Took my new bike to first maintenance as the LBS had a deal for it for customers.
I had done basic chain maintenance, but not deep cleaned chains on it yet. Hadn't ridden much on gravel or wet conditions either. The chain was not clean when I took it, but not visibly dirty either.
When I got it back I noticed that the chains felt pretty rough. Then I noticed that all the sides were black as well. Decided to deep clean it and had to do 5+ rounds of bathing before I got them clean.
Judging by the smell the LBS just bathe the dirty chain in Muc Off and called it a day with barely wiping the excess off.
Is this normal? Don't they have to at least clean it a bit before re-lubing?
I primarily ride MTB and is the first time I bathe my chains in cleaner liquid, but my chains have never been this dirty before.
by quitesohorrible
6 Comments
Bike shop is definitely going to just wipe off the chain, relube it, wipe off the excess. Soaking a chain in degreaser is not a typical part of a tune up nor is it really necessary.
At the bike shops I go to, drivetrain cleaning is not always included. You need to pay to have it done separately, or ensure it is included in the service package you pay for. I will typically inquire about the cleaning method they use ahead of time so that I know what I am paying for. I expect them to re-lubricate the chain after cleaning it.
what is listed in included services for maintenance? how much did they charge?
is the the included free maintenance? if so, thats usually checking if things are tight, still working correctly not really a full clean.
Our tier one service is just adjusting gears and brakes, wipe down your chain and maybe use the air gun on your chainrings. Lvl two your mechs and chain/cassette go in the washer
I feel like soaking a chain is just a bad idea. you’ll wash away any internal grease that you could never replace. like, if its dirty enough to need to be soaked, its probably time to just change it out. they’re like $10 and youre using $3 in cleaner and $7 in effort.
Chains are cheap and easy to replace. Seems like the cost benefit isn’t there to deep clean them. I’ve always just hosed them down with triflow every few rides and they last a couple of years for me.