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Does a new chain need cleaning?
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
I'm about to change my chain for the first time... I've seen it done a few times now, & taken out a broken link once myself. Not hard.
But, does my new XTR chain come pre-lubed? Or do I have to degrease it and re-lube it? What is that stuff it's coated in in the packet...
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For MTB use I don't like this thick stuff they come packed in as it attracts too much dirt and grit. I soak in de-greaser (some people prefer petrol) and then dry and lube with my favourite... erm... lube. White Lightening usually, but that is up to you.
FWIW, on a road bike the thick grease stuff that new chains come covered in is pretty nice and I leave it to wear off manually before lubing as usual.
If it was mine I wouldn't soak it in a degreaser as it removes the lubricant from inside the links and it's very hard to get the lube back in again. I would leave it and clean and lube as per normal.
Normally I do as Rob does, except for using Puprle Extreme, as it seems to stay longer than White Lighning before the chain gets noisy, doesn't go black and horrid, and doesn't attract the dust.
Most recently though I've run with the stock packing grease due the wet conditions over the last couple of months. It's actually been pretty good. Just give the chain a run under the tap at the end to get the grit out and wipe dry with a rag and she's back to running quietly again. Has lasted 4-5 rides? Due for a degrease/clean/lube after the next ride or two, though.
I generally put the new chain on, get a rag and dampen it with something like brake clean and give the outside of the chain a good wipe down to remove the sticky outer residue leaving the inside alone. This lets you take advantage of the factory lube inside without the problem of the chain becoming instantly coated in sand/grit.
I usually do at least 2 road rides on a fresh chain with that gunky sticky stuff the chain comes with then give it a clean with citrus cleaner then lube and ready for the dirt.
If you try the dirt with a new chain the grit gets in and sticks everywhere. If you clean the chain day 1 the oil doesn't come off properly with citrus cleaner and I personally don't use any petrochemicals on my chain but respect the fact many will say they do and it works well for them. It's always a topic that gets debated heavily whenever it's brought up.
Where do you get your Citrus cleaner? I have been looking for it at Woolworths and Bunnings, but haven't found any.
I got some citrus degreaser at supercheap auto. Try your local auto shop.
They sell it at every bike shop cause that's what they use.
Caution with those from supermarkets etc as many of them are mineral oil based with citrus in them which sounds kind of environmentally friendly ...
Says its "Citrus & Eucalyptus Base", and at about $8 for 500ml its cheaper than the stuff from the bike shop.
Sounds great. I will check it out.
I use the 3in1 brand citrus degreaser which can be found in Bunnings in the power tool area
http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/pr...
Much more pleasant smelling than the petroleum based ones.
Well, I changed the chain today. The chain slips a little on the smallest gear on the cassette, and the middle ring up front isn't good either. I think I've left the original chain on too long.
Question: Do I try to replace my 'Deore' small cassette sprocket and the middle ring up front, or fork out more dough
& go with a XT cassette & new XT crank setup...
I only did around 6km on the road, so I'm hoping that will have no effect on the new chain.
XT cassette & new middle ring
Might need some help here... Full bike specs as follows. http://www2.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bikes/mount...
In particular, which middle ring to order? (Crankset Shimano Deore Class M542 22x32x44T) Is this it? http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?M...
Or can I get a compatible better quality one from the XT range?