Your bike’s chain is the main memoir of all those amazing adventures you had, and in order to get the best from your bike, you need to keep it healthy and clean. Bike Chain Degreasers are your bike’s best friend and they should be yours too!
Bikes need to be in the top shape and condition when you go for a ride, did you know that a properly cleaned and lubricated bike reduces the amount of friction and that is only one of the benefits. No matter what kind of riding environment you have, if it is off-road trails or even the desert, regularly cleaning and taking care of your bike will increase its life span.
Another reason that you should properly clean your bike often that it actually improves the pedaling. This results in enhanced handling and more speed. There is actually no reason that you shouldn’t maintain your bike often!
Now that we are talking about bike maintenance, chain degreasers play a very vital part in all of this. May it be chain degreasers or chain lube, both of them keep your bike in pristine condition. If you are looking for the perfect chain degreaser for your bike, this is the perfect guide for you!
It is a real struggle when you can’t find the perfect product in the market, getting confused is easy! I have had my fair share of trouble and that is why this guide exists to help you now!
Advantages of Bike Chain Degreasers
Before we get started with the guide, it is important to discuss the main benefits you get by applying a bike chain degreaser!
Simple and Easy Maintenance: Bike Chain Degreasers make chains clean and shiny and no time, thus making maintenance very easy. The best thing that these degreasers do is that they eliminate the dirt so easily from the chains so that you can enjoy that amazing performance again. If you try combining degreasing with some cleaning products, the result is going to be even more amazing.
Great Efficiency With Bikes: The bike’s overall performance and efficiency drop when the chains are riddled with grease and grime. A good bike chain degreaser will eliminate all of that and make sure that you enjoy the top performance.
Enhanced Durability and Protection: The first job of bike chain degreasers is cleaning up your bike, which means all the grease and grime would be eliminated. Whenever there is excessive dirt found on your bike’s chains the overall lifespan of the device will fall. Degreasers make sure that your bikes are in top condition and that their life span and durability are prolonged.
The Different Types Of Bike Chain Degreasers
If you are new to bike chain degreasers then you should know that there are different types. It is best that you know all about them so that you can make a sound purchase.
Cans
If you are planning to do some heavy-duty cleaning or want to use them for commercial purposes then go for the can versions of bike chain degreasers. They are going to be more in quantity, that’s why stored in cans, you will also save some extra cash this way.
These can degreasers are actually more potent and strong because they have to be diluted in water first, this also makes them long-lasting. Choosing the perfect blend for your chain degreaser also gets easier plus it is cheap. If you are looking for the best chain degreasers and that too in amazing price then go for the can versions.
Aerosol
Aerosol degreasers are actually more flammable than the other options actually that is why their packaging is different. They are stored in strong metal containers which protects them against hazards. As you might have noticed these Aerosol degreasers are very easy to store and portable, that is because they are so lightweight!
If you want to use them on the go you can easily do that, just store these degreasers in your repair kit and you are good to go, there won’t be anything else to worry about. You just need to be careful about one thing, store them in a cool dry place, and make sure to not put them in direct sunlight as that could lead to trouble.
Spray Bottles
Packaging makes all the difference when it comes to bike chain degreasers. Spray Bottles are the most common types of bike chain degreasers that you will come across. They are very reliable and easy to pack and travel with, need an immediate portable solution, look no further than these spray bottles.
BTW these chain degreasers that come in spray bottles aren’t that corrosive so you have nothing to worry about!
Now that we have discussed the types of bike chain degreasers, it is high time we discuss the best products in the market!
Top Bike Chain Degreasers – Reviews and Guide:
1. White Lightning Clean Ride- Editor’s Choice
Price: $70
Let us start with the best cleaning lubricant in the market! The White Lightning Clean Ride is a must-have lubricant for the top performance of your bike. This lubricant will clean every kind of dirt on your bike like grease, and grime and afterward you would enjoy a shiny wax on your bike, it doesn’t get any better than this.
The White Lightning formula is really clean, that is one of the things I love about it, unlike other formulas, this one contains no oils or any other kind of harmful material. As this formula is completely oil-free the bike won’t even get dirty after a thorough cleanse.
You can use the White Lightning for a thorough and deep cleanse, it can easily be applied on chains, and cables of bikes. It can also be easily stored and transported anywhere.
Pros
- Offers a Deep and Thorough Cleanse
- Affordable Price
- Doesn’t Attract Dirt and other Contaminants
Cons
- Not Reliable In Rainy Weather
- Wears Out Rather Quickly In Heat
2. WD-40 Bike Cleaner and Degreaser
Price: $10
This is the best and most versatile bike cleaner and degreaser that you can come across! It doesn’t have a kit so you can use it instantly, easy to store, and easy to use. It has a very unique type of foam that just sticks to the bike’s surface and penetrates after, any kind of grease and grime would easily be eradicated!
If you want to keep your gears clean and at the best performance then definitely go for the WD-40. It is also safe from all harmful materials.
Pros
- Penetrates Everywhere
- Suitable For All Sorts Of Bikes
- Easily Removes Even The Toughest Of Grease
- Keeps The Paint Safe
Cons
- Lube-Less
- Bike Doesn’t Remain Clean For Long
3. Finish Line 1-Step Bicycle Chain Cleaner
Price: $13
This is another wet-style lubricant that you should get your hands on, the way it penetrates and kills the grease from within the gears is just purely spectacular. This chain cleaner is extremely efficient, you just need to try it out once. If you need to get rid of harmful buildups and other residues that would rather undermine the great performance of your bike then try the Finish chain cleaner.
This is a multi-purpose product, it acts both as a cleaner and a degreaser, with this your bike will always be in the top shape. What is the Finish Line cleaner best for? Well, it cleans your chains, different mechanisms, and cables while also keeping them in the top shape.
This cleaner is also available in aerosol cans and drip bottles, this makes users so comfortable with the product.
Pros
- Available in Aerosol and Drip Bottles
- Penetration Is Exemplary
- Very Affordable
Cons
- Difficult To Use
- Frequent Reapplication Is Required
4. Finish Line Speed 1 Bike Chain Degreaser Dry Version
Price: $15
This is yet another Finish Line bike chain degreaser, but it is a complete dry version. This makes sure that all the dirt is gone from your bike without any kinds of residue left behind. This product makes sure that the chains, disc brakes, and everything gets super clean, while also being dry.
That isn’t just it, the Finish Line degreaser also comes with a turbo sprayer option that you should definitely try out. I tried it out myself and it just cleans your bike in a flash! You can also use the product in the house easily, may it be plastic or paint, this product is multi-purpose.
Pros
- Dry Version feels amazing, no residue
- Turbo Spray option is incredible
- Can be used indoors too
Cons
- Not recommended for heavy-duty cleanups
- Not recommended for excessive dirt/clogging
5. Oil Eater Original Cleaner and Degreaser
Price: $30
The Oil Eater Original Cleaner and Degreaser is one of the oldest products in the market when it comes to bike maintenance. This is a multi-purpose product and you can use it everywhere, may it be the grills, carpets, or just floors, you can use it for more than bike purposes. Don’t be worried about using it on different kinds of surfaces, it has a non-abrasive formula that won’t do any kind of harm.
In order to kill the toughest of dirt and other kinds of contaminants, this product gets diluted in water, only then it has the top result. The degreaser is where it gets interesting, it has very unique, it is water-based and then combined with a formula that is biodegradable. If you are worried about the safety of the environment then there is nothing to be worried about as the degreaser is completely harmless.
For the normal price, you get a lemon-scented 1-gallon bottle, generally this much should last around a year or so, even if you use it frequently.
Pros
- Multi-purpose cleaner
- A normal bottle lasts an entire year
- Affordable price
Cons
- It can damage your skin
- The bottle is difficult to use
6. Park Tool CB-4 Bio Bike Chain Degreaser
Price: $10
Looking for a natural bike chain degreaser that isn’t polluted with toxins, then the Park Tool is the one for you! This is as natural as it could be when it comes to bike chain degreasers, and you would be pleased to know that the cleaning liquid is fully biodegradable, now you don’t have to worry about anything!
It is actually plant-based if you were wondering, apart from the bike usage, you can actually use it as a general degreaser, not a lot of products offer that, I checked that myself. This product is very powerful but it isn’t harmful to you!
Pros
- Can also be used as a general degreaser
- The liquid is 100% fully biodegradable
- Isn’t harmful to plastics
Cons
- Frequent Reapplication
7. Molten Speed Wax Bike Chain Degreaser
Price: N/A
Are you tired of using standard chain degreasers for your bike? Well, it is about time that you tried something new and better, try out the Molten Speed Wax Bike Chain Degreaser! This isn’t just an alternative, it will make sure that your bike gets the best treatment it deserves.
Did you know that wax is known to be the fastest and most effective lube? The way it cleans your bike is exemplary! Another unique aspect of speed wax is that it completely dries the bicycle, unlike the liquid products that you have been using in the past, this way it also doesn’t catch any kind of dirt or contaminant.
In order to get the best results, just melt the wax using a crockpot, apply it to the chains thoroughly and then just leave them to dry. After that just enjoy the results and have fun!
Pros
- Best For Racing Purposes
- Dries Quickly
- Very Effective
- Long and Durable Cleanse
Cons
- Not Suited For Every Weather
8. Pedro’s Pig Juice Chain Degreaser
Price: $20
Don’t go for the name with this one, Pedro’s Pig Juice Chain Degreaser is one of the best plant-based products that you can find in the market. It is a really great product with almost no chemicals, offers a thorough clean, I don’t think that you should miss out on Pedro’s.
The way it cleans your bike’s chains is exemplary, only a few can match this level of effectiveness. Once again, this product has nothing to do with pigs, in fact, it is solvent-free!
Pros
- Totally Plant-Based
- Solvent-Free Product
- Very Effective
Cons
- Drying Takes Time
Buy It Here
9. Muc Off Nano Tech Bike Cleaner
Price: $17
The Muc Off Nano Tech Bike Cleaner is so effective and gentle that you can use it almost anywhere on the bike and it will still offer the best results. Yes, not just the chains, you can even use this degreaser for use on the brake pads as well!
Don’t be worried about chemicals or anything else when using this cleaner, it is 100% biodegradable. Everyone likes to use simple cleaning products from their bikes, and this is one of the simplest and effective products to date. How to use it? Just spray on the area you want to clean and then clean after a while, your bike would feel brand new.
Pros
- Very Easy To Use
- Fully Biodegradable
- Can Be Used On The Bike
- Quick Clean
Cons
- Have To Be Used Frequently
Buy It Here
What Makes A Best Bike Chain Degreaser?
There are plenty of bike chain degreasers in the market, but actually going in the market and trying to find the best product can be very tricky, especially when you don’t have knowledge about the product. Here we shall discuss what you should look for in bike chain degreasers so that you can easily make the purchase!
They Should Be Biodegradable
When cleaning your bike with a formula you need to be careful about the environment and yourself! You need to make sure that the formula can be easily washed off and it doesn’t harm the environment, so that is why go for products that are fully biodegradable.
If you are cleaning outdoors or in your backyard then get a formula that doesn’t harm the grass and which can be easily drained.
Ease Of Usage
What is the point of bike chain degreasers if you can’t even use them properly and that too without ease? You should definitely go for products that are fast, effective, and easy to use, otherwise, there is just no point at all. If you go for the products that are difficult to use then you won’t even be using them regularly and thus they would become useless.
Make the cleaning process enjoyable and opt for products that are fast and easy to use!
Offers Great Value
Go for products that offer great value for their cost, there is no point if you have a cleaning product that can’t even last a month, especially when you paid a hefty amount for it.
It is always advised to go for products that have a great reputation in the market.
Fast Drying
Bike Chain Degreasers should be able to work quickly, there is no point if you have to wait hours for the bike to dry up. The best product is that does the job rather quickly, combine a fast-drying degreaser with lubricants and you would get the perfect results!
Important Bike Chain Degreaser Tips
No matter if you have the best bike chain degreaser in the market, you can always make your experience better by following in on some professional advice:
- Always go for bike chain degreasers that will perform in every type of weather. You don’t want a product that will just soak up in rain or damage the bike. Multi-weather products go a long way and offer the best performance.
- After 2-3 rides make sure to degrease the chains of your bike and lubricate them. This will not just increase the life span of your bike but also offer the best performance possible. Keep on doing this if you want smooth and relaxing rides.
- Sometimes you could be out of equipment to clean your bike, a very nice alternative is a folded rag or unused towel. You can use the cleaning liquid on the rag and then just apply it on the bike!
FAQs
Can I use any degreaser on my bike chain?
No, you must go for multi-purpose or degreasers that are only suited for bikes. Otherwise, you would just end up damaging your bike instead of cleaning it!
Is WD40 a good bike chain degreaser?
Yes, the WD40 is one of the best bike cleaning products in the market, it is very reliable and quick!
What can I use instead of a degreaser?
One of the best alternatives to a chain degreaser is distilled vinegar, it gets the job done.
Why do bike chain degreasers need to be biodegradable?
Bike chain degreasers need to be fully biodegradable so that they can easily be washed off and don’t harm the environment.
How often should I degrease my bike?
At the least, you should degrease your bike once a month. Other than that, it depends on the frequency of the usage of your bike.
Recap
Bike maintenance is very easy, you need to make sure that your bike always has the best performance but you also have to be smart and careful about it. Bike chain degreasers make sure that your bikes are in top shape, so get the perfect cleaning product for your bike.
Among the list, my top choice and the one that I will always recommend is the White Lightning Clean Ride, it is quick, effective, and thorough. It is a tad expensive but the value it offers is unmatchable.
Follow the criteria for selecting the perfect bike cleaning product and the professional tips and you would always be enjoying the top bike performance!
4 thoughts on “Best Bike Chain Degreaser- Updated Guide 2023”
If you love cycling but hate the maintenance that comes along with it, consider buying a bicycle. Then WD-40 Specialist Bike Degreaser is for you. It’s the easiest way to clean your bike, without disassembly. You simply spray it on, wait a few minutes and rinse off. It will dry up quickly, leave no dirt and other particles during application, and cause no damage to bike paint and varnish. In addition, it removes muck, grime, dirt, grease, and other tenacious contaminants from your bike chain.Â
Overall, I highly recommend this degreaser for anyone who has a two-wheeled vehicle. It has exceptional grease-cutting and grime-stripping performance the way the world knows and expects from the brand. Maintaining the optimum performance of one’s bike should be easy peasy.
This Park Tool QKCG24 Bike Chain Cleaning Kit works really great. It cleans everything so well! The tool has reversible handle, clamps to hold top and bottom together and all the brushes come out for cleaning or replacement. The brushes inside are easily removed and can be taken apart. The bottom plug has a decent magnet and always picks up the ferrous materials when cleaning the chain. The little plastic brush that it comes with is great for getting into your cassette and clearing out anything between the gears.
I like this set because the chain scrubber makes my cleaning work quicker and more effective. Thanks to this scrubber, I can spend less time doing the tedious task of cleaning my bicycle’s chain.