How to get your bike chain sparkling clean again
Want to clean your bike chain but not sure where to start? No worries. We’ll take you through it step by step: how to clean your chain properly and which products can help you along the way.
Sound familiar? Your chain and cassette slowly turn black, and every time you accidentally touch them, you end up with an impressive black "tattoo" on your hand or leg. Time to do something about it.
The good news is that you don’t need any complicated techniques. With a few simple products, you can get your chain clean again in no time.
Step 1: Degrease
Start with a good chain degreaser. You can choose between two products that serve the same purpose but differ in cleaning power and application.
CyclOn Chain Cleaner is a powerful degreaser for cleaning your chain, cassette, derailleur and crankset.
CyclOn Pro Chain Stripper is developed for professional performance under the toughest conditions. Its powerful formula penetrates deep into the chain links and removes old oil, wax and stubborn contamination. Ideal when you want to thoroughly clean your chain or prepare it for wax.
Apply your chosen degreaser to the chain and cassette and let it work for a short while.
Pro Chain Stripper
Powerful degreaser for removing old oil, wax and stubborn contamination.
VIEW PRODUCTStep 2: Brush
Now that the dirt has loosened, it’s time to give your drivetrain a proper scrub. Here too, you can choose between two brushes.
CyclOn Detailing Brush is a compact cleaning brush with firm bristles, specially designed to tackle stubborn dirt in hard-to-reach areas. Thanks to its compact size and comfortable rubber handle, you can easily clean smaller components.
CyclOn Precision Soft Detailer Brush brings out the pro mechanic in you. This high-quality detailing brush is specially designed for precise cleaning of the drivetrain and other hard-to-reach components. Its soft bristles are ideal for the cassette, derailleur and chain.
The choice is yours: choose the brush that best suits the area you want to clean and the amount of dirt you need to remove.
Precision Soft Detailer Brush
Soft precision brush for thoroughly cleaning your chain, cassette and derailleur.
VIEW PRODUCTStep 3: Rinse
Finished brushing? Rinse everything thoroughly with clean water to remove loosened dirt and any remaining degreaser.
There you go, your clean chain is starting to shine again. But we’re not done yet!
Step 4: Dry
Leaving a clean chain wet is asking for rust. That’s why drying your chain properly is just as important as cleaning it.
The CyclOn Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Set consists of three high-quality microfiber cloths: two red and one black. Use the black cloth for the drivetrain and the red cloths for the frame, wheels and other components.
Hold the black cloth loosely in your hand and wrap it around the chain. Slowly rotate the pedals backwards so the cloth can dry the chain on all sides.
Bam, done. Your chain is clean, dry and ready to go.
Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Set
Three soft, lint-free microfiber cloths for cleaning and drying your bike and drivetrain.
VIEW PRODUCTStep 5: Lubricate
One more thing: don’t forget to lubricate your chain again with oil or wax after cleaning and drying it. A completely clean chain without lubrication actually creates more friction and wear.
Still unsure whether to choose wax or oil? Read our blog “Wax or oil on your chain? Here’s our answer”. In this blog, we explain which type of lubrication best suits your riding style, weather conditions and maintenance routine.
Want to switch to wax after degreasing your chain? The PRO Go To Wax Bundle + Free Detailer Brush is a convenient complete set to get you started.
PRO Go To Wax Bundle
A complete set to thoroughly clean your chain and get started with a wax routine.
VIEW BUNDLEA clean chain runs better
Degreasing your bike chain doesn’t have to be complicated. With five simple steps, you can get your drivetrain clean and ready for your next ride:
- Degrease the chain and drivetrain.
- Brush away loosened and stubborn dirt.
- Rinse the drivetrain thoroughly.
- Dry the chain completely.
- Lubricate the chain again with oil or wax.
By regularly cleaning your chain thoroughly, you prevent dirt, old lubricant and other contamination from building up. Afterwards, you have a clean base for applying fresh chain lubricant.
Keep Your Bike Smiling! ☀️