Instructions: Degrease the chain

How do I degrease a chain for use with chain wax?

  1. Disassemble chain.
  2. For heavily soiled chains, pre-clean with normal drivetrain cleaner.
  3. Place chain in a jar and cover completely with degreaser. For new chains: use nitro thinner or Optimize Chain Degreaser Plus; for used chains: use brake cleaner or Optimize Chain Degreaser Plus.
  4. Pour 100-150ml of degreaser into a suitable container, place the chain in it and let it soak for 10 minutes, then shake thoroughly for 5 minutes. Afterwards, rinse the chain under running water and wipe/dry thoroughly.
  5. Cassette, chainrings and derailleur pulleys can remain assembled and are cleaned with drivetrain cleaner and degreaser (they should then be shiny and visually clean). Alternatively, our Drive Train Cleaning Set can be used. Minor oil or dirt deposits are not a problem. The chain, however, must be all the cleaner.

Degreasing a bicycle chain with an ultrasonic cleaner

  1. Used chains can be completely degreased in an ultrasonic cleaner, but unfortunately this does not work for new chains, as the factory greases are too stubborn.
  2. Add 5-10% ultrasonic cleaning fluid to the total amount of water.
  3. If possible, heat the water in the ultrasonic cleaner to 60-80°C; this helps with the cleaning performance.
  4. Then run the ultrasonic cleaner for 10-20 minutes, depending on the degree of contamination.
  5. Rinse the chain thoroughly with clean water under the tap.


 

Frequently asked question

Here we give you all the answers to your most frequently asked questions.

I am using wax from a different manufacturer, do I still need to degrease?

For hot wax or water-based waxes, our liquid wax and hot wax can be applied directly.

If you are unsure, ask us: kontakt@optimize.bike

What other equipment do I need?
  • Gloves
  • Mason jar
  • Safety glasses
  • Brush
  • Chain pliers or chain rivet tool
  • Chain lock

Do I need to clean the chain again?

No, the degreasing process is completely eliminated and is therefore only necessary once when switching to chain wax.

Chain is running louder, what to do?

I have applied chain wax but now the chain is running much louder? What did I do wrong?


1 General:
After 50km of hot wax (break-in period) or generally after waxing, does the chain still run unevenly, loudly and do the chain links feel tough?

=> Then it is because the chain was not degreased correctly! Put the chain in a saucepan and let it boil in water for 15 minutes. The oil and wax will dissolve, then degrease again with brake cleaner, let it air out and re-wax!
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2. Hot wax: Chain gets louder before 800-1000km? Then the wax was boiled too hot! The wax is too liquid and drips out of the chain, which affects the mileage. It is also possible that the wax was not heated up enough, which makes it harder for the wax to penetrate the chain. Moving the chain in the pot can also help to release air bubbles etc. from the chain.
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3. Installation problems: Derailleur pulleys are directional (rattle if installed incorrectly). There is also a metal pin in the derailleur between the upper and lower derailleur pulleys (the chain must not run over it). Worn chainrings can sometimes make noise. Very rarely: chainrings installed the wrong way round (inside).

Can I mix hot and liquid wax?

Yes, all hot and liquid chain waxes are completely compatible with each other (including graphene, graphite, etc.). You don't have to pay attention to anything, just put the chain in the cooking pot or apply the wax.

What else needs to be degreased besides the chain?

What else needs to be degreased besides the chain?

  • Cassette
  • Chainrings
  • Derailleur pulleys (please re-grease later)

Problems or questions?

Feel free to contact us!