How To Easily Clean A FILTHY Chain

Is your bike chain absolutely filthy? Isn't it time you gave it a deep clean? Don't know how to clean your bike chain properly? We're here with all the equipment you'll need, and a step-by-step guide to making your chain sparkly and new again!

Cleaning your bike chain 0:00
What do I need to clean my bike chain? 0:24
Applying degreaser to my chain 1:13
How does a degreaser work?
Rinsing down your bike 3:40
Next steps 3:58
Drying your bike chain 4:45
Appling chain lube 5:02
Deeper chain cleaning 5:55

Useful Links:

Watch more on GCN Tech...

🎵 Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound 🎵
At Ease - Mizlo
Carpet Shedding - Dylan Sitts
Delulu - Jobii
Empty Skies Below - Duplex Heart
Ice Walk - Daniel Fridell

#gcntech #gcn #cycling #roadcycling #roadbike #bike #bikes #bikelife #biketech

📸 Photos - © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Sprint Cycling Agency

Brought to you by the world’s biggest cycling channel, the Global Cycling Network (GCN), GCN Tech is the only channel you need for all things bike tech – past, present and future.

Simply put, we’re obsessed with tech: we seek out and showcase the best in bikes, components, tech, accessories, upgrades and more from races and events, tech shows and product launches across the globe to bring you the best in road bike technology.

We’ve also got great maintenance videos to help you get the most from your bike; pro-bike tours from all the biggest races; special features and the weekly GCN Tech Show. We also take a deeper look into the future of cycling, apps, smart tech and virtual riding.

Join us on the channel and the GCN App to submit your content, vote on the latest tech and keep abreast of exciting new trends.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Watch our sister channels:

[gcntech]

Share your chain cleaning tips in the comments ⛓

[awhite]

I like Si’s method of bike cleaning. Ride it until the chain is absolutely covered in grime, then get another GCN presenter to clean it all. Seems very efficient to me!

[JMcLeodKC]

Ollie…..The way you identified the one good reason for cross-chaining was brilliant

[catflapper]

Oil from the inside track of the chain, using the lower span between the bottom of crank and lowest jockey. When you spin the cranks, the centrifugal force pushes the oil from the inside to chain to the other side covering more of the pins.

[MaChemGuy]

As a Chemistry teacher, I REALLY appreciated this. Might even use in a lesson to give everyday example of solvent - solute interactions 👍👍👍

[brucewallace]

Back in the day I had a buddy in my riding group who gave each of us the same Xmas present - he gifted us a no-judgement, thorough chain removal, cleaning and re-attach at some point mid-summer. And he did an awesome job!

[fitzt]

I use a citrus oil degreaser found at the hardware store. Works just as well as cycle branded products and much cheaper.

[seannmoriarty]

Simple, but super helpful video! I hadn't heard of the cross-chaining tip, when lubing the chain. Thanks guys!

[novacolonel]

This was actually helpful! The cross-chaining tip especially was completely new to me, makes perfect sense.

[SeeLizGo]

Watching this video was a total eye opener for how I can EASILY clean my chain and cassette way better than what I have been doing!!!! Thank you!!!

[ianstewart]

Love this! I’ve watched so many of these GCN chain videos over the years, & I think this is the first time they recommended doing a cross chain when applying lube. Brilliant! Thanks again GCN. And, we all know Si keeps a clean bike.

[honyop]

I think Si pulled off a clever con job getting Ollie to do his dirty work.

[johnstrac]

We're on the same page regarding chain cleaning Ollie, excellent once again. I also look forward to Chemistry time (2:43).

[thehope-pt]

I used to have a filthy chain, but now it's nice and clean. Thanks mate.

[Patrik]

The part where you talk about molecules and grease I had put on my glasses an push them further up my nose. Great video 😊

[peterdobos]

It's important to note that some/many/most? quick links have a direction of travel which is indicated by a tiny near-invisible arrow engraved on it. If you put it on backwards, you WILL notice.

[pcm]

It may seem like shameless advertising on Ollie's part advocating the Park 10.3 bike stand, but I've got one and it makes working on my bike SO much easier. It's world's better than my old stand. If you do your own maintenance, it really is a must have.

[markroberts]

Do it old school, clean your chain and cogs quick. Pine-sol or Pine-O-Pine. Natural degreaser and cheap.
Everyone I knew competitively racing for five years did the same cleaning.
Do this outdoors. Mix the cleaner @ 4:1 water to cleaner.
Apply with a nylon brush like a chain brush, while rotating your crank/wheel/cogs. You’ll see a lot of dirty liquid coming off your chain and cog. Shortly sparkling clean. Spray with water, while rotating. Allow to air dry. Lube.

[davekiely]

Thanks for the simple tips and demo. Easier than you think!

[ghjgjihjgjyrdrgydsgr]

Thanks for this, I have grudgingly accepted that I need to clean my chain much more often so I needed a quick and easy method. Did it following this today, quite easy.