How to Clean and Maintain Your Chain

Watch our in-house tech walk you through chain cleaning and maintenance, or follow written instructions below.

  1. Pre-Wash:

    • Before cleaning the chain, wash your bike with a hose, soap, and water.
    • Avoid using a pressure washer directly on the motor or derailleur to prevent damage.
  2. Chain Cleaning:

    • Use a chain cleaner/degreaser (e.g., Muc-Off) in a well-ventilated area.
    • Keep the nozzle pointed down at the chain to avoid damage.
    • Focus on spraying the cleaner on the rollers of the chain, rather than through the entire chain.
    • Spin the chain 10-20 times to let the degreaser work into the rollers.
    • For a particularly dirty chain, use a brush to scrub the links.
    • Wipe off excess cleaner with a rag by holding the chain within a rag with light pressure. The rag should pick up minimal residue once the chain is clean and dry.
  3. Lubrication:

    • Use a quality chain lubricant, preferably dry lube.
    • Apply a drop of lube on each rivet/link around the chain.
    • Focus the lube application where the rivets attach the rollers to the chain.
    • Run the chain through the drivetrain 10-20 times to let the lube distribute.
    • Wipe off excess lube from the outside of the chain with a rag, focusing on keeping it inside the chain links.
  4. Final Check:

    • A properly cleaned and lubricated chain should not leave much residue on your hands or the chain's exterior.
    • Perform this maintenance when the bike is exposed to elements or is particularly dirty for optimal performance and quiet operation.
    • Frequent maintenance ensures a happy and quiet drivetrain with improved overall performance.