degreaser over 2-3 years you can buy the ultrasonic cleaner that costs around 90 euro.

[@666Dejmien666]

Some ultrasonic cleaners heat up the water as well.

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

Amen. If you can afford it, buy a lab quality one as the transducers last a lot longer than the ones designed for cleaning jewellery.

[@janwillemkuilenburg7561]

@@666Dejmien666 yes, right. Mine does as well, but it is quicker and easier to add warm water directly.

[@davidcunningham5008]

I did that for a while but found it weakened the chain. I've had 2 chains break after being in the ultrasonic cleaner so now use it only for the cassette and so on.

[@firesurfer]

@@davidcunningham5008 Chains should not break like that. I bet you did something odd when reinstalling them. There is no way an ultrasonic cleaner will do that.

[@EvertBorghgraef]

I really want to see these videos done with a chain that doesn't look like an off the shelf brand spanking new component to start with. GIMME RUST GCN

[@DaveCM]

Your chain should never have rust on it.

[@Kimberly_Sparkles]

I'm pretty sure rust means the component is dead and needs to be replaced. Maybe just ask for gunk.

[@kurre_kallkvist]

I can volunteer a dirty chain if they need one, the chain on my mtb hasn't been cleaned in something like 6 years... It's well oiled though, no rust!

[@andrewmcalister3462]

@@kurre_kallkvist 😱

[@dasreicht]

​@@DaveCM I don't think it's possible to live somewhere as wet as the UK and not have some rust...

[@ebikescrapper3925]

Also have an empty clean jar, put coffee filters on top, pour dirty cleaner over coffee filters, reuse cleaning solution.

[@tonyBobb5209]

A much simpler way of cleaning. Great work Alex 👏🏼

[@chrisridesbicycles]

#askgcntech Does San Pellegrino only work on Italian climbs? Should I use Vittel for Climbs in France?

[@johnkay6051]

Champagne for climbs in France, and beer if you need a clean chain in Belgium.

[@chrisridesbicycles]

@@johnkay6051 Now I understand. And the „dubbel“ or „tripel“ on Belgian beer says for which type of chainset it is.

[@JanHolgerOlof]

Careful, though. Don't forget that Vittel makes you piss ;)

[@jffydavy5509]

This is a well thought out plan. Alex gives a practical plan we mortals can use! There are other quick methods that don't get a chain as sparkling as this glass jar method, but some cleaning is better than no cleaning.

[@MehmetSevil]

I do the same process almost, with the same products, with the chain on the bike. This is because my quick links are not re-usable and I clean the chain too often to keep burning through new quick-links. :) To save myself from using extreme amounts of degreaser, I have some tips; Put some degreaser on an old, empty chain lube container. Apply the degreaser to the chain as if applying lube. Use a short small paint (or tooth) brush to agitate it. Then apply some degreaser to Park Tools Cyclone brushes. Rotate the chain through the Cyclone. Rinse. Repeat the same process with the mild detergent or you can fill the Cyclone with watered down mild detergent as intended. I rotate the chain backwards really fast to spin the excess water out of the system first. Then wipe it dry with a cloth. Then I ride the bike around for 3 - 5 mins. This pushes some more of the ingressed water from the chain and I wipe it dry again. Then I apply the chain lube. Wipe the excess. Ride it for a few meters and wipe the excess again. It took longer to explain than it does to apply the process. It is quite practical once you get used to it. Hopefully this may help some riders out there in reducing the amount of degreaser usage. Bio-degradable or not, it is better to save when we can.

[@guest_informant]

This point about re-usable and one-use quick links is important.

[@cantsprintwontsprint]

Reusable connex wipperman link.. Absolutely brilliant

[@donball370]

Thank you Alex. Good to see a goof clean that doesn't involve wax. Spot on.

[@RB-xv4si]

Wax is not used for cleaning. It’s used for lubrication.

[@PhilippDitfurth]

If Muc-Off made chain wax, GCN tech would have a video about it and it would be the best thing sliced bread, according to GCN. I do of course know that you already made a waxing video, but that doesn't mean I'm wrong ;)

[@GregLanz]

money talks

[@danielsekera3525]

truer words were never written. I'm starting to believe to work at GCN you must get the muc off logo tattooed on your body

[@sebastianrowe]

I normally use a chain cleaning machine but I tried this for the first time because I had the chain of my bike and was amazed by how clean it got my chain 👍.

[@michaellarkin6158]

I look forward to another chain cleaning vid in 6 months.

[@VidJunkie63]

I like your humor elements. :) Thanks for sharing these helpful videos.

[@YuunaAndCuddles]

Perfect timing. Just came from a 140 km ride, and my chain was very dirty.

[@GuyHigginbotham-et1tx]

Thanks I always try new ways to clean my chain and I'll try this. I usually just use dawn dish detergent and a scrub brush in a bucket works pretty good

[@fastestmilkman3840]

Another fan of Lidl cooking sauces.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

I did this last week on two of my bikes and I can’t tell you how satisfying it was. The drivetrains now look like new. It’s remarkable how dirty they get over time, and how regularly people over-lubricate their chains. No reason to.

[@simongoh9461]

I have been using a similar process for years. I use much smaller glass jars (130ml) and automotive brake cleaner in a two stage cleaning process. The chain just fits in the smaller jars so the brake fluid moves but the chain doesn't when shaking. I use a magnet to retrieve the quick links. Not the most eco friendly, but I do recycle the cleaner fluid. If you leave the used dirty fluid sealed in the jar, the muck will settle and you can decant the clean fluid into a fresh jar. Because the cleaner is volatile, use in a well ventilated work space and keep away from heat. The advantage is that you don't need to rinse with water at the end as it evaporates away very quicly and it will be super clean because unlike petrol/diesel it doesn't leave an oil film.

[@michaelb1761]

And don't do it near an open flame. I imagine carb cleaner would work just as well, also, but I've only seen it in aeresol cans.

[@scotchsoda3165]

Brake cleaner works great at cleaning cassettes too.

[@stefanwagener]

I would consider it as a good thing if the links of the chain moves while shaking so that it is easier for the fluid to get everywhere and some rubbing/friction in the chain might remove dirt as well.

[@danbuac1156]

I do them same steps but just on my bike with a brush to agitate it. Does the job

[@nluisa]

I find the Muc Off degreaser used here more effective than my regular citrus one, hence why the jar method works well. It is powerful stuff! However, I also found it is hydrocarbon based (hence why it works so well), so I never used it again. I can feel the fumes even outside, and I much rather not dump it outdoors. I don't think other organisms should pay the price of a spotless chain...

[@CoachNealF]

Absolutely. That's the rub with using such "aggressive" cleaners--they do a great job with the cleaning but are very bad for our environment. I'll continue to stick with Dawn detergent and water.

[@stevek8829]

Your body produces hydrocarbons. Every time you pass gas, the world gets more methane.

[@CoachNealF]

@@stevek8829 Let me know if you ever cleaned your bike chain with that and how you dispensed of it. Thanks.

[@michaelb1761]

You could also use something like Marine Clean degreaser. It is a concentrated base (either KOH or NaOH) that reacts with the grease. You need to be careful though as it will turn the fat under your skin into soap if you get it on you (like I said above, it reacts with the grease). I dilute it about 20 to 1 with water to make a 2% to 2.5% solution, which is safer for me but still plenty strong to clean the grease off the chain, car suspension, boat engine, etc.

[@nluisa]

@@michaelb1761 Thank you for the suggestion and all the useful tips. This looks great. I had a glance at the SDS and everything looks pretty good on the environmental/hazardous front. It's not very frequent to see "readily biodegradable" written, even on products which claim to be. I've learned something today.👌

[@cb6866]

Thanks Alex et al...don't shake it too hard ! Yep. did it .

[@StevieH1055]

Chain Scrubber attached to chain, rotate the pedals backwards, around 30 rotations. Spray bottles for the cassette and chain rings, rinse off, air dry, lube. :)

[@markroberts6971]

Do it old school, clean your chain and cogs quick. Pine-sol or Pine-O-Pine. Natural degreaser and cheap. Everyone I knew competitively racing for five years did the same cleaning. Do this outdoors. Mix the cleaner @ 4:1 water to cleaner. Apply with a nylon brush like a chain brush, while rotating your crank/wheel/cogs. You’ll see a lot of dirty liquid coming off your chain and cog. Shortly sparkling clean. Spray with water, while rotating. Allow to air dry. Lube.

[@HanOfGod13]

I use Squirt Wax lube, so i tske the chain off and use a little bit of dish soap, hot water and some brushes and some elbow grease. This is for my deep clean. My quick/lazy clean, is to use a old cloth dipped in hot water and run the chain backwards. Gets most of the gunk off for a relube.

[@Chibster83]

I use Simple Green as my degreaser. Instead of jar, I swirl the chain in the mixture in the bottom of a small bucket.

[@rmnstr604]

My only question is. Do you re-use the quick release for the chain, or do you replace it everytime. I thought you weren't supposed to re-use those.

[@wasupwitdat1mofiki94]

My question also. 👍👍

[@ezerider4273]

Some quick links are single use only and according to the manufacturer require replacement with a new one once removed (e.g. Shimano, Sram), however, people report reusing them a few time without issues. You can buy links that are approved for repeated use (YBN, Connex and some versions KMC).

[@Hebbs]

I work on the general principle that if the link still has strong click into place then it’s good to go. I wax my chains and have reused a quick link over 20 times in the past, however waxing generates far less chain wear than lube.

[@hs14NZ]

#AskGCNTech Thank you for the tips Does it matter which way you put the non directional chain back on? Of course, I did not check to see what side it was on to start with.

[@user-qz6ix7od3b]

good question...... does it?

[@michaelb1761]

I us Marine Clean, a strong base that reacts with the grease to remove it. Since it is a strong base, I dilute it at least 10 to 1 with water when working on particularly greasy things (like the suspension of a 68 Mustang) or 20 to 1 for less greasy items like a bike chain. It will react with the fat under your skin as well, so be careful (also why I dilute it, not just cheapness, to minimize the damage if I do get it on me).

[@robaust3049]

I like this guy…. Great video BTW

[@Analog_Refined]

Feels like developing film haha. Good work 👍🏼

[@colnago6501]

A far better way of doing this (and far cheaper) is 2 x old bidons, one a third full of citrus degreaser, one a third full of white spirit. Put the chain in the citrus bidon and shake like Bez for five mins then let it settle for 10 mins. Take the chain out, wipe it down, then drop it in the bidon of white spirit and do the same - shake for 5, settle for 10. The white spirit cleans off the citrus degreaser and any residual particles of dirt/grease - and it also evaporates off the chain if you let it dry for a few hours. Hey presto - a sparkling chain. A drop of lube on each link, run it through a few revolutions, wipe clean and off you go.

[@sventice]

This seems like a great technique, and I firmly plan on doing this the next time I put on a new chain and need to clean off the factory grease that is on the chain when you buy it. However, I don't think it's necessary to take your chain off your road bike to clean it if you do it regularly. I clean my chain at least once a week: I just go over the chain with a cheap toothbrush for a few minutes, then vigorously wipe it down with a clean, dry rag or a few shop towels, then lube it and remove the excess. I don't even bother with degreaser unless the chain is unusually dirty, and my chains are pretty clean all the time, even in winter. You have to stay on top of it, though; if your chain is a gunky, gritty, cassette-destroying mess, you should probably do what Alex demonstrates here, or just go after your entire drivetrain with a hose, bucket, scrub brush and degreaser.

[@raybarber9837]

I use Screwfix No Nonsense degreaser (cheap as chips) and two nailbrushes. Soak the ends of the brushes in the degreaser, inter-mesh them top and bottom of the chain and rotate the crank a few rotations. Then apply mild detergent with a soft brush, followed by a gentle spray with tap water. I then use my leaf blower to get most of the excess water off the chain and bike because I washed that at the same time. I'd imagine that, by the time you#d bought all the Muc-Off stuff it would have been cheaper to replace the chain.

[@logtothebase2]

I use washing machine on white cotton program, followed by the dishwasher on intensive with two tablets, then oven at 220c

[@samgooding-matthews3175]

This was a brilliant video mainly because Alex was hilarious and the cleaning was interesting too 😂

[@Ecoroof1986]

Brilliant vid 👍

[@gcntech]

Thanks!

[@savagepro9060]

1:58 After a certain age, cyclists don't have to voluntarily shake anything. But don't rush it. It will happen naturally.

[@markrobinson891]

I ride a recumbent trike…ergo three chains with about half of one cut off. I wax it. I bought a new one to use while one is in cleaning/waxing process. Do I need to clean a new chain?

[@Ok_rouleur]

Thanks a lot. Since I ride on real roads, not KZbin or Swift roads, my chain gets as dirty as ever after 5 minutes of riding. Since my request: could you make a video on how to clean the roads ?

[@rodrodriguez5847]

I do same process once a month. But i use cyclone chain scrubber in place after rides. 🤙

[@SniperSnake50BMG]

I love to wax my chain. PERIOT!!

[@stuartfreedman6854]

Indirect comment: I wipe the chain after every ride with a dry paper towel. This helps to make more elaborate cleaning sessions necessary less often. Floss between the cassette cogs too.

[@MattRose30000]

Can you recommend a product for flossing? I've seen it on Park Tool's videos also, but I don't know what to search for.

[@stuartfreedman6854]

@@MattRose30000 Actually, I wrap a paper towel around a hacksaw blade a couple times until it's a tight fit, but not so tight as to tear up the paper towel. Turn the wheel backwards if it's on the bike. Just keep moving the blade to a clean spot or re wrapping, or re wrapping. Gets a lot of gunk out.

[@Woody321]

@@MattRose30000 search for “pipe cleaners”

[@darinsteele7091]

"necessary less often" confused me a bit...

[@robertlight2370]

@@MattRose30000 I use an old shoelace.

[@robinireland810]

Pretty well what I do. I use Gunk degreaser. Allow the sediment to settle in your chosen jar, and you can pour the “good” Gunk back into its tin. Once chain is rinsed, use an air line if you’ve got one to dry it off. I then hang my chain in the airing cupboard.

[@wspmjw]

Is this an every-time method or periodically when you want a deep cleaning? If every-time, should you invest in a supply of quick links when they wear out from frequent removal/replacement? Thanks for the best chain cleaning video that I've seen.

[@chris1275cc]

Quick links do wear out and become weaker from frequent removal and refitting, however loads (most even) of people just reuse them. How safe that is to do really depends, I've had chains snap (never at a QL ironically) and its basically no worse than a chain coming off or your foot slipping off a pedal, but obviously in the wrong situation it could be hazardous. What I do is buy 2 extra links with a new chain and rotate them. When the chain comes to the end of its life, its the end for the links too. If you are 11 speed or less Wippermann sell reusable links that work with any chain (allegedly).

[@wspmjw]

@@chris1275cc Thanks for the knowledge dispensed. Hopefully, this serves many with the same question.

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Brilliant. The 2nd cleaning stage shoud be ehtanol imo. We call it denatured alcohol in the States but I think it'll leave a cleaner surface than soapy water... it'll evaporate and leave virtually no residue or surface film.

[@the_trooper_72]

Probably the most effective vid I've seen yet to clean a chain.. But this isn't the whole drive train, the jockey wheels, cassette and chain ring are gonna need a clean too!! 👍🏻😎

[@andy-the-gardener]

omg, just wax the damn thing. all the components stay clean

[@BigBrownMonke]

Do I need to spray the chain with MO-94 or WD-40 then lube the chain in order for my chain to not rust after cleaning? I live in a place with lots of humidity that’s why. Also is wet lube better in humid climates than dry lube?

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

Never use WD-40 on ANY bike components that move! That is unless you use the bike lubricant specific version. It will remove any lubricant and make it harder to get lubricants to stick.

[@CarbonRacer]

As usual just another workshop that is reasonably close to real life usability. Amazing. And I've got enough bikes to use that method for. But since I recently switched from standard lube to wax for my road bike, I wonder if this cleaning method also fits such chains. Getting wax off the chain and the sprockets seems to require a little extra effort or maybe some other "degreaser" (dewaxer? 🤔)... Nevertheless, I am quite convinced that wax is a great alternative to chain lubricant. May worth an extra video about that topic. 😉

[@alexgold1981]

Sounds like you're using drip wax not immersive, and likely too much of it. Either way, meths and a cloth melts wax on chainrings etc and boiling water will melt the wax off (don't shake this in a glass jar though!)

[@escargotomy]

yeah, i never use water in a deep clean of my chain. it doesn't seem to do a thorough enough rinse of the degreasers from the first step, so i've taken to using isoprpyl rubbing alcohol in between each step as my rinse and all the dirt and soapy residues all come off so much easier when dry off with my rag.

[@erikjohnson6484]

I do something similar. 2 pickle jars & lighter fluid. Use coffee filter to refresh the lighter fluid between the 2 jars. Then dry it off with fire.

[@c.s.4273]

I clean the chain with motor oil. Honestly. Soaking a rag with motor oil (any engine oil will do) and pulling the chain through it is all I do. That's it. Repeat every week on rainy conditions and every month on dry conditions. No special expensive chain oil, chain wax and no degreaser or anything else needed. Motor oil has everything needed, it works not only as a lubricant but also as a detergent and rust inhibitor, it has anti wear components, too. In winter it's thin enough and in summer thick enough due to it's viscostiy improvers it comes with when it is a multigrade oil which every motor oil nowadays is. Like I said, everything ever needed is already in motor oil included. There is no cheaper and more effective way to take care of your bicycle chain.

[@phillippitts6294]

I do the same thing to my skateboard bearings! Works like a charm. But I use rubbing alcohol.

[@alg4943]

When installing a brand new chain, should you clean the factory lube out of it, relube and use it or, use it on the bike directly from the package?

[@julietownsley2561]

I'd like to know the same.

[@orvillealdrich7601]

“Don’t try to dry this off in the oven..” - me thinks that sounds like the voice of experience Alex!😂

[@tedjohansen6535]

The eye shimmy after is a definite tell. Made me lol

[@Hydrogen101]

I’m literally cleaning my chain right now and I have two spaghetti sauce jars in the trash. Thanks for the idea! I’ll fish them out and try this method…

[@gcntech]

Let us know how you get on!

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

Plastic Coca Cola bottles work better and don't shatter when they are inevitably dropped.

[@peterdelossantos5987]

Ive been using kerosene or fuel diesel to clean my bike chain using “toothbrush” . Brush thoroughly the chain until all dirt drip off (2 to 3x). After brushing, wipe with clean rug to let the chain dry.. after few minutes , apply with the chain with your “chain oil” then wipe it with clean rug to remove excess oil. After, rotate the bike pedal severally in order that the “chain oil” will evenly reach the innermost chain parts, stop the pedal rotation until you will hear smooth sound of the chain..wipe the chail with WD 40 to retain its shiny look.

[@ThePaulbself]

A "factory fresh chain" has a rust preventative coating so that it will not rust in the distribution channel. It amazes me how many people think it is lube and leave that crap on.

[@glensmall1]

I put mine in a bag with the degreaser, then drop the bag in my sonic cleaner. Rinse with muc off pink, and blow dry. Final application of muc off hydrodynamic lube and leave to cure before fitting to the bike. KMC-SL Gold chain naturally 👍

[@darrenhitchcox6345]

Ultrasonic cleaner is my easy method. Mix degreaser with hot water and when chain is removed, the hot chain evaporates the water. The ultrasonic does all the shaking for me !!

[@oliverleclere1829]

The final rinse is even better with hot running water et flushes out any residue. to dry the chain it can be air blown. (watch the area and any people around)

[@AirwolfCrazy]

I perfer to wax my chain after the cleaning process. With a new chain I will degrease the chain and then give it a good long soak in a sealed jar of denatured alcohol. After that it is waxed. For cleaning and relaxing I use an ultrasonic cleaning with watered-down alcohol for at least 30 min. It gets a good wipe down and then hang to dry. By this point the wax mix is hot and ready for the chain.

[@KenWoodsNL]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2eUcqWDj9yciMk

[@CruiserBrah]

Wax is the bomb! So clean, even when it is dirty.

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

Using flammable solvents in an ultrasonic cleaner is just stupidity turned up to 11.

[@AirwolfCrazy]

@@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589 I have never used the alcohol at full strength in the ultrasonic. The alcohol is cut with water. However, after seeing your post I did some further reading. While the water is diluting the alcohol the fumes could still collect and ignite if there is an electric fault. I will be changing my methods. Thank you.

[@markx5]

I don’t like using water on my chain. I use a similar method but use petrol, cleans it perfectly and evaporates. Cheaper as well. Then apply a drop of Smoove wax lube to inside of each roller- perfect !

[@nc3826]

Diesel is a better option.... Or even better kerosene.... Both are solvents and low viscosity lubricants.... kerosene is widely used for this purpose in the automotive and motorcycle industry.... And it is especially true in the states, where they add ethanol, to gasoline.... But I agree with the other point, using a water based solvent, causes more problems than it solves...

[@secretagent86]

interesting. i don't like to remove my chain. but if i did (not using quick links), can one buy a supply of pins? Using shimano 10 speed. Also thanks to another GCN video i will try a higher quality Shimano 11 speed chain next time if the price difference is not too great. OMG, compared to the 1970s, we treat our chains FAR better! Now i Muc Off degrease with their own tool.. and use Muc off graphite lube, one drop on each roller. I find doing it weekly works great for me. (a few hundred km)... maybe i could do it less, but it is SOOOO quiet and smooth i just LOVE IT. My bike is old 2011 Specialized, but sounds quieter than most new rides.

[@woodee8948]

Great vid but what do I do about my new sink and kitchen worktop after and my marriage?

[@larisonjohnson]

Gas (30 mins) -> Degreaser (10 mins) -> Ultrasonic (20 mins) -> Turpentine (5 mins) The Turps just makes sure it’s spotless, jar should be clean if it is. If not, repeat. After doing that once, 3 years ago, I wax every 300 miles, which just requires a rinse in boiling water and a dip in the wax for 30 mins. No more chemicals, no more mess, dedicated 5 dollar crock pot, a few candles and some PTFE powder from eBay. But, the cleaning cycle every few hundred miles works also.

[@johnl2098]

“For less than the price of a new one” - really? And yes, “just wax your chain - it is so much easier” - you said it!

[@ericstacer9994]

I use the Park Tool chain cleaner with biodegradable cleaner and rinse off with water. Air dry and lube.

[@d9918]

I don't think it's even worth cleaning your chain, just use a rag to keep it clean enough and well lubed then check it for wear and replace the chain when it gets out of length. Unless you don't value your time.

[@roblucchetti2993]

Second point: Can you do one these for those of us with Campy chains where taking the chain off the bike is really a pain? I have a method, but curious if there's something that may work better than my current routine.

[@yonglingng5640]

You can remove one outer side plate link and substitute it with a quick-link. The brand doesn't matter too much, it just needs to match the no. of gears your chain is designed for. A Connex quick-link would be the easiest as this one doesn't require quick-link pliers to disengage.

[@meibing4912]

3 chains on rotation makes waxing a lot easier and less time consuming. Understand why some shy away - but if you have the space for it its the way to go. Will save you both watts and money!

[@andy-the-gardener]

definitely. you can't properly clean an oiled chain anyway. its bad advice to promote any other lube than hot wax. be interesting to compare lifespan of a periodically well 'cleaned' oiled chain vs a hot waxed chain. the waxed one even with long rewaxing intervals would likely last multiple times longer than the best maintained oiled chain

[@personalJoke]

Great tip, thanks!

[@Mr.Smolny]

Just an automobile disc brake cleaner for 2!minutes 1 sm deep. No brush! Shake for 2 minutes and you can add mucoff chain cleaner for smell - your choice. Used on xx1 gold sram chain. Next i ll do it on bike, not to use quick link too often. Dry it and that s all. Discovered it recently, awesome effect.

[@neilfield3229]

White spirit is amazing for the chain brand knew after its done

[@Fazzahs]

Out of curiosity, what do you do with the oily rags? Can they be cleaned and re-used?

[@wapted]

Yeah just wash them with a whole lot of detergent.

[@khaledzaidan]

That's something I also wonder about... it doesn't feel right to just put them in the washing machine, but then again... most of the sod/dirt should be out of the chain at this point and in the first jar, so maybe the rags aren't in that bad a shape... maybe we just hand wash them?

[@Outsideville]

I have a bucket and a toilet plunger (dedicated only for this task) where I wash them on their own with lots of dish detergent. I never put these rags in the washing machine. I drilled holes in the plunger to let the water squirt through it. It works well enough for oily shop rags.

[@ne1so71k7]

Wash them at the local laundromat. No sense in f'in up your washer at home.

[@leskennedy]

I just wash mine by hand. Dish detergent and hot water and good to go. Don't bung them in with your clothes.

[@cappaculla]

The key is to shake the container like a polaroid picture.

[@ChrisGuarraia]

#AskGCNTech How many additional uses can you get of the degreaser in the jar? The detergent in the jar? How do you know when to dispose of both?

[@tomnewham1269]

I’ve seen in a previous GCN video the degreaser being filtered with a paper filter.

[@JonathanMallett]

Does this method work for cleaning chains with wax based lubes such as Squirt?

[@BlueSatt]

No. For initial chain degreasing, do a bath of petrol (2h minimum), then a bath of denatured alcohol (or even better, isopropyl alcohol if you have some). Let the alcohol evaporate then apply Squirt. For quick maintenance cleaning a brush and piece of clothes will do the job. You can also take off the chain and use boiling water for a complete cleaning, but you'll have to re apply Squirt after that.

[@JonathanMallett]

@@BlueSatt I've read about the boiling water approach in the past. Yea I think I'm done with Squirt. It's a lot of faff to clean and the chain is still greasy even when applied following the instructions to the letter.

[@geraldh.3491]

Squirt lube rulez if you stick to the rules: start with a clean new chain and drivetrain (factory grease removed). The quick-wipe with an old towel AFTER EACH RIDE. Re-apply just after. Wipe off excess. If your chain is still dirty afterwards you applied d too much of it or you applied oil somewhere else in the drivetrain.

[@bambicyclejerk952]

I do this method and found if you use coffee filters and pour the degreaser into a new jar you can use it for ages as most the big grime stays in the filter

[@smulismuli7976]

that's a hack

[@erichorton3901]

I spy a Park Tool pizza cutter back there. I love mine :D

[@gaborfeher741]

You can Use Brigéciol Emulsion degreaser, motor washer also,

[@Clint_the_Audio-Photo_Guy]

I need to pick up some master links, I think. I never thought of removing the chain to clean it, ha.

[@davidburgess741]

I just change my cheap single speed chain once it skips backpedaling. No faffing! Keeping the outer link plate over the correct even number cog tooth is the tricky part.

[@pierrec8563]

Same but I use SP 95. What's cheaper?

[@peteturner8493]

Great :( how many quick links are you going to have to buy.....? And yes I know some are reusable but only for a limited number of times!

[@billkallas1762]

Back when I was using an oil based chain lube, in the 80's, I would clean it the same way, except I would use Kerosene to cut to dirt on your first step, and then very hot water and soap. I believe that in the UK, Kerosene is called Paraffin, which is confusing because in the US, Paraffin means wax.

[@greenbeetle1]

It's a closed loop. What you call wax, we call kerosene.

[@billkallas1762]

@@greenbeetle1 I read that Keros in Greek means Wax.

[@StrGzr101]

Pressure washer at the carwash makes it brand new every time. Costs a buck and only takes a minute. It's not like a bike chain has seals or bearings to worry about.

[@markbooth6745]

I use diesel, put chain in a jug or jar. Swill it around a few mins, clean with a cloth. Good as new. 😃👍

[@PrzemyslawSliwinski]

Gasoline makes them less sticky - in my experience.

[@mybrotherisnotapig6750]

Kerosene's effective for cleaning tough stuff vs pre-packaged lube on new chains, sludge/ dried up bunker fuel

[@tonymoretti1756]

I never clean my chain, because after 3 rain rides it is worn. This year is different, there was not any rain, so I decided to clean. I just pushed the dirt out and of with a screwdriver and rag. Total dry clean method.

[@TheJmbf10]

real question. what about if you have waxed your chain? how do you clean it when it gets dirty anyway?

[@alexgold1981]

As a waxer who's fed up of seeing this comment on every wax related video, I think this is my chance to finally say..... "seems like a lot of faff! My way is much easier" 😃

[@andersstrick]

I accidentally got 20 litres of gas oil mixed with petrol. With intensive chain cleaning habits it will last a few years. Slightly smelly, so I only use it outdoors. Also 2 jar method. Used stuff goes back to the gas station for recycling. Otherwise, simple petroleum is also an excellent agent. You don't have to dry it, it already lubricates, it gets along well with chain oil.

[@piast99]

I know you're sponsored by Muc-Off but I find Finish Line Citrus degreaser and Motorex Bike Clean bike general cleaner work and smell better (epsecially the degreaser).

[@danielsotelo3942]

YES that's how you clean a bicycle chain by removing it from your bike to avoid any chance of having any solvent or degreaser coming in contact with your bike as it can easily find its way into your rear hub and bottom bracket bearings and ruin them. Same thing with your cassette, you must remove it.. As a 35 year veteran professional mechanic, I see so many expensive bikes get ruined because many clean the chain and cassette directly on their bikes, and they wonder how come their bearings are always failing.

[@Ainttrippin]

0:43 HOW IS THAT NOT AN AD?? lmaaaooo

[@unkebunktebusal9023]

In my experience, liquid laundry detergent works almost as well as regular degreaser. At the same time, it is cheaper and more environmentally friendly.

[@PrzemyslawSliwinski]

Do you mean something like Perwoll?

[@meneldil7604]

i would not recamend that if you have a lightweight chain unless you sure its 100% steel

[@PrzemyslawSliwinski]

@@meneldil7604 KMC X9? , for one, is a nickel coated steel one, am I correct?

[@nemeczek67]

I clean chains and cassettes with the stuff used to clean car engines. It is way cheaper than chemicals marketed for bicycles.

[@michaelb1761]

Do you mean the foaming stuff? I hadn't thought of that. I use a spray on degreaser that's a strong base to clean car parts or the bike drivetrain.

[@nemeczek67]

@@michaelb1761 No, it is a spray.

[@stevennorth6484]

I think I'd filter the degreaser after to remove the crud making cleaning the next chain better.

[@user-qz6ix7od3b]

is there some household item i can use for filtering? maybe some cloths ?

[@MaximRecoil]

The cheapest degreaser that I know of is gasoline. You can buy a whole gallon of it for $3 or so (in the US), while that Muc-Off Drivetrain Cleaner is over $50 a gallon (or over $160 a gallon if you buy the little 16.9-oz. bottles of it at the rate of $21.49 each). Also, there is no need to wash the chain with soapy water afterwards; that just creates extra steps and uses up more not-free supplies (you then have to rinse off the soapy water and then let the chain dry, and as a "bonus" it could start to rust from the water), and it accomplishes nothing of any value. Gasoline doesn't leave any significant amount of residue behind when it dries, and what tiny amount may be there isn't enough to interfere with whatever chain lubricant you use.

[@Driver8takeabreak]

I would say you can save some time and use one of those clip on chain cleaners. Put some degreaser in it and you've got a pretty clean chain in less than a minute. Now the much bigger problem is cleaning your cassette without taking it off the bike.

[@ross__mcl]

What flavor San Pellegrino do I need to get?