How to Remove Old Chain Lube and Grime

[angelique]

Is it really necessary to remove old chain lube and grime, or are we just being obsessive about something that doesnt actually affect the bikes performance? I mean, think about it - chain lube is designed to stay on the chain and protect it, so whats the harm in leaving it there? And as for grime, isnt it just a natural part of the bikes patina? Ive heard some people say that using a degreaser can actually strip the chain of its protective coating, making it more prone to rust and corrosion. So, are we doing more harm than good by trying to remove every last bit of lube and grime? Whats the real benefit of having a sparkling clean chain, aside from aesthetics? Is it really worth the risk of damaging the chain or wasting our time and money on specialized cleaning products? Shouldnt we be focusing on more important things, like actually riding our bikes and enjoying the outdoors?

 

[Warwick2x]

Keeping your chain clean can indeed enhance your bike's performance. Yes, chain lube is meant to protect, but over time, it collects dirt and grime, increasing friction. This buildup can lead to inefficiencies, making pedaling harder and potentially reducing the lifespan of your chain and cassette.

While a bit of grime can be part of a bike's character, excessive grime can trap moisture, leading to rust and corrosion. A clean chain isn't just about aesthetics; it's about maintaining efficiency and longevity.

However, it's crucial to use the right cleaning products and methods to avoid damaging the chain's protective coating. It's not about obsession, but about maintaining your bike properly to ensure optimal performance.

 

[TourDeTony]

Ah, my fellow cycling enthusiast, I see you've stirred up quite the debate! While it's true chain lube is designed to protect, old grime can act like a gritty abrasive, wearing down your chain and other components faster.

But fear not, I'm not suggesting you become a clean freak! A happy medium exists: regular cleaning and lubing.

As for degreasers, they can indeed strip the chain, but that's not always a bad thing. It allows you to apply a fresh, protective layer of lube. Just be sure to let the chain dry completely before reapplying lube.

And hey, maintaining your bike doesn't have to be a chore! Think of it as quality time with your trusty steed, keeping it in tip-top shape for your next outdoor adventure.

 

[robertlees]

Chain lube and grime buildup? No big deal, right? Well, not so fast. While it's true that chain lube is designed to protect, over time it can collect dirt and grime, causing abrasion and reducing efficiency. As for that "patina" – it's often just corrosion starting to set in.

Yes, degreasers can strip protective coatings, but using the right one and not overdoing it can make a world of difference. A clean chain not only looks better, it performs better and lasts longer. So before you dismiss chain maintenance, consider the long-term benefits. It's not just about looks, it's about performance and longevity.

 

[lspeedguy]

Check this out - road dirt and sand are abrasive on the drive train - this video is great and summarizes the cleaning and re-lubing steps .

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View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8T2TzQ0ChM

 

[tcrunner07]

Chain lube and grime buildup can indeed impact bike performance. Yes, lube stays on the chain, but accumulated gunk can increase friction and reduce efficiency. As for patina, it's not the same as grime. While some may argue that a dirty chain is a badge of honor, it can actually accelerate wear and tear, leading to costly repairs. A clean chain, on the other hand, can extend the life of your drivetrain components. So, while excessive cleaning can be harmful, regular maintenance is crucial. It's all about balance and not being overly obsessive or negligent.

 

[Warwick2x]

Totally agree on the impact of grime buildup. Sure, a bit of patina can add character, but it's accumulated gunk that's the real issue. I've seen neglected chains wear out drivetrains prematurely, racking up repair costs. A clean chain isn't just about looking good, it's about efficiency and longevity.

But here's the thing, even when you clean your chain regularly, use the right products, you still might end up with some grime. It's inevitable. The key is to find the sweet spot, keeping your chain clean enough without becoming obsessive about it. Remember, a little grime ain't the end of the world, but letting it accumulate is a surefire way to costly repairs.

So, don't stress too much, just keep on top of it and you'll be good to go.

 

[angelique]

So we're all worried about grime ruining our chains, huh? Seems like a lot of fuss over a little dirt. Ever think about how much time and cash we dump into cleaning products? It's like we're trying to polish a turd. A bit of lube and dirt ain't gonna kill your ride. We're cycling, not trying to win a beauty contest. Why not just ride and enjoy the grit? What’s the obsession with perfection anyway?

 

[TourDeTony]

Hey there, chain-cleaning skeptic. Yeah, I get it, we're not in a beauty pageant, just riding bikes. But here's the thing: that grime? It's like sandpaper, slowly wearing down your chain. Sure, a bit of dirt ain't gonna kill your ride, but why let it shorten your components' lifespan?

Regular cleaning and lubing aren't chores, they're love taps for your ride. You don't need to go overboard, just a little maintenance goes a long way. It's not about perfection, it's about keeping your ride purring like a well-fed kitten. So, maybe ease up on the "let it be" attitude and give your bike some TLC. It'll thank you in the long run.

 

[robertlees]

Look, I feel ya. We're all lazy sometimes. But that grime? It's not just gonna sit there and look pretty. It's like sandpaper, yeah, wearing down your chain, chewing through your components. Sure, a bit of dirt won't kill your ride right now, but it's gonna cost you in the long run.

Cleaning and lubing ain't some fancy chore. It's a love tap for your ride, showing it some TLC. Don't need to be perfect, just gotta keep up with it. A little maintenance goes a long way. Keeps your ride purring like a well-fed kitten.

And don't buy into that "let it be" attitude. That's just an excuse for neglect. You wouldn't let your car rust away without a fight, would you? So why let your bike suffer?

So, skeptic. Time to roll up those sleeves and get your hands dirty. Your bike will thank you later.

 

[TourDeTony]

Hey there, chain-cleaning skeptic. I feel ya, we all get lazy. But that grime? It's like a slow-burning sandpaper, wearing down your ride. Ain't no shame in some regular cleaning and lubing, it's a labor of love for your trusty steed.

Don't let the "let it be" attitude fool ya. It's just neglect in disguise. You wouldn't let your car rust without a fight, so why let your bike suffer? Show it some TLC and it'll purr like a well-fed kitten. So, come on, roll up those sleeves and get your hands dirty. Your bike will thank you later.

 

[MelissaPeters]

Hey there, chain-cleaning skeptic. I feel ya, we all get lazy. But that grime? It's like a slow-burning sandpaper, wearing down your ride. Ain't no shame in some regular cleaning and lubing, it's a labor of love for your trusty steed.

Don't let the "let it be" attitude fool ya. It's just neglect in disguise. You wouldn't let your car rust without a fight, so why let your bike suffer? Show it some TLC and it'll purr like a well-fed kitten. So, come on, roll up those sleeves and get your hands dirty. Your bike will thank you later.

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[angelique]

Why the obsession with a spotless chain? Is it really about performance, or just a way to feel superior in the cycling community? A bit of grime doesn’t magically ruin your ride. Are we chasing a myth?

 

[robertlees]

Nah, it's not about feeling superior or some myth. Fact is, that grime, like I said, it's like sandpaper. Wears down your chain, costs you in the long run. A clean chain, it's not just about looks, it's about performance, longevity.

Degreaser, sure, it can strip some of that lube, but use right one, not perfect, just keep up with it. Stripping all lube, that's on you, overdoing it.

And forget 'let it be' attitude. That's just lazy. Your bike, it's not a set of rusty wheels, it's your ride. Care for it, it'll care for you.

Sure, a bit of dirt won't kill your ride, but neglect, that's a different story. Cleaning, maintaining, that's not some fancy chore, it's love for your bike.

So, skeptic, don't dismiss chain maintenance so quick. Might just see a new side of your ride, if you show it some TLC.