Many people will focus on the body of their bike when cleaning it. This is where you will notice the shine and colour of your bike to show its distinct look.
However, cleaning your bike’s chain shouldn’t be ignored and can have consequences regarding how your bike works and its longevity.
This article will explain why bike chain care is so important and the best ways to clean it to keep it, and you, moving.
How to clean a bike chain
At Gtechniq, we have years of experience developing high-quality products to look after your bike so it looks great and operates as it should.
Over time, your bike chain will become dirty and greasy. This is normal and happens to nearly every bike as it is used but you will want to limit how much grease and oil is present. The good news is that something can be done about this.
Thankfully, the steps to take when cleaning your bike’s chain are simple and quick. To be properly prepared, we’d advise purchasing our Drivetrain Degreaser, which effectively removes excess grease and dirt that the bike accumulates. A Bike Detailing Brush is also a good idea to forcibly get rid of the more stubborn patches.
Shake the formula thoroughly before starting, then spray a generous amount onto the bike chain and its holder. Let the product work its magic for a few minutes and brush the area with your detailing brush for better results.
Add a drop of lubricant across every section of the chain so it moves smoothly and maintains its functionality. Once done, you can wash off the formula and your bike is good to go.
There is no need to dry the bike chain because it will naturally become oily again and it would destroy your towels. Take care of the chain; don’t use excessive pressure when washing off the formula so that the chain and holder remain intact.
The benefits of cleaning a bike chain
In 2021, almost 30% of people in the UK cycled once a month or more, making it a popular commuting method and leisurely activity.
Routine care of your bike and its chain means you’re less likely to encounter any problems with it in future. If you’re cycling a lot and don’t tend to basic maintenance of your bike, this could lead to issues.
With the right amount of care, you can expect your bike to last for a long time. Assuming you don’t want to purchase a new bike every year, tending to your bicycle chain regularly increases its lifespan, which is beneficial for your use but also if you look to sell it one day.
Gtechniq has a wide range of bike cleaning products for its body and chain. All the equipment you need for thorough maintenance of your bike can be found here.
