Chain Advice

Help Please, Can anyone offer some advice on cleaning a chain I have a prouduct called muc off to clean the chain but what do i use to clean the cassette and the front fly wheel also the 2 little wheels on the gearing system. The other issue that I'm really lost about is which chain lub to use wet dry or wax any advice appreciated

Pipe cleaners are good for getting between the cassette rings.  Much easier with the wheel off the bike.  Sounds obvious I know.

Front fly wheel - I guess you mean the chainrings - dead easy if the chain is off, a bit of muc off and a rag.

The two derailleur wheels can never be completely cleaned, it's one of the unwritten rules of bikes.  You think they're clean, then you put the chain back on and they're covered in muck again.

You can do that, and you'll think they're clean, but in the time it takes to re-fit them and get ready to ride they'll be filty again.  They're the black hole of the bike world, dirst gets sucked in and never escapes.

once a year I strip the whole mech down including chainrings, cassette, jockeys, chain etc and soak them in degreaser.  give them a good clean, slap them back on and bingo - you hear the silence!

pain in the arse job but worth it after all the winter crap

and as CD says, you never eliminate all dirt but you can get rid of a load.

next is to buy a cheap ultrasonic bath to use the degreaser in - that should make cleaning easier.

OCD me?? 

The proper way to clean a chain is this

http://sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.html

Probably not something you'd do every ride - maybe once a week or so.

I think Id prefer to buy a new chain than do that Pops

I have a park tool chain cleaner works pretty well, bought a bottle of degreaser from Halfords to top it up - get it cleaned properly at LBS after 6 months and replace once a year.

Apparently Fenwicks is a cheaper alternative to MucOff too - I'm getting some of that when I've run out.

Doozer. wrote (see)

I think Id prefer to buy a new chain than do that Pops

I have a park tool chain cleaner works pretty well, bought a bottle of degreaser from Halfords to top it up - get it cleaned properly at LBS after 6 months and replace once a year.

Once a year!!!

The original chain is still on my first road bike which I bought aged 16.

I'm now 40

To be fair it probably hasn't done too many miles.

cougs - I've got some Fenwicks - MucOff is still more effective so worth the extra

Thanks everyone Mucoff chain cleaner it is one other question is which lubrication would you put on your chain ?

GT85 for the chain ?   Probably better than nothing it's more of a water displacement spray/penetrating lube.   

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gt85-lubricant-400ml-aerosol/

For me the dry lubes are a waste of time unless you apply them liberally pretty much time you go out - much prefer something with a bit more staying power like Finish Line ceramic wet.   

popsider wrote (see)

The proper way to clean a chain is this

http://sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.html

Probably not something you'd do every ride - maybe once a week or so.

Please tell me the link is a wind-up and that people don't actually do this...

I'd rather buy a new chain every week. 

I'd also rather tear my face off with hot pliers.