Bicycle chain cleaners: description, selection and operation tips

Due to external physical and weather influences, the bicycle chain is subject to stretching and rapid wear. To prevent problems with this element and transport in general, a bicycle chain cleaner will help.

A tool known as a chain cleaner is usually included in a special bicycle care kit, along with a cassette scraper and a brush. Usually, the device is made of polymeric material and equipped with the same plastic gears. A handle is attached to the typewriter for ease of use, and the lock keeps it closed during the entire cleaning process.

When the handle is removed, the device can be opened and you can see several gears with brushes attached to them. During operation, the chain is tightly clamped and immobilized by the tabs on the cover. The unit is collapsible - this is done so that after work it can be immediately cleaned of contaminants.

Some believe that you can do without this device, however, practice shows that the device has several significant advantages:

• cleansing is much faster;
• hands remain clean;
• the chain does not need to be removed;
• the use of the design does not imply complexity;
• You can save on the purchase of grease and oils.

The disadvantage of the device is the necessary cleaning after use and the relatively high cost of some models, in addition, it does not clean the stars. But this is where the flaws end with the obvious use of the machine.

Today you can choose a chain washer of any price category, configuration and design.

• The most inexpensive device is C&L. Despite the fact that it costs about 500-600 rubles, the model has certain advantages: you do not need to dismantle the chain, cleaning is quick, the device is easy to use and disassemble. However, the material of manufacture leaves much to be desired, and during the working process the unit creaks.
• Model Bike Hand YC-79 - a better product with the same principle of operation. The advantage is collapsible gears that are convenient to rinse. Of the minuses - a frequent replacement of the stuffing box made of foam rubber, subject to rapid abrasion. Brushes can also be replaced, but based on the price it’s easier to buy another device. Modification costs about 1200 p.
• A more expensive, and, no doubt, quality option - Super bike tools. The machine, with proper care, is designed for long-term operation, has sound rollers, and a scraper and a brush are included in the kit. On the case of this model chips and cracks are excluded, and in general the thing is worthy of attention. However, its cost is much higher - about 1800 p.
• Model Pedro's Chain Machine is a premium device, has the highest rating among other designs due to the high-quality material of the case and parts. The kit includes a brush and a special cleaning composition. This device has more than 100 rollers, so the cleansing is extremely deep and even. In addition, the machine does not need to be kept during the work process.

A chain wash is extremely necessary when, for some reason, the chain cannot be removed, and it’s not very convenient to manually clean the element.

Using the device is quite simple:

• need to open the lid;
• bring the machine to the bottom of the chain, focusing on the grooves in the case and links;
• close the lid, so that the part will be tightly fixed;
• fill the bath with a cleaning agent;
• fix the machine to the frame;
• set the chain movement using the pedals.

In this case, the chain will pass through the gears with brushes and gradually get rid of pollution. The more often this procedure is carried out, the less time it will take.

The main regular maintenance of the bicycle chain consists of two operations - lubrication and cleaning. First, an important element is cleaned using means such as lithol or solidol, which every car driver has in his house. Cooking in boiling grease is allowed, but it is better not to use motor oil, since it turns into an emulsion, and then into a substance of increased hardness, this composition will not only lead to even more dirt sticking, but it can also damage the bicycle mechanism.

As a rule, a detergent comes with the machine, but it quickly ends, so many use other degreasing compounds, such as gasoline, kerosene and white spirit. If the device is cheap, low-quality plastic can be used to make it. As a result, when pouring the same gasoline, it is able to dissolve the device body.

Cyclists with experience who know how to properly care for transport are advised to rinse off simple contaminants with ordinary water, adding dishwashing detergents or diluting grated laundry soap.

In order to perform a high-quality washing, you can pre-treat the chain links with a universal aerosol preparation WD-40 or silicone grease, previously covering the rim and rotor with protective material. It is also important that the chain is clean and completely dry before lubrication.

Regarding the choice of cars, there is only one recommendation - try to purchase a quality product. In cheap devices, the contact of the brushes with the surface of the links is not too tight, but a good machine can cope even with severe contaminants. Well, of course, such a device must be treated with care and kept clean.

A machine for washing and cleaning a bicycle chain is a useful and practical device. Despite the fact that some consider it unnecessary, their opponents have a different opinion - in the 21st century, and the device allows you to carry out the necessary procedure in the most civilized way.

Test bike chain cleaner see below.