Why does my bike chain turn black?
You have cleaned your bike, lubricated your chain and after just a few rides your chain is already black again. Sound familiar? A black bike chain does not automatically mean that you are doing something wrong. While riding, lubricant, dirt and small wear particles collect on your chain. This can create a dark, greasy layer.
But why does this happen faster on some chains than others? And more importantly: can you prevent your bike chain from turning black?
In this blog, we explain where that black layer comes from, how to get your chain clean again and what you can do to keep your drivetrain cleaner for longer.
Why does a bike chain turn black?
The black colour on your chain is usually caused by a combination of lubricant, dirt and small wear particles.
While riding, your chain comes into contact with dust, sand and other dirt from the road or trail. This dirt mixes with the lubricant on and inside your chain.
In addition, friction occurs between the chain, cassette and chainrings while you ride. Small wear particles can mix with the lubricant and dirt. Together, this creates that familiar dark or black layer.
Especially when too much oil remains on the outside of the chain, dirt can stick to the chain more easily.
Is a black bike chain bad?
A chain does not always have to be completely clean and shiny to function properly. A little discolouration after a few rides is therefore not immediately a problem.
It is especially time to clean your chain when it becomes very black and greasy, holds a lot of sand and dirt, starts running less smoothly or begins to sound dry and noisy.
A heavily contaminated drivetrain can cause additional wear. Dirt does not only stay on the outside of your chain, but can also get between the links, onto the cassette and around the chainrings.
Can you prevent your chain from turning black?
It is difficult to prevent it completely. Your bike chain is a moving component that is exposed to dirt, moisture and friction during every ride.
However, you can make sure that your chain does not become black and dirty as quickly.
One of the most important things is to avoid using too much lubricant. More oil does not automatically mean a better lubricated chain. The lubricant mainly needs to reach the areas between the links and around the rollers.
Apply the lubricant carefully, allow it to penetrate properly and then wipe the outside of the chain with a clean, dry cloth. This leaves less excess lubricant on the outside of the chain for dirt to stick to.
Oil or wax: which stays cleaner?
If keeping your drivetrain as clean as possible is important to you, chain wax can be an interesting option.
Wax forms a lubricating wax layer after drying. This means the chain attracts less dirt and makes it easier to keep the drivetrain clean. It is important, however, to apply wax to a properly cleaned and dry chain.
With CyclOn Wax Lube, you choose a wax lubricant that helps keep your drivetrain clean and running smoothly. Want to take it one step further? Then there is CyclOn Pro Chain Wax, developed for a clean drivetrain and very low friction.
Choose your wax
Keep your drivetrain clean and smooth with the wax that suits your ride.
My bike chain is black: how do I get it clean again?
Has your chain become black, greasy and dirty? In that case, simply wiping it with a dry cloth is often no longer enough. It is time to thoroughly clean your chain and drivetrain.
Step 1 – Clean and degrease the chain
Use CyclOn Chain Cleaner to remove oil, grease and built-up dirt from the chain and drivetrain.
Apply the Chain Cleaner to the chain and drivetrain and use a chain brush or cloth to loosen the dirt. Don't forget the cassette, chainrings and derailleur pulleys.
Step 2 – Remove the dirt
Rinse away the loosened dirt. Is your drivetrain heavily contaminated? Repeat the treatment if necessary.
Step 3 – Let the chain dry completely
This is an important step. Do not apply new lubricant to a wet chain. Dry the chain thoroughly with a clean cloth and allow any remaining moisture to evaporate.
Step 4 – Lubricate the chain again
Once the chain is completely clean and dry, you can apply oil or wax again. Use only as much as necessary and remove any excess lubricant from the outside of the chain.
CyclOn Chain Cleaner
For thoroughly cleaning and degreasing your bike chain and drivetrain.
VIEW PRODUCTWant to switch from chain oil to wax?
Do you want to prevent your chain from quickly turning black again and switch from oil to wax? Then thorough preparation is especially important.
Old oil and greasy residue need to be properly removed from the chain before applying wax. If oil remains in or on the chain, it can affect how well the wax adheres.
For an extra thorough clean, you can use CyclOn Pro Chain Stripper. This powerful degreaser removes old oil, wax and stubborn contamination and provides a clean base before applying new lubricant or wax.
CyclOn Pro Chain Stripper
Powerful degreaser for removing old oil, wax and stubborn contamination.
VIEW PRODUCTHow to keep your bike chain cleaner for longer
It is normal for a bike chain to become a little darker over time. It is almost impossible to completely prevent dirt and lubricant from mixing. However, you can prevent your chain from quickly developing a thick, black and greasy layer.
Do not use too much lubricant and always wipe excess oil from the outside of the chain. Clean your drivetrain regularly as well, and don't wait until a thick layer of dirt has built up on the chain.
If keeping your drivetrain clean is especially important to you, wax can be a good choice. Wax attracts less dirt and helps make your chain and drivetrain easier to keep clean.
Has your chain turned black anyway? No problem. Clean it thoroughly, allow it to dry completely and then apply the right lubricant again.
Keep Your Bike Smiling!
