How to clean and lubricate your bike chain

Chain cleaning is an important part of your ebike maintenance, for long life of your whole drivetrain and improve shifting and overall drivetrain performance. This article will help walk you through each step of cleaning and lubing a your chain and maximize your drivetrain performance.

How to Video

Essential Learning Points From This Episode

Before starting the cleaning process, check your chain for wear using a chain wear indicator such as the Park Tool CC-3.2. If the chain shows wear beyond its service life, it’s best to skip the cleaning and simply replace the chain.
To get a really clean chain use a degreaser (such as Park Tool CB-4). Bicycle-specific degreaser is formulated to cut through the grime and thick buildup and oil usually found on well-used bicycle chains.

It’s easiest to clean the chain while the bike is in a repair stand – keeping the bike stable and ensures the chain is parallel to the ground. If you don’t have a repair stand, position the bike against something stable such as a support beam, making sure that you are able to backpedal to access the entire chain.
Prepare for a mess while cleaning your chain — an apron and gloves are recommended. If you are working indoors, remember to prep your work area by laying down cardboard or something similar underneath the drivetrain to prevent degreaser and contaminants from staining or corroding any surface or finished floors. If you are outside, try spraying your work surface with water before starting to make it easier to clean grease and contaminants after you’re finished.

Key Takeaways

• Check the chain for wear replace if needed
• If possible use a bike stand or something stable like a post or picnic table
• Prepare for a mess use gloves, apron and floor protection such as cardboard
• If outdoors spray water underneath bike to make it easier to clean up