I have a mongoose 29’ U Switchback Comp BLK XL if it helps, I plan on cleaning the frame of the mountain bike but I’m worried about the chain and the look of it up close as the picture shows, I’ve lubricated the chain but I don’t believe Ive ever cleaned it before and I don’t know if it’s necessary if I should
by CaliberWatch
5 Comments
No replace it
Based on the picture, it does look dirty. It’d be a good idea to clean it with alcohol or degreaser. Then lube it afterwards.
Yes, always clean it before lubricating. Use a dedicated drivetrain cleaner and some brushes to clean the chain, derailleur, cassette and lube the chain afterwards.
Yours is quite dirty, clean it regularly to avoid the dust and dirt grinding down the teeth of your cassette
If you keep lubing it without cleaning it then the black shite will just build up more and more, destroying your drivetrain in the process.
If there’s one part of your bike you should clean after every muddy ride, it’s the drivetrain. Get it cleaned thoroughly and use a wax based lube like squirt and you’ll barely have to degrease it again, just give it a good rinse and scrub when it gets muddy or dusty.
Clean it very well once and then keep it clean.
To get that dirty the chain has been neglected for a while.
I would clean it and then measure it to see if it is worn out.