How to Clean and Properly Maintain Your Bike Chain

Is your bike chain old or rusted? Bike maintenance is probably the last thing you have on your mind while you're riding around on your expeditions. However; not properly tending to your bike's chain maintenance can cause you to "crash and burn". Below I have listed an easy to follow tutorial on how to clean your bike chain with the quickness!

Materials: Great Ventilated area (Outside)

Bike cleaner/Solvent/De-Greaser

Bucket or Pan

Couple of Dry Rags

Hard Bristle Brush

Step 1: The first step you must make is to remove the chain from the bike. If you're having problems removing the chain, look in your bike manual for instructions, if it was supplied with one. If you're really having a hard time taking the bike chain off, try looking for how to's online about your specific bike and bike chain to remove it.

Step 2: Once you've removed the chain, get to a well ventilated area and set all of your materials down in front of you. Doing this will prevent you from having to run back and forth to get materials, everything will be in front of you.

Step 3: Grab your bucket or pan and proceed to put the cleaner, solvent or degreaser in. Don't fill up the bucket or pan all the way because it will be a waste of cleaner. The chain isn't that big so put just enough to cover the chain.

Step 4: Once you have your liquid in the bucket, submerge the whole chain. Rotate the chain around in the bucket making sure to submerge in the bucket all the way to get every side of the chain. Leave in for 2-4 minutes if you have little rust or grease, 5-7 minutes if you have any type of major grime.

Step 5: Take the chain out of the bucket and grab the hard bristled brush. Scrub the chain back and forth and then in a circle motion between all of the chain links. On finished, proceed to re-soak the chain back in the liquid. (Note: If liquid is dirty from the previous soak, pour it out and add some fresh product in.)

Step 6: Allow the chain to soak for 1-2 more minutes before taking it completely out and drying it off with a clean rag. Be sure to remove all signs of cleaner and completely dry the chain before applying it back to the bike.