Remove, Clean, and Replace Your Chain (on the Cheap!)

Hello Again Ladies, Gents, and Aspiring Gear Geeks!

Thanks for your email questions. I'd like to start with the very basics of (cheap!) spring bike maintenance, so unfortunately some of your more advanced questions will have to wait, but we will get them, oh yes.

This installment covers the removal, cleaning, and replacement of an SRAM brand mountain chain. Why only the SRAM chain? Well because they are the easiest to remove and replace due to the cool "quick link" fasteners. If you don't have an SRAM chain, I'm sorry for you. Also, in the spirit of keeping this as financially pain-free as possible we are going to clean the chain the old fashioned way, the same way you clean your chompers: With a toothbrush of course!

Pictured below is what you will need: A rag, an old toothbrush and/or a bike cleaning brush from Pedro's, a cut-in-half gallon container, and some (preferably bio-friendly, preferably strong and citrus) degreaser/cleaner. The bike cleaning brush makes cleaning your entire drive train much easier, so I'd recommend you pick one of these up. But hey, maybe you pine for your old military days cleaning toilets with a toothbrush? If you do, I'm sorry for you again!

Step 1: Remove your dirty quick link equipped chain. First find the quick link, then get comfortable because you'll have to fiddle with the bloody thing for a few seconds to get it undone. They can be a little tough to get free but keep fiddling and you'll get it. Once you do, put the two quick link pieces somewhere safe (Don't drop them in you lawn like I did once, or you might want to wear long pants next time you mow the lawn...Ouchy!). Now spin the crank to get the chain off.

Wow, look at this dirty old bugger! Needs a bath, eh?

(Skip step two if you've decided to upgrade with a new chain. These can be somewhat un-cheap, however. Also skip step two if you've bought one of those fancy schmancy chain cleaning thingamabobs...they are also un-cheap.)

Step 2: Degrease the chain. Toss the chain and quick links into the sawed off milk jug and squirt a liberal amount of degreaser into the jug. Try and cover the chain. If the chain is super greasy, I'd recommend letting it soak overnight with the rag covering the jub. Once you're happy with the soakage, it's time to get your hands dirty. Scrub the chain with the toothbrush, cleaning brush, rag, hands, and anything else you think would do the job. Once it's to your liking, remember to rinse the chain with some water and wipe it off to remove the degreaser, since degreaser and chain lube DO NOT MIX!

Wow, look how squeaky frickin' clean this bugger is!

Step 3: Replace the chain. If you are putting on a new chain and you liked the length of your old chain, make sure to use a chain tool and trim the new chain to the same length as the old one. I like to start by threading the chain onto the middle crank right, then go backwards to the cassette, and through the rear derailleur. Once you have it threaded, add the quick links, one to each end. Now pull the chain tight and the ends together, and snap the quick link in place. Snap!

Step 4: Lightly lube the chain with your favorite lube. Bike lube that is. And you're done!

Coming soon, the Gear Guy will be presenting video blog tutorials covering your questions, so keep 'em coming.

-Gear Guy Andy

ps- Check out www.rscycle.com to find all the cleaning accessories you may need, besides rags, which you can find between your shoes and your feet.