Best method to degrease chain?

[sam_p2000]

I just got the pointy back from a minor service and want to degrease the chain and sprocks more to make it look clean and shiny again than anything else.
What should i use as im a little wary about the amount of alloy, paint and o'rings in the chain and nearby? Any tips would be really handy :D

[timwilky]

My preferred solution is to put bike on rear paddock and remove back wheel

then place a tray filled with paraffin under the loose chain and drag it through giving it a scrub with a stiff brush. then wipe it with a cloth and blow it off with the air line.

Refit the wheel also having used the time off to give that a good clean. then lub it well and take bike for a quick chain warm to relub again

[Red Herring]

My preferred solution is to put bike on rear paddock and remove back wheel

then place a tray filled with paraffin under the loose chain and drag it through giving it a scrub with a stiff brush. then wipe it with a cloth and blow it off with the air line.

Refit the wheel also having used the time off to give that a good clean. then lub it well and take bike for a quick chain warm to relub again

Ditto....although I tend to do the chain with the wheel still on the bike as it holds the chain nice and still whilst i clean it with a toothbrush and paintbrush. An old baking tray is ideal for holding the paraffin. After you have done the chain and the sprocket area with the paraffin a good wash with a degreaser gets rid of all the overspill onto wheels, frames, bodywork etc, but give it a quick ride before you do so otherwise all the paraffin still in the chain will only flick out all over your nice clean undertray!

[sam_p2000]

Lol, ok will have to get someone to run me to B&Q! I was secretly hoping i could have used something i had already! I think ill give it a go with the wheel on first and see how i get on. So using petrol or tin of 'gunk' is not a good idea?

[STRAMASHER]

Get a bottle of Parrafin from B&Q , apply with a paint brush , work in, clean with some rags.

Run the bike on the stand , up a coupla gears. (Baffle in for the neighbours, cos I'm such an upright citizen):) Gets rid of a lot of excess.

Stop it. Clean chain with rags. Give a thorough oil. Keep your eye on the chain the next few uses of the bike. It will go dry a bit quicker.

[Mr Speirs]

Things you will need: Parafin, Mini Foam Paint Rollers, Chain Lube, Rags, Rear Paddock Stand

1. Back wheel on stand
2. Dip your roller in Parafin and apply to the chain, rotate the back wheel to reach all of chain.
3. Dip rag in parafin and start attacking the rear sprocket
4. Quick ride to warm the chain up and shake off any excess parafin
5. Lube with lube of choice.
6. Stand back and admire your sparkly new chain.

[sam_p2000]

Cool, parrafin it is then! That'll kill my itch to do something bike related! Thanks to everyone for the fast replies! :mrgreen::cheers::smt040

[dizzyblonde]

or indeedy if you don't have parrafin, or a stand. WD40 on a rag. Scrub it with it and push up on the grab rail and spin your back wheel round that way. Always worked for me,


Edit......you get your hands dirty ;-)

[Ed]

I noticed yesterday that the inside of my chain is a right state - I cleaned it not that long ago but the salt has rusted it. I have a major job for this weekend.

[kwak zzr]

salt yakk! i clean the stuff off regular or as soon as i can after a ride.

[MattCollins]

Run the bike on the stand , up a coupla gears.

Don't be tempted to go anywhere near chains and sprockets... unless you don't mind loosing fingers.

All I do is brush the chain down with an excessive amount of paraffin using a paint brush, let it drip dry while I give the rest of the bike a clean, then ride it with the oiler cranked up for the first couple of kilometres.

Cheers

[Red Herring]

So using petrol or tin of 'gunk' is not a good idea?

Definitely not.....both will clean the chain very well indeed, unfortunately they will also degrease the o rings which will then lead to very premature replacement, so I guess it is sort of a way to getting a new looking chain....:)