Bike maintenance is not the most pleasant task, but definitely necessary to keep your bike in its best shape. Bike chains are an essential part of any smooth riding, and you need a substantial degreaser to truly protect your bike chains.
Here, we are going to inform you all you need to know about bike chain degreasers and the best ones out there.
Table of Contents
TLDR – Top Pick For Bike Chain Degreasers
The best bike chain degreaser is the WD-40 Specialist Bike Degreaser.
Last update on 2024-04-24 at 19:20 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features You Need To Consider
During your bike rides, it’s fairly easy to pick up dirt, moisture, and dust, among other things. Washing the bike with water and soap may be enough, but your chains are a whole other story. Poor chain maintenance will cause increased wear, inflexible chains, as well as unsatisfactory shifting functionality.
No worries, cleaning your bike chain can be a simple task once you understand what you need. The most important thing is to degrease and lubricate, and your bike will live a long and healthy life.
Check out our guide and make sure you keep an eye out for these features before purchasing your bike chain degreaser.
Simple & Easy To Use
In order to enjoy constantly tending to your bike, you need a degreaser that’s easy to use. Basically, you want something easy and quick. But then again, this depends solely on the condition of your bike chains.
You might need a more thorough cleaning if this is the first time you found out you need to clean your bike chains. Making it a part of your riding ritual will be good for your bike and for you.
How Long It Takes To Dry
Different degreasers react differently to bike chain dirt. For a quick and easy clean, you want to use a spray on degreaser. Easier to apply and quicker to dry. Our motto is “The faster the better”, but again it depends on the condition of your bike chain.
For heaps of dirt, you want to take the time and use a wet degreaser. Even though it will need more time to dry, but necessary to ensure a spotless chain.
Wet vs Spray-On
Wet degreasers are called that because they are wetter and take a longer time to dry. You can cut short your degreasing process by applying it with a brush. However, brush application is not as effective as a chain scrubber.
If you are already choosing a wet degreaser, better go all the way and use a chain scrubbing device. This process will take more degreaser, time, space, and it will cause a mess. Yet crucial if your bike chain is awfully dirty.
If you don’t need a thorough cleaning, rather than applying a wet degreaser with a brush, we suggest you try a spray on degreaser. Simple to use and apply. You can aim at the dirt for a more precise clean.
Eco-Friendly
Try to choose an eco-friendly solution, it’s great for your environment. A Biodegradable solution will be easy to clean – only needs water – and is not harmful to your garden, or anyone else. Remember to look at the ingredients list and not just the “Biodegradable” label.
Budget Friendly
All degreasers are reasonably affordable. You want something that is budget friendly yet offers an excellent quality. Spending a little more on your degreaser may save you from needing a new chain anytime soon. Be sure to choose one with an outstanding reputation for the sake of your bike.
The Best Bike Chain Degreasers Reviewed
Features to consider aside, we’ve put together a selection of degreaser with an impressive reputation to help you take care of your beloved bicycle.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the features you need and find the degreaser of your choice below:
1. Finish Line 1-Step
Key Features:
- Available in 3 sizes
- Wet-style lubrication
- Cleans and lubes with 1 step
- Offers rust protection
- Available in aerosol
This is a wet style degreaser which will lubricate and penetrate all the dirt in your bike chains. It will also remove any old lube which may still hang around between your chains. Use this often and achieve a spotless chain. The Finish Line 1-Step will leave your chain with a film of low friction lubricant.
The best feature offered by Finish Line 1-Step is its easy application. If you are used to applying degreaser, wiping, and following with a lubrication, then you’re in for a treat. This can do both and be easily applied and easily cleaned off. Another thing it does is give your chains rust protection. Great for beginners as well as people with little to no time for bicycle maintenance.
Use is recommended for both daily usage and one time clean for bikes that will go into storage. Even though this one is drip, it’s also available in aerosol. Just one spray and you’re left with a shiny chain and anti-rust additives. It can be used on your gear shifters as well as your cables.
The formula is able to protect against extreme conditions, including coastal salt air. It also continues to reduce friction over long pedaling distances.
Pros:
- Requires little effort
- Better when compared to multi step products
- Can be used for daily maintenance
- Easy to apply and easy to wipe off
Cons:
- Product packaging may break if you don’t know how to handle it
- The smaller size finishes quickly
- May leak during application
- Sticks to your skin (use gloves!)
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 05:11 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. WD-40 Specialist Bike Degreaser
Key Features:
- Offers multiple formulas
- Foam available to remove stubborn grease
- Safe for all bikes
- Tested by multiple parties
- Sufficient for pro level riders
The WD-40 Specialist Bike Degreaser is a complete set. Choose what you need and check what you will get before completing your purchase. They have Dry Lube, Wet Lube, All Condition Lube, Degreaser, as well as cleaner. Even though all is meant for the same thing, it will be better for the application process if you choose a specific one to match your chain’s needs.
The foam you get from the degreaser will penetrate and remove all grease and grime. It’s safe to use over all kinds of bike finishes and will not damage your varnish or paint. The WD-40 Bike product line is suitable for all kinds of riders from beginners to pro, and they can keep bikes clean and fast.
The WD-40 Specialist Degreaser is worthy as it has gone through various testing with external scientists, bicycle retailers, and professional mechanics. Now you can be a part of the testing, by trying it out for yourself. They prioritize bike safety and ease of bike maintenance.
Dry lube is meant for dry and rusty conditions. The wet lube is meant of muddy and extreme weather dirt. The all condition lube can help you in both dry and wet conditions. The cleaner is biodegradable, safe and easy to use. Last but not least, the degreaser sprays out as a foam and will stick and penetrate to remove all kinds of dirt and grease.
Pros:
- Results in a smooth, quiet ride
- Can be washed off with rag/hose
- Easy to use for regular maintenance
Cons:
- The check-out process is tricky (make sure you have the right product)
- Disastrous if not wiped properly
- May require multiple application
- Foam is difficult to get into the chains
Last update on 2024-04-24 at 19:20 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Muc Off – 664US Nano Tech Motorcycle Cleaner
Key Features:
- Initially meant for motorcycles
- Works well as bicycle degreaser
- Easily penetrate dirt
- Safe to use on all kinds of ride
- Biodegradable
The Muc Off 664US Nano Tech Motorcycle Cleaner, is just that, meant for motorcycles. However, it works perfectly well to degrease the bike chain. It is said to be able to give a deep clean and remove dirt on motorcycles. But it will perform just as well for your bike chains.
It also promises to clean and maintain your ride’s finish. However, you need to be careful, it might damage some types of paint. It is safe for plastic. It’s very easy to apply, spray on and wipe off. It’s also entirely biodegradable, which makes it safe for everyday use in your garden.
Whether it is your bicycle or motorbike, you can use the Muc Off to degrease after use in any kind of weather. This product is very thorough and will not disappoint. Try it out and see the effects for yourself on your next ride.
Pros:
- Refills available
- Easy to use
- Quick applications
- Takes off all kinds of dirt
Cons:
- May damage certain kinds of paint
- Shows little difference compared to water
- Wax is still a better option for motorcycles
- Little content in the packaging
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 05:11 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. White Lightning Clean Streak
Key Features:
- Available in many sizes
- Can clean chain, gears, derailleurs
- Easy to apply
- Comes in spray packaging
- Quick application
The White Lightning Clean Streak is a degreaser that is easy and quick to apply. It comes in a spray packaging with a nozzle that can easily aim at the dirt. Application may require more product, but you need not leave it in for long. Spray out a sufficient amount, wait a while, and wipe. You’ll be ready to ride a smooth ride.
You can use it for your gears, chains, derailleurs, and disc brake rotors. Great for consistent maintenance. It will wash away road grime, dirt, and grease. You will not be left with any residue and you do not need to rinse. This product is safe to use for carbon fiber.
You do need to apply a significant amount to get the desired result of the product. Application is easy, but you need to be careful. It is not safe to breathe so try to apply outdoors. A major disadvantage for those of you living in flats or apartments. Better be safe than sorry. Remember to look out for little details to make sure your bike maintenance is also healthy for you.
Pros:
- Degreases well
- Precise application
- Works for all kinds of bike
- Easy application (does not need water)
Cons:
- The packaging may break
- Not the smoothest ride
- Requires more product for effective result
- Not safe to use indoors
Last update on 2024-04-24 at 19:37 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Runaway Bike DEGREASER
Key Features:
- Biodegradable and non toxic
- Is not citrus based
- Comes with a flip top lid (Easy pouring)
- Safe for rubber seals
The Runaway Bike Degreaser may not be the most popular ones out there, but it’s substantial enough that we’ve brought it to your attention. It is meant to be used in chain washers or scrubbers. So this is not one for easy application spray and wipe off.
It is formulated as non-toxic, biodegradable, non hazardous, non corrosive, and not flammable. All round safe for you and your bike. It is suitable to clean road gunk and safe for your rubber seals, bottom brackets, and suspension components. It is compatible with titanium, carbon fiber, steel, rubber, plastic, and chrome.
No need to dilute during application, you can use it just as intended.
Pros:
- Results in a smooth, quiet ride
- Environmentally friendly
- Application is effective
- Budget friendly
Cons:
- May struggle to break down the grease
- Takes longer to apply
- Takes longer to dry
Last update on 2024-04-24 at 19:37 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Top Pick
After going through the option, the most recommended is the WD-40 Specialist Bike Degreaser. Because of its availability and effectiveness in degreasing your chains. It is also suitable to use for all kinds of riders. Choose the solution you need to degrease your chains.
At the end of the day, it’s not always about the product but the application and consistency. How much do you care about your chains? You can always try out different products to find the best ones to suit your needs. Remember to care, and it’s all easy from there.
Last update on 2024-04-24 at 19:20 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
