How to Clean and Lube a Bike Chain
How to get your bike chain in top shape with 5 steps!
> Care and Cleaning Products
> Step-by-Step Guide
> Bike Oil Check
What You Need:
Do you have everything you need for chain care?
Let's Go!
STEP 1
Remove Coarse Dirt
First you should remove any coarse dirt from the drivetrain. Use the top end of your chain brush, a piece of wood or a tire lever to remove the chunks of gunk from the chainring and the derailleur pulleys.
Our mechanics tip: Check the bike chain first
Before you start cleaning the bike chain, you should first check the state of your chain. A wear gauge will show you whether the bike chain is too worn and needs to be replaced.
STEP 2
Apply Chain Cleaner
Now it's time for the fine cleaning: To loosen the encrusted oil, soak the chain with a chain cleaner for the specified exposure time. A coarse brush and warm water with detergent is the ecologically better alternative for light soiling.
Our mechanic tip: Use a hub dummy
A hub dummy allows you to easily maintain the bike chain, cassette and shifting parts without the rear wheel installed.
STEP 3
Cleaning the Bike Chain
To clean the bike chain itself, remove the dirt with a brush. For an even faster and more efficient cleaning process, we recommend using a chain cleaning device.
Our mechanics tip: Clean the drive as well
To clean the bike chain efficiently, you should also clean the cassette, jockey wheels and chain rings. Using a sprocket brush and a cloth is a great way to remove dirt from the spaces between the sprockets.
STEP 4
Wipe the Chain Dry
Now wipe the chain dry with a clean cloth. Your bike chain is now sparkling clean and ready for new lubrication.
Our mechanics tip: Clean the bike chain regularly
Regular short maintenance of the chain makes more thorough cleaning a rare task: To do this, pull the chain repeatedly through a dry cloth until no more dirt gets stuck and relubricate the chain if necessary.
STEP 5
Oiling & Wipe the Chain
Apply the oil to the inside of the chain, leave it to work for a few minutes and then wipe off the excess lubricant with a cloth. This means less dust sticks to your chain and it stays clean for longer.
Our mechanics tip: Maintaining the Derailleurs
You can also occasionally lubricate the rear derailleur and front derailleur joints with universal oil. We recommend using a spray oil with a "straw". Once again, don't forget to wipe off excess oil with a cloth to prevent dirt from sticking.
Lubricating the Bike Chain Made Easy: The Lubricant Check
Does the huge selection of chain lubricants leave you clueless? Here you can find out the advantages and disadvantages of the various lubricants. So that you can find the ultimate champion for your bike chain.
Dry Lube
- Field of application: special lubricant for dry conditions and dusty trails
- Pros: attracts less dust and dirt, easy to clean
- Cons: does not provide long-lasting lubrication, limited to summer conditions
Wet Lube
- Field of application: special lubricant, ideal for wet and muddy conditions on long rides
- Pros: universally applicable, particularly long-lasting protective film and good protection against corrosion
- Cons: tends to attract dirt and deposits, regular cleaning required
Chain Wax
- Field of application: ideal for dry conditions as it effectively repels dust and dirt
- Pros: keeps the chain clean, long-lasting lubrication and protection
- Cons: must be applied more frequently, especially after driving in the rain, thorough degreasing required before first application
Chain Oil
- Field of application: All-rounder for both dry and slightly damp conditions
- Pros: low-cost, good lubrication and effective protection against wear and rust
- Cons: can attract dirt and dust, requires frequent relubrication in wet conditions
Chain Spray
- Field of application: can attract dirt and dust, requires frequent relubrication in wet conditions
- Pros: easy to use, good creeping properties
- Cons: short-lived protection, other bike parts can be sprayed on unintentionally
As you can see, every lubricant has its advantages and disadvantages: Chain oil and chain spray are a reliable option for everyday use. However, dry lube, wet lube or chain wax are more suitable for more specific conditions such as extreme dryness or wetness.
