It’s chain-cleaning time! There are a few methods for keeping your bike’s chain clean throughout the season. In today’s lesson, let’s explore some of these approaches that will keep your bike’s chain and drivetrain sparkly clean and performing as it should! The methods I’m sharing are suggestions. If you have a system that has been tried-and-true, please stick with what works for you.
Introducing “The Wax”
If you attended Lennard Zinn’s basic maintenance workshop, he introduced the method of waxing the chain. This technique involves dipping the chain in wax and guarantees that the chain will stay clean and free of dirt and who-knows-what-else for 1,500 miles of riding! It’s important that the cassette, jockey wheels, and chainring are part of the cleaning process — all the gunk needs to be removed, so the wax can do its thing. To keep the chain free of dirt, simply wipe it clean with a rag after each ride.
Zinn Cycles in Louisville offers chain waxing with a 1- to 2-day turnaround. As a 2024 sponsor of the Venus Bike Club, Zinn offers current members benefits including 20% off bike services (which includes chain waxing) and 10% off parts/components/tools/books.
The Timeless Soap-and-Water Cleansing Approach
Once a month, and sometimes more often, treat the chain to a well-deserved bath using the old-school method of soap, water, and a bit of elbow grease. If this fits your style, here are step-by-step directions on how to clean the chain.
The Deep Clean
Another method cyclists use to clean the chain involves removing the chain and then dropping it into an old plastic bottle filled with degreaser or soap and water. I’m not a fan of this method since the constant removal of the chain is not only tedious, but it will advance the chain’s wear and tear, resulting in a stretched chain1 (see Check that Ch-Ch-Chain).
The longevity of the chain and drivetrain will last longer if you stay on top of regular cleaning and give your chain a quick wipe after each ride.
Happy Riding!
- Zinn, L. (2005). The Art of Road Bike Maintenance (2nd ed., p. 52), Boulder, CO: Velo Press.
Comments are closed.