One of the first things that people will ask you about when you purchase a bike is how you plan on maintaining your bike chain. This is especially the case if you’re talking to fellow cycling enthusiasts. That’s because the bike chain is one of the most important components of any bike and maintaining it in tip-top shape is of utmost importance for future performance. That’s why we’re helping you to find the best bike chain cleaner tool today, based on thorough research and testing.
You see, we realize that it’s not a piece of cake to find a chain cleaner. This is because there are just so many options available today that it can all get confusing.
But, you do need a good quality cleaner to keep the plates and rollers lubricated while keeping the whole unit clean. Luckily for you, we’ve done much of the research work already so you can sit back, relax, and read through some of the options we’ve put together for you and decide which one works best for your needs.
Bike Chain Cleaner Review
After a lot of testing and researching, we’ve come up with the following selection of cycle chain cleaners for you to choose from.
1. Ozzy Gear Bike Chain Cleaning Fluid Tool
The Ozzy Gear Bike chain cleaning tool has a unique design that features a single clamp located in the middle. This is different from most designs which usually feature two clamps. This means that if you pick this tool, you’d need to turn it using your bike pedal while it’s attached to your chain.
Thanks to its single clamp design, this cleaning tool offers optimal performance. It’s made from a durable type of plastic that can stand the test of time. The best part is that this cleaning tool works while you’re riding your bicycle. This is because it’s lightweight and doesn’t even have to come off your bike.
It’s also backed by a lifetime warranty which is something you want to see when looking for a bicycle chain cleaner.
2. Finish Line Grunge Brush Chain
Finish Line talks a good game when it comes to their Grunge Brush Chain cleaning tool. That’s because it’s one of the most trusted and widely utilized tools.
This is no surprise considering the fact that this tool comes with an ergonomically designed brush handle and full surround bristles. Although gentle on your bike’s components, these brush bristles can handle the most severe chain grime.
Just make sure to use the end of the brush in order to get into those nooks and crannies like derailleurs and sprockets.
3. Simple Green Bike Cleaner/Degreaser
This is more of a park tool chain cleaner from Simple Green that’s specially formulated with a type of chemical that has the ability to cut through all types of contaminants. This includes trail soils, mud, grease, grime, and oil.
Because of its gentle yet effective formula, this cleaner can be utilized on different components of the bike. Whether it be the chains and derailleurs or painted surfaces, metal, rubber, and plastic alike.
This specially formulated bike degreaser is designed to deal with contaminants that affect different types of bikes whether it’s for mountain biking applications or daily commuting. The best part is that this formula is non-corrosive and non-flammable.
4. Oumers Bicycle Cleaner Brush Kit
If your bicycle chain requires a little more than your average brush, there’s the 6-piece bike cleaning kit from Oumers. This set is designed to keep your bike working like a well-oiled machine by taking care of its most important component – the chain.
Thanks to their ergonomic handles, these tools are perfect for cleaning your bike if you’re a beginner because they’re so easy to use.
Included in this kit is a wide range of different brushes, including a scraper for the gear, a brush for your gears, a tapered detail brush, a tire scrubber, a cleaning brush, and a bike cleaning mitt. Plus, the kit has a stylish design that’ll make you look cool when you take it out.
5. Jtshy Bike or Motorcycle Chain Washer
The best chain cleaner tool from Jtshy is a complete bicycle chain washer that comes with two color-coded brushes – one with a blue and one with a red handle.
It’s compatible with bikes and motorcycles and it’s easy to use thanks to the U-shape of the included brushes. Moreover, each brush is 10 inches long so you know it’s ergonomic and easy to maneuver.
Each brush features a long bristle at the end which allows it to reach those hard-to-reach places such as derailleurs, sprockets, and brakes.
6. Park Tool CB-4 Cleaning Fluid
Next in our list of the best bike chain cleaning tools, we have the biodegradable cleaning fluid from Park Tool. This is one of the purest products on the market. It’s plant-based and mostly natural.
You don’t have to dilute it and yet it’s gentle enough to use on different components of your bike including those made from alloy, rubber, and plastic.
All you need to do to get the most out of this degreaser is to use it in conjunction with a cleaning brush. Otherwise, it comes with a convenient 16-ounce bottle that’s easy to carry and use.
7. Cycle with Style Bike Chain Cleaning Tool
The Cycle with Style tool is a versatile rig that can be utilized on bikes and motorcycles. Not only that but it can actually be utilized for other components of your bicycle. This includes the gears, so it’s not just for the chain.
The brush design features a 3-sided bristle end that’s made to make it easy for you to clean the chain from different sides.
Aside from that, this isn’t the most unique brush out there because it has a similar design to other products on the market. But, it’s worth noting that it sports a thicker texture because of its ability to clean not just bikes but motorcycles as well.
8. Finish Line Speed Bicycle Chain Degreaser
What makes the Finish Line speed bike chain degreaser the best bicycle chain cleaning tool for eco-conscious cyclists is the fact that it’s formulated from largely natural ingredients. This includes soy-based extracts and orange peel.
Effectively, this is a biodegradable cleaning solution. It’s safe to use on different components of your bike including the ones made from plastic and rubber. You can even dilute it with water for an even gentler clean and all without compromising its performance.
Keep in mind that this formula has low surface tension. This means that it has the capacity to reach into those difficult-to-reach areas of your bike to give you a whole-bike clean.
This degreaser is made from advanced technology that enables it to gently yet effectively break down grease, oil, and wax from the bike’s drivetrain. That’s what makes it the best bike chain cleaner brush in our opinion.
What is a Bike Chain Cleaner?
Perhaps the most important step in finding the right chain cleaner for your needs is to understand why you should use it in the first place.
You don’t need to use a toothbrush to clean your bike chain anymore because dedicated chain cleaners are available. They’re made precisely to simplify the process and to ensure that your bicycle components get a thorough clean.
To use these devices, most of the time all you have to do is clip them onto your bike chain and pedal your bicycle as usual while they do most of the work. Use them in conjunction with a good liquid degreaser and Bob’s your uncle!
When to Clean Your Bike Chain
Ideally, you should clean your bike chain regularly to make sure that it doesn’t get any corrosion or rust build up over time.
You’ll know that your bike chain is damaged when your bike starts squeaking when you ride it. This means that it needs a clean urgently and you should’ve maintained it better.
You can clean the bike chain while it’s still on the bike using a firm brush or even your toothbrush. This will only do for more regular cleaning but shouldn’t replace the more thorough clean that you should give your bike once every three months.
This means removing all of the bike’s main components using special tools in order to brush the chain from root to tip. You can also dip the chain into a special solvent to get rid of oil and grime.
Make sure that the solvent has enough time to work its magic by leaving the chain there long enough. Then you need to wipe the chain clean with a rag before you lubricate it.
How to Use a Bicycle Chain Cleaner
There’s no better way to clean your bike chain than submerging it into a good quality solvent. The dirtier it is, the longer you should leave it in there, especially if you’re using a degreaser.
Most chains come with a quick-release master link that makes it easy to slide it in and out of the bucket with the degreaser.
Conclusion
At this point, you know all about how to find the best bike chain cleaner. If you’re feeling undecided about all the fantastic options offered, consider going with the Ozzy Gear Bike Chain Cleaning Tool.
We highly recommend it because it’s versatile, easy to use, durable, and lightweight. It’s definitely the way to go if you want a reliable cleaning tool that’ll get the job done right the first time. It’s also backed by a lifetime warranty so you know the manufacturer is confident about its performance.