Degreasers

Fitgadgets kettingreiniger 500 ml

The Fitgadgets chain cleaner is a 500 ml product for the drivetrain and chain. The title calls it a drivetrain and chain cleaner.

What you get

Fitgadgets chain cleaner
500 ml
For drivetrain and chain

Why a degreaser?

Oil and dirt combine into a black paste that clings between the links and the teeth. That paste grinds, makes shifting worse and speeds up wear. A cloth removes the outside, but a degreaser also dissolves what sits between the pins and rollers.

A well-degreased drivetrain is also the base for a fresh layer of lubricant. New oil on a dirty chain attracts dirt immediately. Wax sticks poorly to a chain that still has oil on it, so anyone switching to wax needs to degrease first.

There are several kinds. Solvents are strong and fast. Citrus and biodegradable products are gentler on you and on the environment. Water-based (alkaline) cleaners suit anyone working indoors or using a lot. Aerosol sprays are handy for separate parts such as the cassette. The strongest is not always the best: choose what fits your materials and your workspace.

For the chain itself there are chain cleaners, small boxes of brushes that the chain runs through. Degreasing is faster and tidier with one. For a heavy clean, take the chain off and soak it in a jar.

Types of degreaser compared

Each type strikes its own balance between strength, safety and convenience. Strength also depends on the brand.

Type	Strength on grease	Rinsing	Safety and environment	Suits
Solvent	Strong, fast	Evaporates or wipe off, follow the pack	Ventilate, gloves, flammable	Heavily soiled drivetrain
Citrus or biodegradable	Moderate to strong	Usually with water	Gentler on skin and environment	Regular upkeep
Water-based (alkaline)	Moderate to strong	Rinse with water	Not flammable, wear gloves	Indoor work, larger quantities
Spray can	Strong on separate parts	Often rinse with water	Avoid breathing the mist, ventilate	Cassette, chainrings, a quick job

A general guide. Products differ, so read the instructions and safety information on the pack.

Choose it if

You service your chain regularly and want a mid-size bottle
You want to clean cassette and chainrings
Your chain and cassette are covered in a black layer of oil and dirt.
You want to switch to wax or another type of lube.

Choose something else if

You need a large amount for several bikes, where a litre bottle makes more sense
Your drivetrain is only lightly dirty. A cloth and a drop of lube are usually enough.
You have no safe place to work or to collect the waste liquid.

How to use a degreaser

Protect the bike and yourself
Work somewhere well ventilated or outside, wearing gloves. Cover discs, pads and rims with a cloth.
Apply the degreaser
Spray or pour the degreaser on the chain, cassette and chainrings. Use a chain cleaner for the chain if you have one.
Let it work and brush
Wait for the time in the instructions, usually a few minutes, and scrub between the teeth and links with a brush.
Rinse or wipe off
Follow the pack: some products rinse off with water, others wipe off dry. Make sure no dirty residue stays behind.
Dry and re-lube
Dry everything thoroughly, including the inside of the chain. Re-lube straight away, since a degreased chain has no protection left.

Good to know

The format (spray, bath or kit) is not fully described in the title
Relube the chain afterwards and keep the brakes clean
Keep degreasers away from brake discs and pads. Residue spoils braking, and contaminated pads usually need replacing.
Do not spray into bearings, hubs or suspension. Degreasers wash out the grease that belongs there.
Test on paint, plastic and carbon if the product touches the frame. Some solvents attack them.
Do not pour used degreaser down the sink. Take it to a recycling centre or collect it in a tray.

What you get

Why a degreaser?

Types of degreaser compared

Choose it if

Choose something else if

How to use a degreaser

Protect the bike and yourself

Apply the degreaser

Let it work and brush

Rinse or wipe off

Dry and re-lube

Good to know

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