Degreaser

[flecc]

The way to lubricate chains is one of cycling's oldest arguments, strong opinions held for all methods.

For example many advise never use grease because grit etc sticks to it, but this is a lost cause since all chain manufacturers impregnate with grease from new.

With hub gear chains and sprockets I plaster grease on thickly from new, so it tends to harden and flake away carrying grit etc with it, then I re-plaster. Not pretty but it works and the chains last well over 6000 miles and more like 10,000 miles usually.

That treatment is no good for derailleurs of course and with those I just lightly use WD40 or similar very rarely, just enough to prevent rust and when the time comes I replace the chains and sprockets as necessary. This way avoids any necessity ever to clean them.
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[stokepa31_mk2]

Lots of interesting thoughts on this with many different approaches. I think Flecc is right in that almost total abandonment of maintainence does not do any real harm and may just slighly reduce life expectancy of some parts. For me its something I enjoy doing and I like to keep my bike looking all shiney and new

 

[andyh2]

Walkerman, I had a similar thing that languishes in the shed. It clipped over cassette as well and was supposed to clean the cogs. I found it a faff to use and prefer removing the chain if I want to clean it that much. Haven't tried the muc-off one and maybe that's a better design, though it is only cleaning the chain and not the cogs.

 

[Mussels]

though it is only cleaning the chain and not the cogs.

Wear in the cogs is caused by a worn chain, as long as the chain doesn't wear the cogs teeth will stay on good condition. That's why I'm going to be using three chains with my next freewheel to prolong the life of the teeth.
I had to fit a new chainring with an old chain this week and it's a very bad fit, only about 3 links actually sit in the grooves properly. The three chains will all wear about the same rate so can be swapped over, it should save me the cost of 2 freewheels and 2 chainwheels.

 

[flecc]

I'm going to be using three chains with my next freewheel to prolong the life of the teeth.

The three chains will all wear about the same rate so can be swapped over, it should save me the cost of 2 freewheels and 2 chainwheels.

There's a lot to be said for this approach, but it's surprising how quickly new chains can mismatch the sprockets. I've known severe enough mismatch at under 1000 miles to interfere with smooth derailleur operation, especialy with the small sprockets where wear is highest.
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