Try waxing your shane.... I mean chain. I switched to wax a couple of years ago, and have hardly had to change a chain more than 3 times. Has the added benefit of not flicking chain oil on to your frame, which then doesn't attract dirt. So, I no longer have to use aggressive cleaners on my bike, which prevents grease being washed out of derailleurs etc, so I've also found that all my parts also last forever! I wax every two weeks while riding five days a week on salt affected british roads. My wear rate on a brand new chain fitted in october was 0.25mm to 0.5mm currently. The chain will last me through this whole summer and in to most of next winter.
Dude, I am an American that has lived in Sweden for almost 8 years now. I just wanted to say that you don't need to bully yourself in editing about the way you speak. We know what you are saying, and we appreciate that you make your videos in English even though it isn't your first language. Just be you, and we will be happy! Love your videos.
This is hilarious for me to watch, living in Norway and biking to work everyday in pouring rain on salty, muddy roads. The only time I get to see the bike clean is right after I buy it.
Here in dry, dusty New Mexico i've found this lube called "Squirt" works really well. It's an emulsion of two things that normally don't mix - water and wax. So it's a way to wax lube your chain without involving a pot of hot wax on the stove. My chain has never been quieter and the shifting has never been smoother. And it does last a long time and doesn't pick up a lot of dust.
I have been cleaning my chain for a year with 300 ml of petroleum, filtering it through coffee filters :D ... what could be more economically friendly?
After years of fruitless attempts to get a perfectly clean chain, today, following your obsessive steps, I was finally successful. Great video and thanks for the sharing your obsession!
The combination of all the steps are important, and logical, and had done many of them in the past, but the pulley pinch is what I was missing. @@ridesofjapan
I use a crockpot with wax in it to 'boil' my chain after every few rides. Because of this my drivetrain stays totally clean. No messy oil anywhere, so no grit sticks to anything wearing stuff out. Taking my chain off to soak it gives me a chance to monitor derailleur pulleys and bottom bracket adjustment. I've done this for several years and can't ever imagine putting oil on my drivetrain ever again.
Dude! Squirt is insanely good. Leaves almost no gunk, I clean my chain once every 2 months and Its always looking like new. Just re-apply every 200km or after a rain ride. Just make sure to avoid using too much lube, a tiny drop per link is really enough. Also, wait for it to dry before the next ride
I wash my bike almost exactly like you. One thing that may help other readers is I don’t have access to a hose for rinsing. I use a second bucket of clean water and a dedicated large sponge for rinsing. I ordered your rim brake defense t , still waiting anxiously for it :)
Two notes: 1. That long thin cleaning tool you were using is a ‘bottle brush’. Used to clean inside bottles :) 2. For drying I use either a chamois cloth (synthetic one), or a micro fibre cloth. Neither leave lint behind. Great vid :)
Haha! OMG Tobias, you are total nutter! That being said, great video! You somehow made 18 minutes of washing a bicycle entertaining and almost spellbinding! Keep up the great work!
@@ridesofjapan I know, I know! It's warming up, I just watched Milan - San Remo, and in a few weeks both boys will be in elementary school so I won't have to micromanage! My primary excuses are being eliminated! I hope to be back out soon!
I love it! I clean my bike and chain after EVERY ride. I use the Muc Off dry lube (yellow) cap because it is bio degradable and cleans off the chain easier than the C 3. I love a clean bike! I also take the time to check the tires for debris and other components for wear. I don't ever aim a stream of water at the bike, instead I use a bucket of soapy water and several micro fiber towels and just wipe the bike with a damp towel. This method works because the bike never gets that dirty. Thanks so much for sharing. Just discovered your channel and LOVE the attention to detail that you bring!
Most efficient bike wash video I've seen. Liked yours way better than GCN's. I'm actually more obsessive on my chain, cause I use paraffin wax for lube. That's the best for super quiet drive-train and efficiency, but it's a chore every 200 miles.
Cheers mate! I read that paraffin wax is actually noisier than oil (Although more efficient). Not noisy as sounding like something is wrong, but just a bit more chain noise compared to oil based lube. Did You not experienced this? That’s the main reason I’m not considering going down the full wax road. Might do in the future though.
Wow, lots of comments, but it shows how well they liked your video. Well done! Now, I'm a bit of a lubrication nerd. I used to use an ultrasonic cleaner to clean the chain then do the hot wax dip, especially on new chains with the sticky rust preventative they come with. I still do the ultrasonic cleaning/hot wax method, and I also add MOS2 (Moly disulfide) powder to the wax as a high pressure lubricant. Unfortunately it makes for a dirty looking wax, but it's THE BEST lube you can get. As I said, I usually only do that procedure on a new chain or anytime I break down the bike for maintenance. What I use for weekly or every 3-4 rides is Dupont Chain Saver*. A wax based product with PTFE, it is the best I've found. It doesn't keep an abrasive slurry in the chain parts like an oil based product does since it's a dry lube. It is also quite tenacious as you will find out when you get some on other bike parts. ;) Keep up the good work Tobias * www.amazon.com/DuPont-Chain-Saver-Self-Cleaning-Lubricant-11-Ounce/dp/B001B0VDC2/ref=asc_df_B001B0VDC2/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309811990469&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16634845442699810500&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028310&hvtargid=pla-531034886332&psc=1
You've inspired me; I ordered a fresh set of replacement brushes for my park chain cleaner, as well as a free hub for my frame. I'm gonna give my drive train a thorough cleaning!
I just found your channel yesterday and I really like it (not saying how many hours of video I watched since yesterday..). I'm TOTALLY with you on the cleaning. I'm obsessive about it and, with an exception or two, clean my bike after every ride. What can I say, it's a disorder.
Glad to see there are many obsessive compulsive chain cleaners out there. I use Rock 'n' Roll Gold chain lube. Easy to apply, keep the bike quiet for longer and easy to clean.
I have been using paraffin wax for the chain and it has change my practice tremendously, not to mention that it does not produce greasy chain. Best stuff ever!
I have to admit I'm probably the opposite end of the spectrum as my bikes are used daily all year round and not cleaned all that well. Must try harder... I'll be using some of your ideas in the next weeks and see what sort of difference they make... Many thanks...
i still love my waxing of the chain. especially for MTB and gravel riding as the dirt hardly sticks to it. wash the bike and the chain looks new again. re wax every 3rd or 4th ride.
@@The-ii5jo Dude try it before you knock it. Just make sure you have a spare crockpot and a removable quicklink. You will never look back. Only exception I see if you live in wet climate, in a van, or travel internationally as a professional. There are absolutely pros still waxing with molten speed wax, just pre-waxing chains.
@@sanderlucioperca whoa there sander bbg calm down. I've actually tried waxing my chain and I didn't like how it felt. It doesnt feel as smooth as a chain with actual lube. I'd much rather bathe my chain in mineral spirits about every week or much earlier depending on how much I ride or how dirty it gets, and then applying fresh lube. Chains are gonna get road grit no matter what specially since they're close to the ground. Even a dirty oily chain literally feels smoother than wax. But hey if you wanna keep an ashy chain, you do you
Nice video! Fully explained and with ordinary cleaning stuff. An extra tip for the chain for keeping it clean longer...wipe off the excess of lube from the chain surface, with a clean rag. Saludos desde Chile!
Was expecting wax as chain lube. Cause ceramic lubes are quite "normal" IMO. Only people with real obsession about clean and fast chains use wax I personally use the recipe from Jason smith with 1lbs of wax, 2g of MoS2 and 5g of PTFE powder(friction facts) and it works for roughly 200-300km of dry riding then it gets noisy, but still lubricates the chain sufficiently. I also have 3 chains for each bike. So i can simply take it off and use the next one if it gets squeaky. I wait till all spare chains are used up and then rewax them in one session, but clean them ultrasonically beforehand at 75 degrees celsius For smaller parts on the bikes I use an ultrasonic cleaner. Cassettes, bolts, smaller chainrings(from the MTB) etc get cleaned with that and I can also check them for wear Frame and wheel cleaning is similar to your procedere. But since no gunk collects from the waxed chain, chainrings, pulley wheels etc stay quite clean(very apparant with aluminium anodized oversized jockey wheels)
I've been getting on well with Smoove, like Squirt but as the claims suggest I also find it lasts longer. As long as you start with a sparkling chain (which should always be the case).
Wow, you really cleaned everything on this "chain" cleaning video! I was keeping my fingers crossed that you wouldn't start cleaning your neighbors yard while cleaning that chain, lol. Very thorough job though! It's nice to see that some people have a sense of humor and don't take themselves too seriously.
Even though it may be excessive, it contains all the detail for the novice to take note! Thank you for sharing. BTW, has anyone mention a hair dryer to blow out water in chain and other crevices? Just a thought as I was comparing your air dryer action to use of compressed air. Beautifully done and can admire the sense of quiet with a well lubed machine!
Cheers mate! 🙏 A hair dryer would be much better than my little air duster for sure. I used to use a big leaf blower at my old place. But it’s really loud and I don’t have an outlet near my bike washing area so had to abandon that.
Hi, I'm using Smoove on road bike and MTB, and in dry or wet terrain (rain / mud) it keeps the chain lubricated. And its lubrication was maintained for about 200K without causing chain damage
Using degreaser and cleaner, then with the brush obsessive push the dirt even deeper into the chain. This will exchange the lubrication with dirt particles. The abraision particels + dirt is one of the best wear-out agents to have under the o-rings of the chain. As aftermath water and Sauerstoff will raise.
For me, I use a quicklink. Chain off straight into a rice cooker full of hot wax. Pull it out and hang it up, 10mins later I put it back on the bike and spin the cranks while holding a rag on the chain to clean off excess wax. No lube or degreasing required which makes big difference. Bike stays cleaner, and only requires a soap wash. Cassette and rings stay much cleaner than with lube.
Squirt wet lube is fine, but the dry lube is hopeless. My fav oil is the Morgan Blue race oil. Eases gear changing and quietens the transmission instantly. It’s a good lube for a long day whatever the weather. Of course, cleanliness of the transmission is the key. I find the more I clean it, the easier it is to maintain and the more I enjoy riding my bike. I clean mine after virtually every ride, not always a deep clean, sometimes a fairly minor cleaning, then I dry things up and apply my lube. It gets time to soak into the links etc before my next ride, rather than lube before setting off. Knowing my bike is clean and lubed and ready to go, is encouragement enough for me to get out and ride. Thanks for the vid.
Great video. I too use Squirt (manufactured in South Africa), yust wipe the chain with a clean rag (back pedaling) after each ride. I then yust reapply the lube, wipe again, and then reapply a second coat. Stays pretty clean chain never dries out. But when Squirt flakes off (and it will) it leaves gobs of gummy residue on your floor. So put a mat under your bike where you store it.
@@ridesofjapan Yes. I use dish soap (Dawn Ultra) and hot water in the shane cleaner once every 1000km and degreaser once every 3000km (3 months). Also, I apply silicone based lubricant (Jig-a-loo) to the cassette, rings and outer chain, so that any dirt does not stick. I think furniture polish (Pledge, which I use on the frame) would also work. This method gives me a very quiet drive train, like a belt drive bike. When I pedal, all I hear are the ice cubes in my thermos!
Gosh! This is almost exactly what I do since my bikes reside in my house. I always take my brake pads out first. Morgan Blue chain cleaner is the best I've ever used but not sure of its biodegradability. The reclaimed fluid can be filtered through a coffee filter for further use too.
I am so glad that I found this video. Looks like am not the only one who is crazy about cleaning his bike once a weak or after every 150km. I use the same oil. Can confirm. Its okay, but not the best. I am looking for replacement too since i do 300+ km tours. Tired of replacing the oil every 150km.
the chain/Shane malapropisms were pretty hilarious. Great to see Shane responding too! I'm now feeling chastened (chainstened?) about my rather grubby chain and less-than-compulsive cleaning, just regular applications of WD-40 and then oil. It's not working as well.
I clean my bike every week. Never use water instead use a dry cleaning car wax. Excellent product for indoor cleaning. For the transmission, an spry degreaser, old tooth brushes and old cotton clothes. When all is grease free, then the lube. Thanks for your detailed videos! Cheers from Perú.
I like what you did. Ty for the ideas. I will probably remove the rear wheel a bit more often. I alway struggle to clean the cassette. On several occasions I use hot water on the chain to help de grease the chain and the cassette. Definitely a must in the winter. I see you using a small hair pump. Instead, use a hair dryer on cold setting or a small shop vac with the hose in vac or pressure config.
After doing degreaser with the park tool cyclone, just fill it up with soapy water and run the chain again with that. Washes the chain plus also washes the tool (to an extent). Got this from park tool's washing video.
msironen yes I used to do this as well. Lately trying be a bit efficient I clean it with the sponge instead, as don’t need to wait for the dirt to settle to pour over the degreaser for re-use. Very good point you make about it will clean the tool at the same time though 👍
I use Prolink chain lube on my bikes, i believe it has paraffin in it or something which helps clean whilst also lubing the chain, comes off easily, and keeps your chain gunk free with out being so meticulous when you haven't got the time. also a quick disc cover hack i use is wrapping a couple of layers of blue towel around the disc, can be used to clean/dry other bits afterwards to if you don't like being wasteful.
I’m equally obsessed with keeping my drivetrain clean. Clean my bike after every other ride in a very similar way. Really like the compressor idea. I’ve always relied on a sunny day to dry the chain.
Have you tried waxing your chain? I bit the bullet with Molten Speed Wax, in general I'm happy, it lasts for a month with daily riding in all kind of conditions, mostly offroad. But it flakes, be careful where you do your first ride. And you may have to clean the flakes from your frame and derailleur. Other than that, the chain stays dry and clean, and well lubricated. Also use silicone spray on a rag and apply it to your frame, esp. where it collects mud -- it makes the frame water-repellent and much easier to clean even with just water. I also use "air can", high pressure liquid butane, to airblast the chain and derailleur after washing it.
Ivo Roilev I’ve not gone down the waxing route (yet). The flakes definitely puts me off. I quite like the cleaning so it’s not a problem that need solving in my case. I will start with giving Squirt a go though. Might change my mind in the future you never know.
I do the same cleaning process, and use the same lube. the lube okay for year round riding in the uk, I don’t generally ride in the rain, if I get caught out the chain is fine until I get home and clean it again! Thanks for degreaser tips.
1lb parafin wax 5 grams telfon 1 gram molybdenum disulfphide melt in crock pot, put chain in chain let it also heat up and penetrate then take out and let it hang. Dry, quiet, clean, almost nothing sticks to it. Last a while in dry conditions; however, lots of work to do it. Have to clean chain first time really well, after that just melt wax and re-dip. Good for a lot of chain treatments.
This is what I do too (only pure parrafin though). FYI, Friction Facts recommend cleaning chain in Mineral Turpentine to remove factory grease then methylated spirits (to remove turps residue). Preferably with an ultrasonic cleaner.
A trick for DRY conditions that is super fast and great performance result. Silicon spray and a towel is what I use before every ride on my chain. Backpedaling and cleaning with the towel and silicon spray afterwards. Deep cleaning with diesel every 2000km with removed chain into a jar. Please recycle the diesel for the sake of the environment! Works like a charm and really silent and friction free riding in DRY conditions.
Have you tried an ultrasonic cleaner? Throw the chain in the cleaner while you wash the bike and it gets the chain squeaky clean! It would save a lot of time in terms of cleaning the chain.
Woodsracer77 I don’t mind the cleaning, I actually enjoy it 😳 I have been thinking about getting a ultrasonic cleaner though, not just for chains but other parts as well. That means removing the chain every time though witch might not be optimal in my case for a quick weekly clean 🤔
A trick that i use for cleaning my chain is to use an electric toothbrush to clean the cassette and the chain. I buy one of those cheap toothbrushes that are battery-powered and then I start to clean. This really helps.
Alternative to a compressor: get an old diving air canister (a large one) and use this in lieu of a comporessor. Friend has a bike shop and also cannot have a noisy compressor and it works great.
A lot of solutions available if you have the room but cannot have the noise. You can use eg. a large car tire as a cheap air "tank". Something for heavy vechicles holds quite a bit of air. You can also fill those with any tiny and quiet compressor and you get a lot more out of a small tire than from an air duster.
you should probably check out Squirt lube.. you put it on after washing and top it up after every few rides (or after a wet ride). washing doesn't require degreaser because it isnt oil based. they claim it makes your drivetrain more efficient and it does feel faster. since its not oil based, the wax just slowly comes off over hundreds of km and you dont get that black oily gunk that can destroy your hands/leg/kit/house/car or anything else that comes in contact with your chain. its also very cheap. i switched both bikes over and would never go back to oil based lubes.
I use a mix of beeswax and paraffin wax (35% and 65% respectively). Quiet ride for at least 150km on my mtb, and I'm not a spinner (I'm a masher) and I cross-chain... so it really is moron proof. Cheers.
I used muc off ceramic lubes then tried waxing with regular paraffin but as the wax did not last more than 100km then get back to muc off again. Shortly after I was sick of the filthy chain and degreasing routine again and tried waxing with molten speed wax and never looked back. IMO It is the best for maintenance if not for performance. I am alternating two chains and have around 350-400km on each. I also have squirt and smoove and I think they are both better than regular lubes and they can be second after molten speed wax.
Nice to see someone else as compulsive about clean bikes as I am! I've found that removing the cassette and chain, and using an ultrasonic cleaner filled with a 50/50 mix of Simple Green and water, will result in a chain and cassette that looks brand new and ensures that the miniscule bits of dirt and grease are removed from the links. Also, Morgan Blue is a great product, but I don't like spraying it around the freehub body as it can work its way into the bearings. Try the ultrasonic cleaner, you'll never go back to brushes or the Park tool.
One extra bit of cleaning insanity I do is to remove the degreaser from the park tool device after I've cleaned the chain, then rinse the inside and clean the 3 brushes. Fill with clean water, assemble on the chain and run it again. A good way to rinse away cleaner and grease.
I am equally picky with my bike cleanliness. Wax-based lubes like Squirt and Smoove are the best I've found - last .a bit better in the wet and don't pick up as much crap. You can rub off the old lube with a dishtowel. I use a Wipperman Connex quick link - it's reusable over and over and over and means I can take the chain off each time I clean the bike - makes it super-easy to keep the mech clean. If there is a big buildup of muck - I pop the chain in a bidon of degreaser, shake it up, leave to soak, take the chain out, give a good clean with a towel, then clean off with water. If you have your chain off the bike, you can fling it around and around your head to get rid of any water inside - instead of blowing air into it. Muc Off disc brake cleaner works pretty well for rotors and pads too.
I used Squirt for several years before I found Smoove. They are both really good - Smoove seems to last a bit longer. If you're cleaning weekly anyway - that won't matter much - go for whichever you can get the best deal on.
Nice to see I'm not alone on this "Keeping your bike and chain ultra clean" I have OCD so you can imagine!! A clean bike is a safe bike...I have used many chain lubes, now just use Squirt wax lube, I find it works really well, especially when you use the correct amount on each link... absolutely no more degreaser needed, and after a 100k ride just wipe off, then re-lube. After 300-400 k I wash in hot water with soap, and rinse, and dry, and your done! Chain runs very quiet, wonderful gear shifting, and attracts very little dust... I am sooooo glad a gave it a try!! Trick is to super clean a chain that has been used with other lubes, Squirt works best when no other lube substances mix in with it, that's why after 1-month of using it you will see how well it works! Even on a super clean chain you will find oils on chain, that's why some have used it incorrectly, with a chain they think they have really cleaned well, but still had the other lubes existing, once they mix, the Squirt performance is not optimal. I have been doing Squirt for a year now, and boy, it is a wonderful lube, and chain is in wonderful condition. But as with everything else on a bike, it's all very very personal, do whatever YOU think works best for you!
leftymadrid cheers for that very important detail! After reading all the recommendations in the comments I’ll give Squirt a go next, happy to here that it runs quiet, that the most important part for me. Will give a super deep clean before applying squirts... time to get that ultra sonic cleaner after all ;) Cheers!
Mmmmm....nice film! Something very satisfying about watching somebody being equally careful:) I will sometimes (esp winter) remove the pulleys and give them a good clean - pulley gunk is just the worst. And I use old t-shirts etc for rags - the edges work well as cog floss! Never really got into waxy lubes - never seem to last long enough. My commute has a wet lube and my long rider has a dry lube. Ciao.
I used to do this deep clean all the time. Now I use baby wipes and just take off the cassette to clean it if it becomes to grimy. Park tool chain cleaner is the best. Fun video. Reminds me why I liked cleaning my bike and why I never use water or soap at all anymore.
You can make a portable compressor using your tubeless booster/pump. Use an adapter for ball pumping and do not open booster completely. Could work I think
I thought I was the only one who was as thorough in cleaning my bike lol. I love your idea about reusing the the degreaser, and 1 thing I can add is using a coffee filter from the ¥100 shop to filter out the gunk before pouring it back in the bottle ;)
Nice tip on reusing cleaning solution. Have you considered waxing (Pedros wax, Mothers etc) bike frame? Can also use ceramic coating spray (Chemical Guys and such), it would help to prevent dirt and gunk sticking up to the surface. That was you can simmply rinse it off and wipe dry etc.
I haven’t no... got that tip about ceramic coating in another comment as well, very intrigued about that one, haven’t had time to look into it much though. Is chemical guys what you recommend?
that was the best system i ever saw. off to my dollar store and hardware store now ! i clean weekly too, or more, but missed some details. i have a service question. why does my rear wheel make pinging sounds from the spokes sometimes, under load. ?
Are they a custom built set? maybe they where not "de-stressed" or whatever you call it? Could it be that the spokes has too low tension? I'm no wheel builder so that's pure guesses, but if you're worried I'd have a bike shop take a look at them. You could always put a drop of lube where the spokes cross but that would probably only mask the actual problem.
Hi. Now that you’re all happy with the open, time to get a new bike:Rondo HVRT CF. Looks to me like you two would be a perfect match. Cheers and thank you for the great videos. I really enjoyed them. Keep it up!
Your not as OCD as me... I wash my bike every week but I also remove the chain and wash it separately because I found the chain cleaning gizmo was not effective enough. So I put my chain in plastic pot with 1 degreaser and shake it, then wash the chain out with dish soap and water, then put it back in the pot with a maintenance spray and repeat shaking. After that the chain in removed and hung up for the rest or the day to drip dry, then I fit the chain back on my bike and lube with my own brand wet lubricant. My chain is so clean that dirt doesn't appear to turn the chain black until midweek, it doesn't matter anyway because it will get washed again at the end of the week.
I use a lubricant called “Finish Line” it’s a teflon lube and it gets dry
5 лет назад+2
If i ride on a road, not in dirt, I will only use Rohloff Oil - best lubrication, and drivetrain is absolutely silent for hundreds miles. But don't use to much, and remember to remove excess of oil with cloth.
I do this exact process only I use Morgan blue pro rolls lube and I use muc off PTFE bike spray on the frame, it will leave a hell of a shine off the paintwork. It will make washing away dirt easy the next time u clean the bike
wow same process as me except i point my pressure washer vertically down to blast out any grit. avoiding any bearings, then use the park tool chain clener. i also wipe over the chain with a j cloth sprayed with wd40 to stop it rusting between rides then drop lube each link. very cathartic. before lubing i may check chain wear, i have noticed since regularly cleaning my chain it lasts longer. did a 50 mile towpath ride the other day and got covered. had to clean my bike before i cleaned myself. a clean bike is a joy to ride.
Rotors and brake pads are sensitive to contaminates, I recommend wiping down the rotors with a dry rag, then removing the brake pads and cleaning the caliper with rubbing alcohol. I can't imagine you having to deal with cleaning a downhill bike, you would go crazy! Another thing to watch for is the clutch on the derailleur, the grease inside it is essential for it to work properly.
Do you wipe off the chain after oiling it? I do that, after at least a few minutes, to get some of the oil off the outside of the chain to prevent dirt sticking to it, as the oil should really be inside the plates and rollers. What do you think? Oh the other tool besides a thin paint brush tool like you have, is of course the pic. I found the pic to be great to get really stubborn gunk out of the cassette, maybe you get this with the hose or your bike is cleaned so often it doesn't build up. For me it does, especially my old less clean mtb. The cogs that are pinned are annoying as you can't hold the pic continuously in between the cogs on the spacers while the wheel rotates because the pins keep getting in the way - I also expect the inter-cog pins are places extra grime can stay. I just got a chain keeper :) so i will take the wheel off like you did and get a better cassette cleaning. A dirty cassette becomes a dirty chain pretty quick. Thanks for the vid!
Al Harman definitely a good idea! I used to do it but I found with this particular lube that on longer rides I stayed quieter for longer when I didn't wipe the chain off in the morning. As I’m cleaning the bike after every big ride can take the compromise of bit dirtier chain. The general recommendations are definitely wiping off the chain of excess lube to keep it as clean as possible 👍
You have a crazy perspective on cleaning your bike but the results are amazing. I have two bikes, my new commuter and my 20+ years old unshocked mountain bike. I used whitelighting as a cleaner and greaser and never cleaned the bike until last year. I just changed the chain, first ever, and cleaned the inside of the rear derailler arms wow. I don't know how to clean the spring inside. I was thinking of taking the jockey's out too because that was tough. I loved your pinched fingers on the jockeys i think that is a very important trick to get rid of that guk because once it builds and stays it is very difficult to remove. So I will try that. I also use muckoff chain cleaner device which I was surprised you didn't use since it drops new degreaser from above the chain and does not reuse/recirculate contaminated solution from below...but... your results are still good. @@ridesofjapan
They are really bad as discounting the high-end stuff in Japan, so I wouldn’t even try to find them here. You could fund them 50% off on amazon before... but I don’t know if they still are available.
I run a different lube for different bikes. For tarmac only bikes, I use ProGold ProLink Chain Lube on that one. I lube before every ride and it attracts dirt. It is a PITA to really get my chain clean and I clean mine exactly like you do. However, it performs really well. For bikes that will see dirt, I use Squirt Long Chain Lube Wax Emulsion for Wet & Dry. I rarely have to apply the lube and the chain is super easy to clean. If I had to have one arrow in the quiver, it would get the Squirt lube as it is an all conditions lube and low maintenance.
As a guy who also loves a spotless and noise-free bike, here are my tips and tricks for properly cleaning your bike INSIDE your apartment/house (in case you have no back yard to make a mess around): - wet wipes for the frame, cassette and even rims (the sort you use for cleaning your bathroom; not all work as well, but some of them have really good solvents that clean up dried up gunk easily) - remove the cassette from the freewheel to clean it more easily and more thoroughly, same for the jockey wheels - use Diesel fuel to clean the chain: remove it from the bike, leave it in a jar filled with enough Diesel to cover the chain for half an hour or so, maybe shake it a few times in the meantime, then remove it from the jar and wash it off with some dishwasher fluid; far more efficient than absolutely any chain cleaner product I have tried, especially if there's very old lube and gunk on the chain Absolutely no mess, far less material involved, and also one of the only ways to clean your bike inside your house. Also somewhat quicker and more thorough once you get used to the procedure. In extreme cases, when your wheels end up looking terrible after a particularly muddy ride, they may take a shower with me to remove the main layer of dirt before cleaning them properly with wet wipes.
If you're washing inside, you can half-fill the kitchen sink with warm soapy water. Then, balance your wheels across the sink diagonal which should put the tire roughly in the water, but not the rim. Then scrub whilst rotating the wheel to get everything clean. Wet wipe for the spokes and hub.
Morgan blue is seriously good cleaner, and their lubes are also great Their CX / MTB dry lube is clear and doesn't pick up as much dirt. But like the ceramic lube it washes off in the rain so needs relubing every long ride
few people mentioned below, but good info worth repeating. sir Oz cycle, named Steven, has a comparison chart about diff. types of chain lube. The one that he makes out of candles is a good one.
I use 2 ultrasonic cleaners for my chain and cassette. 2 cycles of degreaser in one cleaner for the cassette and chain and 1 cycle in chain lube for the chain, then I run the chain through a paper towel to remove the exes lube. And 2 times a year I also put my pulley wheels in there and put some fresh grease in there.
I use the same Muc Off lube here in U.S. and apply the same way. Also have the same experience - only lasts one or two rides but it does stay pretty clean (the dry version) and is easy to apply. Great episode as always
Edit: Damn! I’ve read about Squirt before, but reading all the comments settles it! My 1L muc-off is about to run out finally so my next lube is definitely Squirt (or smoove)! Cheers all! ---- FYI: Gunk = Dirt 😅 Curious to hear you bike washing hacks! I've not gone down the ultra sonic cleaner route yet, don't see that being that effective/fast for this kind of regular "quick-clean", but it's definitely on the cards in the future!
I ride in winter in Canada. A few mountain bikes on the road and on trails. Cannot stress enough to people about cleaning a bike's drive train. To me its not about wearing out a chain or cassette. Its more about breaking a chain in 21 below zero in the middle of nowhere ha ha...fuck me~its going to be a walk back lol
Squirt lube is the most time efficient way to have a clean & fast drivetrain. I only needs a deep clean (degrease) every 500 miles. Sram hollow-pin chains clean up the best IMO.
Microfibre towels/rags for cassete sprockets and chain drying. Squirt-lube for clean, non gathering dirt lube. Few times a year do use light polish automotive cleaner - dodo lime prime - for extra smooth surface, and spray wax with wet application for glossy bling bling finish - adbl synthethic spray wax. Must try that park tool cleaner - seems to be better than my current finish line one.
I think most cyclists have the chain cleaning OCD. I clean my chain after every ride but I use washing up liquid which works for me. I'm weary of using degreaser as I think about the bearings. Use a sponge first to get the dirt off then washing up brush. Just to be extra OCD I have used a mascara brush to get in between the links. my girlfriend wants me to get a mental health assessment!! I saw some motor bike chain wax is this ok for a bycycle?
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm just checking in to be clean. 1:10 hahahah! :)
Shane Miller - GPLama 🛀😘
Try waxing your shane.... I mean chain. I switched to wax a couple of years ago, and have hardly had to change a chain more than 3 times. Has the added benefit of not flicking chain oil on to your frame, which then doesn't attract dirt. So, I no longer have to use aggressive cleaners on my bike, which prevents grease being washed out of derailleurs etc, so I've also found that all my parts also last forever! I wax every two weeks while riding five days a week on salt affected british roads. My wear rate on a brand new chain fitted in october was 0.25mm to 0.5mm currently. The chain will last me through this whole summer and in to most of next winter.
@@mathewwhittle10 we used to do that back in the '80's and had very similar results. WAY less wear and tear in dusty and dry environments.
mathew whittle what brand do you use?
Or just some candles
@@ridesofjapan you can lookfor small airbrush compressor maybe you will like it✌️
Dude, I am an American that has lived in Sweden for almost 8 years now. I just wanted to say that you don't need to bully yourself in editing about the way you speak. We know what you are saying, and we appreciate that you make your videos in English even though it isn't your first language. Just be you, and we will be happy! Love your videos.
We all hate our own accents, but we all love other accents. You're completely right!
Well said
I'm Canadian. Some of our Anglos have crazier accents. Look up Newfoundland accents.
i'm crying love it's all around here.
LMAO
🤡
I hate my boring American way of speaking. I wish I had an accent.
This is hilarious for me to watch, living in Norway and biking to work everyday in pouring rain on salty, muddy roads. The only time I get to see the bike clean is right after I buy it.
A clean bike weighs at least 1 or 2 grams less too
Hillarious!
No one even mentioned the lowered coefficient of drag.
unless you sneeze and 1 or 2 grams goes away
You can save 40 watts with a clean drivetrain, a dirty drivetrain causes a lot of friction
A clean bike is also more aero
Here in dry, dusty New Mexico i've found this lube called "Squirt" works really well. It's an emulsion of two things that normally don't mix - water and wax. So it's a way to wax lube your chain without involving a pot of hot wax on the stove. My chain has never been quieter and the shifting has never been smoother. And it does last a long time and doesn't pick up a lot of dust.
I run my old degreaser trough a coffeefilter after leting the gunk settle.
Ah, nice idea! Might steal that
I use an old beans can with a rizla filter through the bottom and this filters into a large funnel stuffed with tissue paper at the lowest point.
This is comment gold!
I have been cleaning my chain for a year with 300 ml of petroleum, filtering it through coffee filters :D ... what could be more economically friendly?
@@ernestpetros6178 but doesn't degreaser, petrol in particular, evaporate too fast to be able to filter it?
After years of fruitless attempts to get a perfectly clean chain, today, following your obsessive steps, I was finally successful. Great video and thanks for the sharing your obsession!
Perry McKenna awesome! Super stoked to hear it worked for you!
The combination of all the steps are important, and logical, and had done many of them in the past, but the pulley pinch is what I was missing. @@ridesofjapan
And I thought I was OCD. This takes it to a whole new level. Gotta admire how clean that chain is.
I use a crockpot with wax in it to 'boil' my chain after every few rides. Because of this my drivetrain stays totally clean. No messy oil anywhere, so no grit sticks to anything wearing stuff out. Taking my chain off to soak it gives me a chance to monitor derailleur pulleys and bottom bracket adjustment. I've done this for several years and can't ever imagine putting oil on my drivetrain ever again.
Used the same dry lube before. Now use Squirt all the time, road, gravel and MTB. Super easy cleaning and re-applying.. :)
Peter Mergaerts I’ve also switched to Squirt. Better than muc off dry.
Squirt is pretty good. I just use a cloth. That is all.
Dude! Squirt is insanely good. Leaves almost no gunk, I clean my chain once every 2 months and Its always looking like new. Just re-apply every 200km or after a rain ride. Just make sure to avoid using too much lube, a tiny drop per link is really enough. Also, wait for it to dry before the next ride
Will have to check Squirt out🤔 cheers😊
I switched to Squirt 4 years ago, loving ir ever since.
Love you line about “a silent bike equals happy days”. I agree! Nothing ruins my ride and my mood faster than my bike making noises.
Absolutely amazed you don’t take your cassette off to clean it to factory new standard 😉🤣
You did better than GCN
GCN in Japan :)
They're hacks compared to this!
you have a sense of humor beyond compare. thank you for your gift!
I wash my bike almost exactly like you.
One thing that may help other readers is I don’t have access to a hose for rinsing.
I use a second bucket of clean water and a dedicated large sponge for rinsing.
I ordered your rim brake defense t , still waiting anxiously for it :)
David Ide cheers mate!
I use to live in a place with no hose, rinsed with a water bottle and garden spray-thingy.
We take what we can :)
Two notes:
1. That long thin cleaning tool you were using is a ‘bottle brush’. Used to clean inside bottles :)
2. For drying I use either a chamois cloth (synthetic one), or a micro fibre cloth. Neither leave lint behind.
Great vid :)
Haha! OMG Tobias, you are total nutter! That being said, great video! You somehow made 18 minutes of washing a bicycle entertaining and almost spellbinding! Keep up the great work!
Time to wash your bike and come out on ride soon mate 😉
@@ridesofjapan I know, I know! It's warming up, I just watched Milan - San Remo, and in a few weeks both boys will be in elementary school so I won't have to micromanage! My primary excuses are being eliminated! I hope to be back out soon!
I love it! I clean my bike and chain after EVERY ride. I use the Muc Off dry lube (yellow) cap because it is bio degradable and cleans off the chain easier than the C 3. I love a clean bike! I also take the time to check the tires for debris and other components for wear. I don't ever aim a stream of water at the bike, instead I use a bucket of soapy water and several micro fiber towels and just wipe the bike with a damp towel. This method works because the bike never gets that dirty. Thanks so much for sharing. Just discovered your channel and LOVE the attention to detail that you bring!
Most efficient bike wash video I've seen. Liked yours way better than GCN's. I'm actually more obsessive on my chain, cause I use paraffin wax for lube. That's the best for super quiet drive-train and efficiency, but it's a chore every 200 miles.
Cheers mate!
I read that paraffin wax is actually noisier than oil (Although more efficient). Not noisy as sounding like something is wrong, but just a bit more chain noise compared to oil based lube. Did You not experienced this?
That’s the main reason I’m not considering going down the full wax road. Might do in the future though.
I'll give C3 a try to compare. Thanks for all the great vids. They are always enjoyable.
Wow, lots of comments, but it shows how well they liked your video. Well done! Now, I'm a bit of a lubrication nerd. I used to use an ultrasonic cleaner to clean the chain then do the hot wax dip, especially on new chains with the sticky rust preventative they come with. I still do the ultrasonic cleaning/hot wax method, and I also add MOS2 (Moly disulfide) powder to the wax as a high pressure lubricant. Unfortunately it makes for a dirty looking wax, but it's THE BEST lube you can get.
As I said, I usually only do that procedure on a new chain or anytime I break down the bike for maintenance. What I use for weekly or every 3-4 rides is Dupont Chain Saver*. A wax based product with PTFE, it is the best I've found. It doesn't keep an abrasive slurry in the chain parts like an oil based product does since it's a dry lube. It is also quite tenacious as you will find out when you get some on other bike parts. ;)
Keep up the good work Tobias
* www.amazon.com/DuPont-Chain-Saver-Self-Cleaning-Lubricant-11-Ounce/dp/B001B0VDC2/ref=asc_df_B001B0VDC2/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309811990469&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16634845442699810500&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028310&hvtargid=pla-531034886332&psc=1
Exact Same process as I use....
When you spray the degreaser on the chain, hold rag behind it to save any waste and then run the chain through the rag
You've inspired me; I ordered a fresh set of replacement brushes for my park chain cleaner, as well as a free hub for my frame. I'm gonna give my drive train a thorough cleaning!
Flossing each cog is so satisfying.
I just found your channel yesterday and I really like it (not saying how many hours of video I watched since yesterday..). I'm TOTALLY with you on the cleaning. I'm obsessive about it and, with an exception or two, clean my bike after every ride. What can I say, it's a disorder.
Glad to see there are many obsessive compulsive chain cleaners out there. I use Rock 'n' Roll Gold chain lube. Easy to apply, keep the bike quiet for longer and easy to clean.
I have been using paraffin wax for the chain and it has change my practice tremendously, not to mention that it does not produce greasy chain. Best stuff ever!
oscar l. Can you share how you do that? Just rub a candle in the chain?? Thanks
@@johnathanguarnerosjones2698 check out this channel : ruclips.net/user/Musiksteven
I have to admit I'm probably the opposite end of the spectrum as my bikes are used daily all year round and not cleaned all that well.
Must try harder... I'll be using some of your ideas in the next weeks and see what sort of difference they make... Many thanks...
Korschtal same here. I watched this and then thought, “bikes can be washed??!” Joke of course but I think last time I washed was this time last year.
i still love my waxing of the chain. especially for MTB and gravel riding as the dirt hardly sticks to it. wash the bike and the chain looks new again. re wax every 3rd or 4th ride.
I feel like waxing is too dry and causes a lot of friction compared to wet lube with some dirt on it. Also waxed chains look ashy af
@@The-ii5jo all of the testing shows you're wrong.
@@The-ii5jo Dude try it before you knock it. Just make sure you have a spare crockpot and a removable quicklink. You will never look back. Only exception I see if you live in wet climate, in a van, or travel internationally as a professional. There are absolutely pros still waxing with molten speed wax, just pre-waxing chains.
@@sanderlucioperca whoa there sander bbg calm down. I've actually tried waxing my chain and I didn't like how it felt. It doesnt feel as smooth as a chain with actual lube. I'd much rather bathe my chain in mineral spirits about every week or much earlier depending on how much I ride or how dirty it gets, and then applying fresh lube. Chains are gonna get road grit no matter what specially since they're close to the ground. Even a dirty oily chain literally feels smoother than wax. But hey if you wanna keep an ashy chain, you do you
Nice video! Fully explained and with ordinary cleaning stuff. An extra tip for the chain for keeping it clean longer...wipe off the excess of lube from the chain surface, with a clean rag.
Saludos desde Chile!
Cleaning is an obsession! It a pleasure to go out with a silent clean bike!
I absolutely love how you do it. You give für bike the love it deserves
I've heard that running the old degreaser through a coffee filter will help make it extra clean.
Was expecting wax as chain lube. Cause ceramic lubes are quite "normal" IMO. Only people with real obsession about clean and fast chains use wax
I personally use the recipe from Jason smith with 1lbs of wax, 2g of MoS2 and 5g of PTFE powder(friction facts) and it works for roughly 200-300km of dry riding then it gets noisy, but still lubricates the chain sufficiently.
I also have 3 chains for each bike. So i can simply take it off and use the next one if it gets squeaky. I wait till all spare chains are used up and then rewax them in one session, but clean them ultrasonically beforehand at 75 degrees celsius
For smaller parts on the bikes I use an ultrasonic cleaner. Cassettes, bolts, smaller chainrings(from the MTB) etc get cleaned with that and I can also check them for wear
Frame and wheel cleaning is similar to your procedere. But since no gunk collects from the waxed chain, chainrings, pulley wheels etc stay quite clean(very apparant with aluminium anodized oversized jockey wheels)
interesting recipe.
I've been getting on well with Smoove, like Squirt but as the claims suggest I also find it lasts longer. As long as you start with a sparkling chain (which should always be the case).
My first choice now for dirt rides.
Try parrafin wax. No degreasing required, lower friction
Old shoe laces work great to get in between cogs. Use a back and forth motion between each cog.
Wow, you really cleaned everything on this "chain" cleaning video! I was keeping my fingers crossed that you wouldn't start cleaning your neighbors yard while cleaning that chain, lol. Very thorough job though! It's nice to see that some people have a sense of humor and don't take themselves too seriously.
Even though it may be excessive, it contains all the detail for the novice to take note! Thank you for sharing. BTW, has anyone mention a hair dryer to blow out water in chain and other crevices? Just a thought as I was comparing your air dryer action to use of compressed air. Beautifully done and can admire the sense of quiet with a well lubed machine!
Cheers mate! 🙏
A hair dryer would be much better than my little air duster for sure.
I used to use a big leaf blower at my old place. But it’s really loud and I don’t have an outlet near my bike washing area so had to abandon that.
Hi, I'm using Smoove on road bike and MTB, and in dry or wet terrain (rain / mud) it keeps the chain lubricated. And its lubrication was maintained for about 200K without causing chain damage
The long brush you used to clean the rotors. That’s normally used for bottles. In case you need something bottles also
Using degreaser and cleaner, then with the brush obsessive push the dirt even deeper into the chain. This will exchange the lubrication with dirt particles. The abraision particels + dirt is one of the best wear-out agents to have under the o-rings of the chain. As aftermath water and Sauerstoff will raise.
djAmbush that’s just bs
For me, I use a quicklink. Chain off straight into a rice cooker full of hot wax. Pull it out and hang it up, 10mins later I put it back on the bike and spin the cranks while holding a rag on the chain to clean off excess wax.
No lube or degreasing required which makes big difference. Bike stays cleaner, and only requires a soap wash. Cassette and rings stay much cleaner than with lube.
I will second that!
I've got an Ultra Sonic parts cleaner I use for cleaning my driveline. Strip chain, chain rings, cassette, clean, reinstall in around 25mins.
Squirt wet lube is fine, but the dry lube is hopeless. My fav oil is the Morgan Blue race oil. Eases gear changing and quietens the transmission instantly. It’s a good lube for a long day whatever the weather. Of course, cleanliness of the transmission is the key. I find the more I clean it, the easier it is to maintain and the more I enjoy riding my bike. I clean mine after virtually every ride, not always a deep clean, sometimes a fairly minor cleaning, then I dry things up and apply my lube. It gets time to soak into the links etc before my next ride, rather than lube before setting off. Knowing my bike is clean and lubed and ready to go, is encouragement enough for me to get out and ride. Thanks for the vid.
Great video. I too use Squirt (manufactured in South Africa), yust wipe the chain with a clean rag (back pedaling) after each ride. I then yust reapply the lube, wipe again, and then reapply a second coat. Stays pretty clean chain never dries out. But when Squirt flakes off (and it will) it leaves gobs of gummy residue on your floor. So put a mat under your bike where you store it.
8638marc put
East Squirt easy to clean off?
@@ridesofjapan Yes. I use dish soap (Dawn Ultra) and hot water in the shane cleaner once every 1000km and degreaser once every 3000km (3 months). Also, I apply silicone based lubricant (Jig-a-loo) to the cassette, rings and outer chain, so that any dirt does not stick. I think furniture polish (Pledge, which I use on the frame) would also work. This method gives me a very quiet drive train, like a belt drive bike. When I pedal, all I hear are the ice cubes in my thermos!
Gosh! This is almost exactly what I do since my bikes reside in my house. I always take my brake pads out first. Morgan Blue chain cleaner is the best I've ever used but not sure of its biodegradability. The reclaimed fluid can be filtered through a coffee filter for further use too.
I am so glad that I found this video. Looks like am not the only one who is crazy about cleaning his bike once a weak or after every 150km. I use the same oil. Can confirm. Its okay, but not the best. I am looking for replacement too since i do 300+ km tours. Tired of replacing the oil every 150km.
the chain/Shane malapropisms were pretty hilarious. Great to see Shane responding too!
I'm now feeling chastened (chainstened?) about my rather grubby chain and less-than-compulsive cleaning, just regular applications of WD-40 and then oil. It's not working as well.
I clean my bike every week. Never use water instead use a dry cleaning car wax. Excellent product for indoor cleaning. For the transmission, an spry degreaser, old tooth brushes and old cotton clothes. When all is grease free, then the lube.
Thanks for your detailed videos!
Cheers from Perú.
Chain lube: I still use the can of oil my dad gave me some 30 years ago. Castrol Everyman oil. Brilliant stuff ❤️❤️
Your bike before a wash looks cleaner than my bike after a wash, haha.
And I also changed to Squirt Lube, never have to degrease my chain again.
I like what you did. Ty for the ideas. I will probably remove the rear wheel a bit more often. I alway struggle to clean the cassette. On several occasions I use hot water on the chain to help de grease the chain and the cassette. Definitely a must in the winter. I see you using a small hair pump. Instead, use a hair dryer on cold setting or a small shop vac with the hose in vac or pressure config.
After doing degreaser with the park tool cyclone, just fill it up with soapy water and run the chain again with that. Washes the chain plus also washes the tool (to an extent). Got this from park tool's washing video.
msironen yes I used to do this as well.
Lately trying be a bit efficient I clean it with the sponge instead, as don’t need to wait for the dirt to settle to pour over the degreaser for re-use.
Very good point you make about it will clean the tool at the same time though 👍
@@ridesofjapan I pour the muck+degreaser from the cyclone tool to a jar through a coffee filter so no need to wait :)
@@msironen that would do the trick!
Forget Netflix’s movies ............ this is the stuff to watch another great video.
Steve Johns 🍿cheers mate 🙏
I use Prolink chain lube on my bikes, i believe it has paraffin in it or something which helps clean whilst also lubing the chain, comes off easily, and keeps your chain gunk free with out being so meticulous when you haven't got the time.
also a quick disc cover hack i use is wrapping a couple of layers of blue towel around the disc, can be used to clean/dry other bits afterwards to if you don't like being wasteful.
I’m equally obsessed with keeping my drivetrain clean. Clean my bike after every other ride in a very similar way. Really like the compressor idea. I’ve always relied on a sunny day to dry the chain.
Have you tried waxing your chain? I bit the bullet with Molten Speed Wax, in general I'm happy, it lasts for a month with daily riding in all kind of conditions, mostly offroad. But it flakes, be careful where you do your first ride. And you may have to clean the flakes from your frame and derailleur. Other than that, the chain stays dry and clean, and well lubricated.
Also use silicone spray on a rag and apply it to your frame, esp. where it collects mud -- it makes the frame water-repellent and much easier to clean even with just water. I also use "air can", high pressure liquid butane, to airblast the chain and derailleur after washing it.
Ivo Roilev I’ve not gone down the waxing route (yet). The flakes definitely puts me off.
I quite like the cleaning so it’s not a problem that need solving in my case. I will start with giving Squirt a go though.
Might change my mind in the future you never know.
I do the same cleaning process, and use the same lube. the lube okay for year round riding in the uk, I don’t generally ride in the rain, if I get caught out the chain is fine until I get home and clean it again!
Thanks for degreaser tips.
Nice to see cleaning video. Most people I know think I spend more time cleaning my bike than riding it :).
1lb parafin wax 5 grams telfon 1 gram molybdenum disulfphide melt in crock pot, put chain in chain let it also heat up and penetrate then take out and let it hang. Dry, quiet, clean, almost nothing sticks to it. Last a while in dry conditions; however, lots of work to do it. Have to clean chain first time really well, after that just melt wax and re-dip. Good for a lot of chain treatments.
This is what I do too (only pure parrafin though). FYI, Friction Facts recommend cleaning chain in Mineral Turpentine to remove factory grease then methylated spirits (to remove turps residue). Preferably with an ultrasonic cleaner.
A trick for DRY conditions that is super fast and great performance result. Silicon spray and a towel is what I use before every ride on my chain. Backpedaling and cleaning with the towel and silicon spray afterwards. Deep cleaning with diesel every 2000km with removed chain into a jar. Please recycle the diesel for the sake of the environment! Works like a charm and really silent and friction free riding in DRY conditions.
Have you tried an ultrasonic cleaner? Throw the chain in the cleaner while you wash the bike and it gets the chain squeaky clean! It would save a lot of time in terms of cleaning the chain.
Woodsracer77 I don’t mind the cleaning, I actually enjoy it 😳
I have been thinking about getting a ultrasonic cleaner though, not just for chains but other parts as well.
That means removing the chain every time though witch might not be optimal in my case for a quick weekly clean 🤔
A trick that i use for cleaning my chain is to use an electric toothbrush to clean the cassette and the chain. I buy one of those cheap toothbrushes that are battery-powered and then I start to clean. This really helps.
That's a great trick (at 6min58sec), pinching the pulley wheels while turning the chain, to clean them!
Alternative to a compressor: get an old diving air canister (a large one) and use this in lieu of a comporessor. Friend has a bike shop and also cannot have a noisy compressor and it works great.
Hope that means you’re going to test it 😜
A lot of solutions available if you have the room but cannot have the noise. You can use eg. a large car tire as a cheap air "tank". Something for heavy vechicles holds quite a bit of air. You can also fill those with any tiny and quiet compressor and you get a lot more out of a small tire than from an air duster.
you should probably check out Squirt lube.. you put it on after washing and top it up after every few rides (or after a wet ride). washing doesn't require degreaser because it isnt oil based. they claim it makes your drivetrain more efficient and it does feel faster. since its not oil based, the wax just slowly comes off over hundreds of km and you dont get that black oily gunk that can destroy your hands/leg/kit/house/car or anything else that comes in contact with your chain. its also very cheap. i switched both bikes over and would never go back to oil based lubes.
Try parrafin wax
I use a mix of beeswax and paraffin wax (35% and 65% respectively). Quiet ride for at least 150km on my mtb, and I'm not a spinner (I'm a masher) and I cross-chain... so it really is moron proof. Cheers.
I agree. Here's what I think of Squirt: ruclips.net/video/G6p03DMXDj8/видео.html
I used muc off ceramic lubes then tried waxing with regular paraffin but as the wax did not last more than 100km then get back to muc off again. Shortly after I was sick of the filthy chain and degreasing routine again and tried waxing with molten speed wax and never looked back. IMO It is the best for maintenance if not for performance. I am alternating two chains and have around 350-400km on each. I also have squirt and smoove and I think they are both better than regular lubes and they can be second after molten speed wax.
I just buy pure parrafin wax from eBay. 2kg block for less than Aud$25.. Good times 😁
Nice to see someone else as compulsive about clean bikes as I am! I've found that removing the cassette and chain, and using an ultrasonic cleaner filled with a 50/50 mix of Simple Green and water, will result in a chain and cassette that looks brand new and ensures that the miniscule bits of dirt and grease are removed from the links. Also, Morgan Blue is a great product, but I don't like spraying it around the freehub body as it can work its way into the bearings. Try the ultrasonic cleaner, you'll never go back to brushes or the Park tool.
One extra bit of cleaning insanity I do is to remove the degreaser from the park tool device after I've cleaned the chain, then rinse the inside and clean the 3 brushes. Fill with clean water, assemble on the chain and run it again. A good way to rinse away cleaner and grease.
I am equally picky with my bike cleanliness. Wax-based lubes like Squirt and Smoove are the best I've found - last .a bit better in the wet and don't pick up as much crap. You can rub off the old lube with a dishtowel. I use a Wipperman Connex quick link - it's reusable over and over and over and means I can take the chain off each time I clean the bike - makes it super-easy to keep the mech clean. If there is a big buildup of muck - I pop the chain in a bidon of degreaser, shake it up, leave to soak, take the chain out, give a good clean with a towel, then clean off with water. If you have your chain off the bike, you can fling it around and around your head to get rid of any water inside - instead of blowing air into it.
Muc Off disc brake cleaner works pretty well for rotors and pads too.
Awesome mate! Squirt seem like the business and will be next on my list!
I used Squirt for several years before I found Smoove. They are both really good - Smoove seems to last a bit longer. If you're cleaning weekly anyway - that won't matter much - go for whichever you can get the best deal on.
Nice to see I'm not alone on this "Keeping your bike and chain ultra clean" I have OCD so you can imagine!!
A clean bike is a safe bike...I have used many chain lubes, now just use Squirt wax lube, I find it works really well, especially when you use the correct amount on each link... absolutely no more degreaser needed, and after a 100k ride just wipe off, then re-lube. After 300-400 k I wash in hot water with soap, and rinse, and dry, and your done! Chain runs very quiet, wonderful gear shifting, and attracts very little dust... I am sooooo glad a gave it a try!! Trick is to super clean a chain that has been used with other lubes, Squirt works best when no other lube substances mix in with it, that's why after 1-month of using it you will see how well it works! Even on a super clean chain you will find oils on chain, that's why some have used it incorrectly, with a chain they think they have really cleaned well, but still had the other lubes existing, once they mix, the Squirt performance is not optimal. I have been doing Squirt for a year now, and boy, it is a wonderful lube, and chain is in wonderful condition. But as with everything else on a bike, it's all very very personal, do whatever YOU think works best for you!
leftymadrid cheers for that very important detail!
After reading all the recommendations in the comments I’ll give Squirt a go next, happy to here that it runs quiet, that the most important part for me.
Will give a super deep clean before applying squirts... time to get that ultra sonic cleaner after all ;)
Cheers!
Mmmmm....nice film! Something very satisfying about watching somebody being equally careful:) I will sometimes (esp winter) remove the pulleys and give them a good clean - pulley gunk is just the worst. And I use old t-shirts etc for rags - the edges work well as cog floss! Never really got into waxy lubes - never seem to last long enough. My commute has a wet lube and my long rider has a dry lube. Ciao.
I used to do this deep clean all the time. Now I use baby wipes and just take off the cassette to clean it if it becomes to grimy. Park tool chain cleaner is the best. Fun video. Reminds me why I liked cleaning my bike and why I never use water or soap at all anymore.
You can make a portable compressor using your tubeless booster/pump. Use an adapter for ball pumping and do not open booster completely. Could work I think
I got a Trek Domane. I completely understand your maintenance. Im the exact same way every single day!
I thought I was the only one who was as thorough in cleaning my bike lol. I love your idea about reusing the the degreaser, and 1 thing I can add is using a coffee filter from the ¥100 shop to filter out the gunk before pouring it back in the bottle ;)
Casualguy 939 been getting that suggestion a lot... feel stupid not to think of my self 😁 will definitely do that in the future.
Cheers!
A similar chain Lube is the Morgan Blue MTB /CX Lube, it’s ‘dry’ but works well and doesn’t pick up as much dirt
Man, this is Awesome! Great thorough explanation and visuals to really protect your investment.
Nice tip on reusing cleaning solution. Have you considered waxing (Pedros wax, Mothers etc) bike frame? Can also use ceramic coating spray (Chemical Guys and such), it would help to prevent dirt and gunk sticking up to the surface. That was you can simmply rinse it off and wipe dry etc.
I haven’t no... got that tip about ceramic coating in another comment as well, very intrigued about that one, haven’t had time to look into it much though.
Is chemical guys what you recommend?
“A silent bike = happy days”
“They should always be within 10 meters while I am sleeping”
I love you man!
🤙
that was the best system i ever saw. off to my dollar store and hardware store now ! i clean weekly too, or more, but missed some details.
i have a service question. why does my rear wheel make pinging sounds from the spokes sometimes, under load. ?
Are they a custom built set? maybe they where not "de-stressed" or whatever you call it?
Could it be that the spokes has too low tension?
I'm no wheel builder so that's pure guesses, but if you're worried I'd have a bike shop take a look at them.
You could always put a drop of lube where the spokes cross but that would probably only mask the actual problem.
Hi. Now that you’re all happy with the open, time to get a new bike:Rondo HVRT CF. Looks to me like you two would be a perfect match. Cheers and thank you for the great videos. I really enjoyed them. Keep it up!
Mircea Popescu the Rondo looks nice indeed! I’m not quite done with the open yet though ;)
Cheers mate!
Your not as OCD as me... I wash my bike every week but I also remove the chain and wash it separately because I found the chain cleaning gizmo was not effective enough. So I put my chain in plastic pot with 1 degreaser and shake it, then wash the chain out with dish soap and water, then put it back in the pot with a maintenance spray and repeat shaking. After that the chain in removed and hung up for the rest or the day to drip dry, then I fit the chain back on my bike and lube with my own brand wet lubricant. My chain is so clean that dirt doesn't appear to turn the chain black until midweek, it doesn't matter anyway because it will get washed again at the end of the week.
Awesome! Love it!
I use a lubricant called “Finish Line” it’s a teflon lube and it gets dry
If i ride on a road, not in dirt, I will only use Rohloff Oil - best lubrication, and drivetrain is absolutely silent for hundreds miles. But don't use to much, and remember to remove excess of oil with cloth.
You can take the pulleys apart clean them and apply new grease
I do this exact process only I use Morgan blue pro rolls lube and I use muc off PTFE bike spray on the frame, it will leave a hell of a shine off the paintwork. It will make washing away dirt easy the next time u clean the bike
wow same process as me except i point my pressure washer vertically down to blast out any grit. avoiding any bearings, then use the park tool chain clener. i also wipe over the chain with a j cloth sprayed with wd40 to stop it rusting between rides then drop lube each link. very cathartic. before lubing i may check chain wear, i have noticed since regularly cleaning my chain it lasts longer. did a 50 mile towpath ride the other day and got covered. had to clean my bike before i cleaned myself. a clean bike is a joy to ride.
You should get a microfiber wash mitt for the frame . Maybe try smoove chain lube it is a wax though.
Agreed. It does not matter for most, but I think it might matter to him :D also a microfiber towel to prevent any scratches on the frame
Rotors and brake pads are sensitive to contaminates, I recommend wiping down the rotors with a dry rag, then removing the brake pads and cleaning the caliper with rubbing alcohol. I can't imagine you having to deal with cleaning a downhill bike, you would go crazy! Another thing to watch for is the clutch on the derailleur, the grease inside it is essential for it to work properly.
Do you wipe off the chain after oiling it? I do that, after at least a few minutes, to get some of the oil off the outside of the chain to prevent dirt sticking to it, as the oil should really be inside the plates and rollers. What do you think? Oh the other tool besides a thin paint brush tool like you have, is of course the pic. I found the pic to be great to get really stubborn gunk out of the cassette, maybe you get this with the hose or your bike is cleaned so often it doesn't build up. For me it does, especially my old less clean mtb. The cogs that are pinned are annoying as you can't hold the pic continuously in between the cogs on the spacers while the wheel rotates because the pins keep getting in the way - I also expect the inter-cog pins are places extra grime can stay. I just got a chain keeper :) so i will take the wheel off like you did and get a better cassette cleaning. A dirty cassette becomes a dirty chain pretty quick. Thanks for the vid!
Al Harman definitely a good idea!
I used to do it but I found with this particular lube that on longer rides I stayed quieter for longer when I didn't wipe the chain off in the morning. As I’m cleaning the bike after every big ride can take the compromise of bit dirtier chain.
The general recommendations are definitely wiping off the chain of excess lube to keep it as clean as possible 👍
You have a crazy perspective on cleaning your bike but the results are amazing. I have two bikes, my new commuter and my 20+ years old unshocked mountain bike. I used whitelighting as a cleaner and greaser and never cleaned the bike until last year. I just changed the chain, first ever, and cleaned the inside of the rear derailler arms wow. I don't know how to clean the spring inside. I was thinking of taking the jockey's out too because that was tough. I loved your pinched fingers on the jockeys i think that is a very important trick to get rid of that guk because once it builds and stays it is very difficult to remove. So I will try that. I also use muckoff chain cleaner device which I was surprised you didn't use since it drops new degreaser from above the chain and does not reuse/recirculate contaminated solution from below...but... your results are still good.
@@ridesofjapan
How much are your DT Swiss 1200's in Japan? [+disc/thru axle etc... roughly, because in Scotland those are very expensive!!!]
They are really bad as discounting the high-end stuff in Japan, so I wouldn’t even try to find them here.
You could fund them 50% off on amazon before... but I don’t know if they still are available.
I run a different lube for different bikes. For tarmac only bikes, I use ProGold ProLink Chain Lube on that one. I lube before every ride and it attracts dirt. It is a PITA to really get my chain clean and I clean mine exactly like you do. However, it performs really well. For bikes that will see dirt, I use Squirt Long Chain Lube Wax Emulsion for Wet & Dry. I rarely have to apply the lube and the chain is super easy to clean. If I had to have one arrow in the quiver, it would get the Squirt lube as it is an all conditions lube and low maintenance.
Cheers!
sound like a good solution that 👍
As a guy who also loves a spotless and noise-free bike, here are my tips and tricks for properly cleaning your bike INSIDE your apartment/house (in case you have no back yard to make a mess around):
- wet wipes for the frame, cassette and even rims (the sort you use for cleaning your bathroom; not all work as well, but some of them have really good solvents that clean up dried up gunk easily)
- remove the cassette from the freewheel to clean it more easily and more thoroughly, same for the jockey wheels
- use Diesel fuel to clean the chain: remove it from the bike, leave it in a jar filled with enough Diesel to cover the chain for half an hour or so, maybe shake it a few times in the meantime, then remove it from the jar and wash it off with some dishwasher fluid; far more efficient than absolutely any chain cleaner product I have tried, especially if there's very old lube and gunk on the chain
Absolutely no mess, far less material involved, and also one of the only ways to clean your bike inside your house. Also somewhat quicker and more thorough once you get used to the procedure. In extreme cases, when your wheels end up looking terrible after a particularly muddy ride, they may take a shower with me to remove the main layer of dirt before cleaning them properly with wet wipes.
If you're washing inside, you can half-fill the kitchen sink with warm soapy water. Then, balance your wheels across the sink diagonal which should put the tire roughly in the water, but not the rim. Then scrub whilst rotating the wheel to get everything clean. Wet wipe for the spokes and hub.
@@jamesvaughan7274 that's a very good tip, but sort of depends on the shape of the sink. I think it should work fine with mine.
Morgan blue is seriously good cleaner, and their lubes are also great
Their CX / MTB dry lube is clear and doesn't pick up as much dirt. But like the ceramic lube it washes off in the rain so needs relubing every long ride
few people mentioned below, but good info worth repeating.
sir Oz cycle, named Steven, has a comparison chart about diff. types of chain lube. The one that he makes out of candles is a good one.
I use 2 ultrasonic cleaners for my chain and cassette. 2 cycles of degreaser in one cleaner for the cassette and chain and 1 cycle in chain lube for the chain, then I run the chain through a paper towel to remove the exes lube. And 2 times a year I also put my pulley wheels in there and put some fresh grease in there.
I use the same Muc Off lube here in U.S. and apply the same way. Also have the same experience - only lasts one or two rides but it does stay pretty clean (the dry version) and is easy to apply. Great episode as always
I love wax . no dirty , no oil. i do all my three once every 2 months, unless i get a rain
I also use wax, but I apply it every 300-400 km. love it because transmission is soooo clean
Edit: Damn! I’ve read about Squirt before, but reading all the comments settles it! My 1L muc-off is about to run out finally so my next lube is definitely Squirt (or smoove)! Cheers all!
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FYI: Gunk = Dirt 😅
Curious to hear you bike washing hacks!
I've not gone down the ultra sonic cleaner route yet, don't see that being that effective/fast for this kind of regular "quick-clean", but it's definitely on the cards in the future!
Park chain cleaner + Morgan Blue 👍, have you tried the Squirt dry lube? Might be worth a look/try.
Since we're already talking OCD: go the ultrasonic cleaning / molten speed wax route. You'll never go back ;-)
I ride in winter in Canada. A few mountain bikes on the road and on trails. Cannot stress enough to people about cleaning a bike's drive train. To me its not about wearing out a chain or cassette. Its more about breaking a chain in 21 below zero in the middle of nowhere ha ha...fuck me~its going to be a walk back lol
Squirt lube is the most time efficient way to have a clean & fast drivetrain. I only needs a deep clean (degrease) every 500 miles. Sram hollow-pin chains clean up the best IMO.
Microfibre towels/rags for cassete sprockets and chain drying. Squirt-lube for clean, non gathering dirt lube. Few times a year do use light polish automotive cleaner - dodo lime prime - for extra smooth surface, and spray wax with wet application for glossy bling bling finish - adbl synthethic spray wax.
Must try that park tool cleaner - seems to be better than my current finish line one.
I think most cyclists have the chain cleaning OCD. I clean my chain after every ride but I use washing up liquid which works for me. I'm weary of using degreaser as I think about the bearings. Use a sponge first to get the dirt off then washing up brush. Just to be extra OCD I have used a mascara brush to get in between the links. my girlfriend wants me to get a mental health assessment!! I saw some motor bike chain wax is this ok for a bycycle?