PEP BB tool.sand.bikechain - Clean and Oil a Bicycle Chain

Here is my submission for the Tool Care - Sand - Clean and Oil a Bicycle Chain BB.

My sister and I each have a bike that has been in the shed for a while (I haven't ridden in a decade - my sister rides every summer).  All four tires were flat so I started by filling them to test tube soundness then washed both bikes and degreased the drivetrain (the chain and all the gear rings that connect the chain).  I used detergent for the bike wash and WD-40 Bike Degreaser for the drivetrain. I used a sponge and a couple of scrub brushes to get everything clean.  I did not use the WD-40 Bike Lube (in a photo) but decided to purchase Bontrager Chain Lube from my local bike shop.

To document the completion of the BB, I have provided the following video including
 - Before, During, and After cleaning and oiling a bicycle chain

Been needing to do this on my bicycle, so thanks for the motivation!

I don't have video editing experience, and I didn't feel like spending the time learning how to edit today so I hope that these photos are enough.

I used mineral spirits and an old toothbrush to scrub the chain, chainrings, and casette off.

After scrubbing it off, I hosed and scrubbed the bike with a hose, dried it, then went around the chain with the oil and put a drop in each link. I then oiled the derailleurs and all the movement points.

The bike looks great and is thanking me for the effort.

This evening, as I had my bike out already to repair the tire, I thought I'd give the chain and gear set some love.

I use Green Oil (which is plant-based) and a citrus-based thinner (also sold by Green Oil, I think it's limonene). I also used some Ecover dish soap which is plant-based and readily biodegradable.

My method was to wash and degrease, twice over, then rinse everything with water. Some of the really stubborn grease was then spot-treated with more citrus thinner. I used an old sponge that has been in my bike kit for about 8 years and some rags from old clothes. I also used a special bike cleaning tool that I found in my kit.

When oiling I drop a little in each chain link, taking care not to oil the outside as this will just get gummed up. I then add a little to any exposed steel, squirt a load over the cassette and take the bike for a test ride, going up and down the gears to distribute the oil.

Excuse the quality of the video. It was really hard to film one-handed (whilst not dropping my phone in the soapy bucket!). I also tried to edit using the phone which I don't recommend. I have tried to show a montage of before shots, action shots of the cleaning and oiling, then some shots of the (much!) cleaner gears and chain. I hope it comes across ok.

I’ve enjoyed using OpenShot video editor if you want to try a desktop option.

I'll give that a go next time!

Here a bunch of snippets put together in one video showing the different stages of cleaning and lubricating a bike chain. I followed the instructions that came with the bike.

To get certified for this BB, post a short video (2 minutes or less) that shows

- Before, During, and After cleaning and oiling a bicycle chain

This bike has only been on a dozen or so rides so the chain is not super dirty. That said, it is much easier to keep the chain clean and running well if you do this regularly, rather than letting the gunk build up! I perform this procedure after most rides. I also make a point to clean and lube the chain any time I use the hose to clear the mud off, otherwise it tends to rust. I just cleaned the bike so it's time to take care of the chain!

It's mid-season bike repair time at my house! Here I am, lubricating my son's bike chain with an old, but still good, can of chain lube. Ta da!

Here's my bb submission for cleaning-oiling a bike chains.. Did try to make a video with the Capcut app, hope this is acceptable.

I cleaned, dried, and re-lubed the chain on my "skinny tire" road bike that I rode in RAGBRAI last summer. Needed air in the tires, too, after a winter of sitting in the garage. I ride to work every day, even in winter, but not this bike. Actually a more expensive one! LOL

Anyhow, as a tip, it is really important to clean the cassettes, and components of the front and rear derailleur and not just the chain. If you clean your chain and don't de-gunk the cassette, etc, your chain will be as dirty as it was in just a couple miles of riding. You'll see me doing that in the video below. I didn't have a third hand, so I put the phone down when I was cleaning and lubing. Enjoy! Nothing better than a clean bike...

j

If you're wondering what I sprayed on the chain and cassette, it's a citrus oil degreaser similar to Zep. Google it. If you ride bicycles a lot and worry about the caustics and gick in regular degreasers, you'll love this stuff. It is environmentally friendly and really does a good job.

Jim Garlits wrote:I cleaned, dried, and re-lubed the chain on my "skinny tire" road bike that I rode in RAGBRAI last summer. Needed air in the tires, too, after a winter of sitting in the garage. I ride to work every day, even in winter, but not this bike. Actually a more expensive one! LOL

Anyhow, as a tip, it is really important to clean the cassettes, and components of the front and rear derailleur and not just the chain. If you clean your chain and don't de-gunk the cassette, etc, your chain will be as dirty as it was in just a couple miles of riding. You'll see me doing that in the video below. I didn't have a third hand, so I put the phone down when I was cleaning and lubing. Enjoy! Nothing better than a clean bike...

j

https://youtu.be/bnAiEWzU-5k?si=C42zyH-rVqIC3z3o

I cleaned the chain with detergent and hot water on a toothbrush and wire brush. Afterwards, I rinsed the chain with the hose, dried it with a rag and oiled it with high-performance chain oil. I dropped the camera a few times trying to do all those things with two hands while filming! But it's worth it. The bike now runs smoothly

To get certified for this BB, post a short video (2 minutes or less) that shows

 - Before, During, and After cleaning and oiling a bicycle chain

Please see this youtube link of my edited (to be under 2mins) video where I oil my kids' bike chain:

I also included bonus photos of the biodegradable cleaner and lubricant.

Cleaned and oiled the bike chain with isopropyl alcohol and dry chain lube. My daughter is a casual rider and not real fond of the rain so the dry will be just fine.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ueC-i_zSJls?si=m0ydWbWRv8qvOEkB