noob question here. What's the safest way to clean a chain without destroying the o-rings. I'm talking about taking the chain off the bike and soaking it. what won't wreck the o-rings?

 

the grunge brush!! a little kerosene and wd 40 mix and this three sided baby makes chain cleaning easy

 

They make a chain brush that you can use while the chain's still on the bike. Much easier, and would get the job done w/ less hassle.

 

I always clean mine with kerosene and a brush and after it dries I put a little lube on it. This method has worked very well for me and all the bikes I've owned. A little maintaince goes a long way!

 

I use kerosene, then simple green to get all the kero off... then lube it.... i use a brush with both cleaners.....

 

Thanks for the replies

 

Who is "they?" The Grunge Brush mentioned by Hoedog cleans the chain while it's on the bike and is highly recommended by Web Bike World.

 

I soak mine in gasoline and scrub clean. Let it air dry for about 5 minutes then lube the heck out of it with chain oil.

 

Yeah, there has been controversy as to whether WD40 and gasoline are good for o-ring chains, because of their penetrating properties. It has been said that gasoline and WD40 will penetrate past the o-rings, disolving the petroleum in the grease and leaving the powered part behind.

Dunno how much truth there is to that though. I think that's why a lot of people use Kerosene though.

 

Gas WILL degrade the rubber 'o' rings in the chain. Stick to turps or kero' to clean the chain. WD 40 does an OK job IMO but isn't ideal due to its oily composition.