WORKSHOP: How to degrease your drivetrain

Words: Ben Milivojevic                                                                                Photos: Ben Sykes

You chain is one of the hardest working mechanical components on your bicycle, so it pays to ensure it is well maintained. A contaminated chain will accelerate the wear rate thus leading to a worn out drivetrain before you know it. With a really dirty old drivetrain Ben from Bicycle Mechanic Training Institute (BMTI) showed how you can still get it really clean again.
 
Things you will need

• Stiff bristled brush
• Large brush
• Park Tool Cyclone (or similar)
• Citrus based degreaser
• Chain lube
• Garden hose
• Open space
• Clean rag

Q & A

What lube should I use?

1. Dry Lube – thin lubricant that has low mileage but won’t bring the trail home with you.
2 . Wet Lube – thick lubricate that has long mileage but will bring the trail home with you.
3. Wax Lube – super thick cream that is dry to touch. Long lasting but not the easiest to clean.

 
When should I be cleaning my drivetrain?

This will depend on what lubricant you use and how often you ride. A sign that your drivetrain needs a clean would be that your chain sounds gritty when pedalling or leaves big black marks on your hand when you touch it.