[dfinn]

I was thinking about picking this up:

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/11196-085_PEDCM2-0-Search--/Pedro's-Chain-Machine-Kit.htm

Normally I use some Pedros bio-degradable degreaser, a stiff brush to scrub the chain and then hose it off when I am done. Seems to work OK but I'm wondering if one of these little gadgets might do a better job cleaning the chain. Anyone have any experience with them?

 

[macko]

I use something similar. It seems to work fine, I'm not sure if it does a "better" or more "thorough" job of cleaning the chain, but it isn't as messy as scrubbing by hand and I think it's quicker.

 

[jacksonpt]

I use it...

Does it do a better job? Probably not. Is it easier/faster? Definitely. Though I do find I waste a lot more degreaser using one of those.

 

[SkaredShtles]

No - I don't clean my chain.

 

[trailblazer]

i bought the park..they are close.
try white lightening epic when you are all clean and dry. It is a great product unlike the old WL that washed out in the rain.

One tip....do the chain cleaning over a street drain on the road.

 

[dG video]

a wire brush soaked in alcohol works. then grease it after.

 

[The Toninator]

i take mine to the car wash. the pressure get's inside the links where it really matters.

 

[Echo]

I just lube the chain and wipe off the excess. Works great!

 

[TreeSaw]

Wait, I'm supposed to clean my chain?

Actually, we usually do a thorough cleaning once a season or before a big ride/race (pull it off, bio-degreaser, toothbrush...the whole 9 yards). I generally (day to day) lube, ride, repeat as needed.

 

[McGRP01]

I just lube the chain and wipe off the excess. Works great!

 

[MtnBikerChk]

A toothbrush (generally the crappy freebie my dentist gives me), some bio degreaser, warm water and a towel.

We have one of those things - what a piece of crap.

 

[Echo]

I was at the New England Pedro's fest a few years ago and Pedro's had a tent set up where they would degrease and lube people's chains. Conveniently, people could also buy the very same chain cleaner frammus and degreasers/lubes right there in the same place. Thing was, the dude that got stuck there doing the work had no friggin' idea how to work the gadget and it took him forever to do even one bike. There was a long line of people who decided to stand there and wait for their free drivetrain cleaning rather than just lube their chain and ride. It was pretty sad actually.

 

[BurlyShirley]

Get some tupperware and a gas can.

Fill the tupper ware with gasoline, put the chain in and shake it.

Take the chain out, rinse w/ simple green or some other cleaning agent.

Dry.

Put back on bike.

Lube.

Ride.

 

[mastercycleman]

I have the park one, seems to do the job, as long as you wipe the chain down well, do get all the junk off the chain, it has a little magnet at the bottom, and I couldnt believe how much metal was on that thing after using it a few times. But yes, it does waste alot of degreaser.

 

[dfinn]

Get some tupperware and a gas can.

Fill the tupper ware with gasoline, put the chain in and shake it.

Take the chain out, rinse w/ simple green or some other cleaning agent.

Dry.

Put back on bike.

Lube.

Ride.

Get home from ride, put leftover deep dish pizza in gasoline soaked tuperware and heat for 1:45. Dinner is served!

Nice BS, that sounds good...and explains alot.

 

[dirtydirtysouf]

it does waste alot of degreaser.

thats why you go to the auto store and buy the gallon sized citris degreaser for $3-4............thats what i use on my chainand cogs........it works pretty well

 

[mastercycleman]

Ya well, I found a gallon of simple green in my garage, there arent any problems with using that are there?

 

[buildyourown]

One tip....do the chain cleaning over a street drain on the road.

WTF! I hope you're kidding.



If you use a good self cleaning lube you shouldn't ever have to clean your chain. DuMond Tech Lite works great in muddy and dry conditions.
Chains only last a few months anyways.

 

[-dustin]

i do not like those chain cleaning devices.

 

[maxyedor]

I take the chain off and place it in a can of pure amonia, shake around for a minute or two, and badabing-badaboom, I have myself a clean chain.

 

[The Toninator]

A toothbrush (generally the crappy freebie my dentist gives me), some bio degreaser, warm water and a towel.

We have one of those things - what a piece of crap.

You can get 20 for a dolla at the dolla stO.

 

[BigMike]

We use the Park one at my shop like its going out of style. definantly a usefull tool! Its not necissarily made for day in day out shop use, but for personal use, it'll get the job done fine!