Bicycle degreaser

What not to do

In detail

A bicycle degreaser is a solvent or solvent-emulsion formulated to dissolve the oil, wax and embedded grit that a chain accumulates. Park Tool's own repair documentation describes the sequence that makes it work: clean the dirtiest items first, which is typically the chain and drivetrain, and use two different agents in turn — a degreaser and then a soap — because that combination is very effective at cleaning the chain and removing grit. The two-stage approach matters because the solvent lifts the oil and the soapy water removes what the solvent leaves suspended. Two constraints make this a safety-relevant product rather than a cosmetic one. It must not reach bearings, and the documentation is explicit enough to prescribe a posture for it: the wheel is leaned so that the cogs face the ground to minimise solvent dripping into the bearing. A sealed bearing whose grease has been thinned by solvent fails without warning. And the chain MUST be re-lubricated — run through a dry rag first, then one drop per link. A degreased, unlubricated drivetrain wears rapidly and is a shifting risk.

What works

• Bicycle degreaser is effective against Bicycle chain grease Supported

Why

• Bicycle degreaser is explained by Solubility and polarity
• Bicycle degreaser is explained by Why oil resists water

Aftercare and prevention

• Bicycle degreaser requires the aftercare Bicycle chain

  Dry first by running the chain through a clean dry rag, then one drop of lubricant per link.