Cleaning and Lubricating Your Chain
Even the experts disagree on the best way to clean and lube a chain. No one knows which way is best because there is no documentation of how well each method works. There are as many theories as there are cyclists. Each biker claims his method is superior because it has worked so well for him, and will fight to the death to defend his theory.
     What we do know is that an uncleaned chain will eventually eat into the cogs and necessitate the replacement of at least the rear cassete, which can be costly. So in this vacuum of evidence I offer a solution about halfway between the extremes which is simple and not too burdensome.

Raise Your Bike  The easiest way is certainly with a bike repair stand, but they are fairly expensive. You can also jerry-rig a gizmo with 2x4s and bungee cords. Some people use their trailer hitch car carriers, some use their wall mounted bike racks, some hang the bike from the basement ceiling studs with rope. Whichever way, it will all go easier if your bike is off the floor. You may also want something to protect the floor under the chain, because there is always some spillover of nasty liquids. Speaking of nasty liquids, it is a good idea to wear thin protective gloves when doing maintenance to protect your skin.


Rag Clean the Chain  Spray some citrus degreaser like Orange Cleaner or Simple Green on a rag. Many different substances from gasoline to WD40 have been recommended for this process, but the citrus cleaners are non-toxic, not flammable, biodegradable and seem to work just as well. Hold the chain with the rag and crank the wheels backwards through the rag for a minute or two. Do this several times, reloading the rag each time, until there seems to be no more gunk coming off on the rag. Alternatively, and in some ways both more easily and effectively, you can use a chain scrubber.

Machine Scrub the Chain  The Barbieri Tornado, Pedro's Chain Machine, the Park Tool Chain Gang, the Weldtite Dirt Trap Chain and the Muc-Off Chain Doc are among the many options available - they all seem to be pretty much the same. These are small clear plastic containers which attach to the chain. Each has wheels and bristles inside which turn to scrub the chain and penetrate into each link. You fill the container with degreaser and crank the wheels backward while holding the handle of the machine. Replace the degreaser when it gets dirty and crank the chain through again. As with rag cleaning, repeat until the chain seems clean to the eye or no more gunk seems to be coming off in the container. Almost all the reviews I have seen from bikers on the forums have been positive. It also seems to work quite satisfactorily for me. If you buy one of these machines, it may come with its own cleaner - you can use that or the products mentioned above.

Lube the Chain  Place a drop of chain lube in each link of the chain. There are only about a zillion lubricating products out there - be sure to get a bicycle-specific lube. Several names to look for are ProLink, Pedro's, White Lightning and Park's. When you've finished, take a clean cloth and hold the chain as you crank the pedals backwards. Do this until you cannot feel any lubrication on the chain with your bare hand. Don't worry about getting too much lube off - you won't!


There is also disagreement on how often to clean and lube your chain. My suggestion, based on reading many opinions on line, is every 500 miles. You should also do this immediately after your bike is caught in the rain or otherwise gets wet.

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