Chain cleaner

[skizxi]

First all just want to say what a great site and thanks for all the advice so far.

I'm now looking for a chain cleaning device and some degreaser. What do you folks use?

 

[LCpl Boiled Egg]

Can I be the first to mention the Mickle method? I've never done anything else since I found out about it.

http://www.cyclorama.net/viewArticle.php?id=349&subjectId=9

 

[raleighnut]

Clean oil and an old pair of knickers/T-shirt made famous by "mickle"

 

[ianrauk]

Mickle method

 

[Dayvo]

Ask mickle to send you some of his old knickers and you'll be all right!

 

[Booyaa]

I used the mickle method last night on the wife's back ahead of her triathlon today and it really does work and makes a far better job of it than these machine things. Give it a shot and save yourself some money at the same time.

 

[mickle]

I've changed my mind, I'm gonna go back to using white spirit in a jar.

 

[Dayvo]

I've changed my mind, I'm gonna go back to using white spit in a jar.

 

[raleighnut]

I've changed my mind, I'm gonna go back to using white spirit in a jar.

Used to be paraffin for me.

 

[DaveReading]

I used the mickle method last night on the wife's back ahead of her triathlon today and it really does work

I suggested that to my wife, but she said I'm not going anywhere near her back with an oily rag.

 

[bpsmith]

I used the mickle method last night on the wife's back ahead of her triathlon today and it really does work and makes a far better job of it than these machine things. Give it a shot and save yourself some money at the same time.

I sometimes Mickle but have a machine too. Mickle method is quicker and easier, but it in no way does a better job than the machine. My chain is always a lot cleaner using the machine.

Not criticising the Mickle method, as these are 2 totally different options, but pointing out the difference in result.

 

[NorthernDave]

Lidl have a chain cleaner for £3.99 in one of their special deals soon - I think it's from Easter Monday, but a check of their website should confirm it for you...

 

[Flick of the Elbow]

If you're just doing gentle clean tarmac then a wipe over with an oily rag is fine, but for serious grit and mud then use of solvent and detergent is essential, remember to wash off with clean water. Any old machine cleaner will do, or a stiff brush like the pro's use.

 

[mickle]

If you're just doing gentle clean tarmac then a wipe over with an oily rag is fine, but for serious grit and mud then use of solvent and detergent is essential, remember to wash off with clean water. Any old machine cleaner will do, or a stiff brush like the pro's use.

Solvent? For mud? What sort of terrain do you ride on - tar sands??

 

[swee'pea99]

I thought any kind of cleaning by immersion was frowned on, on account of it stripping out special lubes factory-built into the chain.