The bike chain cleaner is essential to keep the chain of bicycles and mountain bikes in perfect condition. So let’s see how it works: the best detergents and chain washers to easily and completely clean the bike chain.
The bike chain cleaner removes dust, sand, mud and prevents the formation of rust and other inconveniences that can block the chain and ruin our bike rides. However, when the chain is not perfect, it can get stuck or come out of the sprockets, dangerous during road races.
Proper chain maintenance means that it flows smoothly, smoothly, and silently, in perfect harmony with the pedals and gearbox. Like all the parts of the bike, it is advisable to carry out continuous checks to ensure safety and, at the same time, avoid spending large sums on repairing or replacing a worn chain.
At one time, cleaning the DIY chain involved oils and fuels, including gasoline. This practice is dangerous and apparently can lead to corrosion and wear of the materials that make up the chain and the rest of the bike. It is still practical to clean the chain with a rag soaked in white oil or diesel, but choosing a natural, safe, and effective chain washer is much better.
Should clean the chain every time the bike is used, especially in the presence of mud or metal particles, earth, grass, and other particularly insidious residues. In general, cleaning the mountain-bike chain requires more effort due to more evident dirt.
Even city bikes should not be neglected, especially if you visit parks where sand is harmful to the gear.
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How to choose the bike chain cleaner: Types and Characteristics
Let’s see the main types and characteristics to consider to buy a good bike chain cleaner product suitable for our purpose.
Chain cleaner device
It is a device that contains a set of brushes inside it with a small tank. It opens, positions the chain, and closes again. Must hold the device still while turning the bike’s pedals to slide the chain inside. In this way, the chain’s cleaning is faster and more effective.
We find appliances of different types that mainly stand out in two groups in the market. First, independent bike chain cleaner devices must be filled with liquid detergent and then used on the chain. While the appliances to be mounted on the canister must be used simultaneously with the detergent’s dispensing. In most cases, they can replace them.
The brush system inside can be removable. This facilitates the brush cleaning operation after use or replacement with replacement brushes. In most cases, the appliance allows cleaning without removing the chain, and it is efficient because it is not dirty.
A pad sponge in the best models absorbs the drips and prevents detergent and dirt leakage. Furthermore, we can find devices with magnets that attract small metal particles between the residues.
We must consider that not all the devices are suitable for all bikes, the best bike chain cleaners are universal, but we will be able to find equipment suitable exclusively for cleaning mountain bikes or city bikes.
Chain cleaner detergents for cleaning the chain are found in liquids or a spray version. We can find bottles of different sizes on the market, from 100 ml to 500 ml. Most of them are natural and biodegradable elements, an important aspect of avoiding inhaling harmful chemical agents. The detergent acts by dissolving grease and dirt that penetrate between the gears.
Chain cleaner detergents
Detergents for cleaning the chain are found in liquids or a spray version. We can find bottles of different sizes on the market, from 100 ml to 500 ml. Most of them are natural and biodegradable elements, an important aspect of avoiding inhaling harmful chemical agents. The detergent acts by dissolving grease and dirt that penetrate between the gears.
The spray cleaner is easier to use, while the liquid detergent needs a brush or a brush to be applied correctly and not waste too many products. Moreover, it allows for effective cleaning without disassembling the chain. However, if the dirt is evident, for example, mud is present, before using the detergent, it is advisable to wash the chain with simple water to remove the most consistent residues.
Chain cleaner kit
We find complete cleaning kits that include both the detergent and the appliance and other support brushes to clean the sprockets effectively on the market. The chain’s cleaning must not exclude the transmission for which a special brush will be necessary.
How to use the bike chain cleaner and how to clean the bike chain
We proceed in this way to clean the chain. First, we eliminate any residual grass or leaves stuck in the chain and the pinions. So, in the presence of mud and earth, we wash the chain with simple water and help ourselves with a brush to remove the larger residues.
At this point, we proceed with the use of a chain cleaner. If we have only the detergent, we distribute it on the chain with a small brush that can go deep into the mesh. If we have the bike chain cleaner instead, we have to open it and position the chain inside it. Then we turn the pedals keeping the unit still and letting the chain slide.
[divider style="solid" top="10" bottom="10"]The best bike chain cleaner to buy
Below is the complete selection of the best bike chain cleaners for bikes and mountain bikes with their respective characteristics and prices.
- Complete cleaning solution for cleaning bike chains, rear cogs, and chainrings
- Includes chain scrubber, gear brush, and degreaser
- Cyclone Chain Scrubber cleans chains quickly, easily, and effectively
- CB-4 Bio Chain rite is a 100% biodegradable, natural, plant-based degreaser
- It removes the toughest grease and grime build up from chains and bicycle components
- Bio Chain rite is also an excellent general purpose bicycle degreaser
- 【Performance】Wet Lubricant,Dust,Rust and waterproof.Premium base oils provide optimal...
- 【Quick】Chain scrubber works quickly and gets your chain clean with little...
- 【Efficient】Gear brush,Curved toothed end reaches deep between cassette gears,Tough...
- Works with all multi-speed bikes (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12-speed)
- Sturdy handle makes the Cyclone easy to use and control
- Special wicking sponge draws solvent from the chain as it exits, minimizing drips and mess
- SEPARATES DIRTY FLUID: The innovative design separates the excess dirty fluid by dropping...
- Perfect for Road, MTB or Cyclocross bicycle chains
- Easily removes grease, grime and chain oil in seconds
- 【Bicycle Cleaning Kit】:Fully equipped, include, Wheel Brush, Claw bicycle cleaning...
- 【Easy to Clean】:Unique Chain Scrubber is built with even more durable, high-quality...
- 【High Quality】:The bicycle cleaning tool is made of high-quality plastic + coral...
- Fully biodegradable and safe for metal, plastic, rubber and sealsFast and effective grease...
- One 4-ounce squeeze bottler of 1-Step wet-style cleaner an lubricant
- Fast and easy--penetrates and flushes old lube and contaminants out and lubricates with...
- Whenever chain is dry or dirty, just apply and you're ready to go ride
- Finish Line's most powerful and popular degreaser
- A dry-style degreaser which cleans and strips everything down to bare metal and then...
- Perfect for decontaminating disc brakes
- The most used cycling lubrication in the world
- Made using the highest quality ingredients.
- Greatly reduces drivetrain and bearing friction
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