How To Clean Mountain Bike Chain

Maintaining your mountain bike chain is essential to ensure a smooth and efficient ride. Dirt, mud, and debris can accumulate on your chain during your outdoor adventures, making it less effective and causing premature wear and tear meaning that regular cleaning and lubrication are critical to keep your mountain bike chain performing at its best. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to clean your mountain bike chain effectively, so you can do this important task - yourself and with confidence.

Gather The Necessary Supplies

Before diving into cleaning your mountain bike chain, you’ll need to gather the necessary supplies. You’ll need chain cleaner, degreaser, a chain brush, a clean cloth, and lubricating oil. Chain cleaner and degreaser will help to remove accumulated dirt and grease, while a chain brush is perfect for scrubbing off stubborn dirt and grime. A clean towel will make drying your chain easier, and lubricating oil will keep your chain running smoothly.

Start The Cleaning Process

Once you have your supplies ready, start the cleaning process by removing the chain from your bike. You can use a chainbreaker tool to loosen the chain. Put the chain in a plastic bag and add the degreaser, shaking it thoroughly to ensure the degreaser is distributed evenly on the chain. Let it soak for a few minutes, then use a chainbrush to scrub it. Repeat the process if necessary.

Rinse And Dry The Chain

After cleaning the chain, rinse it with water to remove any remaining dirt and degreaser. Use a clean towel to dry the chain thoroughly. Ensure that there is no water remaining on the chain as this can cause rust and damage the chain. If you’re in a rush, you can use a tin of compressed air to speed up the process.

Lubricate The Chain

Once the chain is dry, it’s time to lubricate it. Apply a small amount of lubricating oil on the chain and use a clean towel to wipe off any excess oil. Ensure that the entire chain is lubricated entirely, including the rollers, plates, and links.

Install The Chain

After cleaning and lubricating the chain, it’s time to re-install it on your mountain bike. Make sure that the chain is properly aligned and the derailleur is adjusted correctly. A properly cleaned and lubricated chain should provide a smooth and efficient ride, the time you spend cleaning your chain will vary depending on riding conditions.