However, there is no real need to remove the chain with the chain cleaners available today. Start out by filling the chain cleaner with degreaser. This particular chain cleaner is a two part system with a top and bottom portion. The top portion holds the degreaser. The bottom portion contains the build in cleaning brushes and stores the leftover degreaser.
Then attach the chain cleaner to the chain and lock into place. Whatever model chain cleaner you purchase, directions will be provided.
Then take the cleaner with your left hand. This particular model has a small black button on top that when depressed, releases the degreaser so as to clean the chain. Take the pedal with your right hand. Begin turning the pedal and crank arm counter clockwise and with your left hand, push the black button on top of the chain cleaner. To help the flow of degreaser, keep the cleaner as level as possible
Follow this procedure until the all the fresh liquid is used. Remove the chain cleaner and pour the remains into a container. Then take an old rag and take hold of the chain while turning the pedals counterclockwise again. This will help remove any excess dirt and liquid.
And finally, refill the container as in step 1 and perform steps 2- 4 two more times. You will notice by the third or fourth time, a froth develop. This means that chain is clean. Take a rag and wipe off any excess.
After cleaning the chain, then move to the back of the bike to clean the rear wheel and rear cassette/freewheel.
This does require that you remove the wheel. And you want to perform this step AFTER cleaning the chain because dirt and grime from cleaning the chain will make its way down to the cassette/freewheel. If your cassette/freewheel was gunked up with dirt, the shifting may be off just a bit once it is clean.
Therefore, after completing the bike clean-up, practice shifting the gears and adjust if necessary.
After cleaning the chains move to the back of the bike and begin cleaning the wheel and cassette/freewheel. To do this, it is best to remove the rear wheel. And you find it much easier to remove if you remove the chain from the chain ring. First make sure the chain is shifted down to the small ring of the front crank system. Then take your index finger wrapped with a cloth and start at the bottom of the chain ring. Place your finger between the chain and chain ring, pulling down on the chain just a bit so the chain is about a half inch off the ring.
Then, run your finger along the chain, while slowly guiding the chain to the inside. Then drop the chain to the inside of the chain ring, resting it on the bottom bracket tube. This will release the tension of the chain and allow you to pop off the back wheel.
Then fill your plastic container with some degreaser. Grab your toothbrush, your container, your rear wheel and an old t-shirt or rag to lie across your lap.
Once the rear wheel is removed, remove the skewer. Just unscrew one end. Once removed, look at the springs to see if there is a build up of dirt/grime. If there is, drop them in your container filled with degreaser to soak while you clean. If the springs are clean, then reattach the skewer so you do not loose any of the parts and put it off to the side.
As mentioned in step 2, lay a cloth or old t-shirt across your lap to keep the grease and grime from getting all over you. Dip your toothbrush into the container and begin scrubbing away at the cogs of the cassette. Make sure to get in between the teeth. Be liberal by keeping the brush wet and clean.
Once you have given the cassette a good cleaning with the toothbrush, take a rag and make a fold pulling tight enough to slip the fold in between each cog.
Now, the cassette will only move in one direction. So, once the rag is between the cogs turn the cassette with the rag then drag the folded cloth backwards cleaning a small portion of the gap.
Then drop down to the next gap. Do this until you have cleaned between all the cogs. Repeat this step by folding the cloth in a new spot, apply some grease directly on the fold and run through each gap again. This will pick up any loose dirt and grime. After cleaning the cassette, take the rag and wipe down the hub.
Clean the spoke nipples. Dip the toothbrush into your container of degreaser and scrub the spoke nipples. The spoke nipples are usually neglected and shouldn’t be. If ever you have a loose spoke, it is important to be able to tighten it. If your spoke nipple is rusted or oxidized, you will not be able to adjust it. After cleaning the spoke nipples, wipe down the hubs and spokes.
