3.2 drivetrain

Chain Cleaning (On the Bike)

Chain Cleaning (On the Bike). Step-by-step procedure for bike maintenance — tools, time, and what to watch out for.

Difficulty ★☆☆ easy
Time ~10 min
Applies to All bikes

Tools

  • Degreaser
  • chain cleaning device or stiff brush
  • rags
  • fresh lube

Procedure

  1. Shift to the middle of the cassette and middle chainring

    so the chain runs straight.

  2. If using a chain cleaning device

    (Park CM-25, Muc-Off X-3): - Fill with degreaser to the marked line. - Clamp around the chain on the lower run. - Pedal backward 30–40 rotations. - Empty the dirty fluid; refill with fresh degreaser; repeat once.

  3. If brushing manually:

    - Apply degreaser to the chain by dripping or spraying. - Use a stiff bristle brush along all four sides of the chain — top, bottom, both inner faces — while pedaling backward. - Pay attention to the gaps between rollers and side plates.

  4. Rinse with water

    (a spray bottle, not a hose blast) if using water-based degreaser. Solvent-based degreasers wipe off without water.

  5. Dry the chain thoroughly.

    Spin the cranks vigorously, then wipe with a clean rag, holding the chain in the rag and pedaling backward through it.

  6. Wait for the chain to fully dry

    (15+ minutes if wet) before lubing.

  7. Apply lube

    (see section 12.4). ---

Procedure #

  1. Shift to the middle of the cassette and middle chainring so the chain runs straight.
  2. If using a chain cleaning device (Park CM-25, Muc-Off X-3):
    • Fill with degreaser to the marked line.
    • Clamp around the chain on the lower run.
    • Pedal backward 30–40 rotations.
    • Empty the dirty fluid; refill with fresh degreaser; repeat once.
  3. If brushing manually:
    • Apply degreaser to the chain by dripping or spraying.
    • Use a stiff bristle brush along all four sides of the chain — top, bottom, both inner faces — while pedaling backward.
    • Pay attention to the gaps between rollers and side plates.
  4. Rinse with water (a spray bottle, not a hose blast) if using water-based degreaser. Solvent-based degreasers wipe off without water.
  5. Dry the chain thoroughly. Spin the cranks vigorously, then wipe with a clean rag, holding the chain in the rag and pedaling backward through it.
  6. Wait for the chain to fully dry (15+ minutes if wet) before lubing.
  7. Apply lube (see section 12.4).