A clean, lubricated chain shifts smoothly, wears more slowly, and saves you money on replacement parts. Grit stuck in old lube grinds down the chain and gears, so a regular clean is one of the best things you can do for a bike. Here is a straightforward degrease-and-relube.
What you'll need
- Degreaser or dish soap
- A stiff brush or old toothbrush
- Clean rags
- Bike chain lube
- Optional: a chain-cleaning tool
- Gloves
Step by step
- Set the bike upPut the bike in a stand or lean it securely, and shift to a middle gear so you can turn the pedals freely by hand.
- Apply degreaserCoat the chain with degreaser or soapy water while slowly backpedaling so every link gets covered, and let it sit a couple of minutes.
- Scrub the chainWork a stiff brush over the links, top and bottom, and clean the front chainrings and rear cogs where gunk builds up.
- Rinse and dry fullyRinse with a little water, then wipe the chain dry with a clean rag while backpedaling until no dirty residue shows and the chain is fully dry.
- Re-lube the chainDrip one drop of lube onto each roller while backpedaling, let it soak in for a minute, then wipe off all the excess from the outside.
Handy tips
- Wipe off excess lube well, since a wet, shiny chain attracts dirt and forms grinding paste.
- Use a wet lube for rainy conditions and a dry lube for dusty, dry riding.
- Lube the chain, not the gears or brakes, and keep lube off the rims and rotors.
Heads up
- Keep degreaser and lube away from disc brake rotors and pads; contamination ruins braking and can be dangerous.
FAQ
How often should I clean my chain?
Roughly every few hundred miles, or whenever it looks dirty or sounds noisy. Wet or muddy rides call for more frequent cleaning.
Can I use WD-40 to lube my chain?
Standard WD-40 is a light solvent, not a lasting chain lube, so it can help clean but should be followed with a proper bike chain lube.
Do I have to remove the chain to clean it?
No. For a routine clean you can leave it on and use a brush or a clip-on cleaning tool while turning the pedals.