With so many bike cleaning products out there, it can be difficult to find one that works, and more so, cleans and degreases your bike chain the way it should.
Keep your chain squeaky clean with one of the six best bike chain cleaners and degreasers in the market in 2022. Some of these items from our list are usable for your whole bike, not just your chain.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Muc-Off Bio Drivetrain Cleaner | Best Overall |  |
| Finish Line Speed Bicycle Chain Degreaser | Budget Pick |  |
| Pedro's Pig Juice Chain Cleaner One Color | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Muc-Off Bio Drivetrain Cleaner
Pros:
- Powerful degreaser – gets off all kinds of dirt
- Upholds safety standards
- Biodegradable: environmentally friendly
- Safe on carbon fibre, aluminium, rubber, plastics, seals and disc brakes
Cons:
- Overspraying causes grease gunk to get on the frame
- Some users complained that it doesn't come with a spray applicator
This Muc-Off Bio Drivetrain Cleaner is a cheap and effective solution for cleaning and degreasing your bike chain. It's perfect for those that want to to keep the bearings running smooth as long as possible and also for those looking to use less water on their bike due to the fact that you can also spray it and wipe it off.
2. Pedro's Pig Juice Chain Cleaner One Color
Pros:
- Plant-based
- Safe to use on all drivetrains
- Biodegradable
- Removes dirt from your chain with ease
- Durable Yet Budget Friendly
- Doesn’t stain your chain or bike
- 1-year Warranty
Cons:
- It leaves soap bubbles after use
- Requires scrubbing to remove old waxed gunk from the chain
The Pedro's Pig Juice bicycle chain cleaner is a super concentrated degreaser for bike chains that removes all sorts of grease and grime from your chain, without causing damage to the finish.
It is also biodegradable due to the fact that is plant-based which makes it the perfect choice for the environment.
3. Finish Line Speed Bicycle Chain Degreaser
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Designed for quick degreasing
- Unscented
- No residue is left on the chain
Cons:
- Can be expensive to use on a regular basis
- Some users mentioned that it damages paint and plastic
The Finish Line Speed Bicycle Chain Degreaser is made from top-quality materials to ensure performance. Unscented, it can make the heavy-duty job look like fun. Those who are beginners in the cycling world must be aware that this degreaser can only be used to clean but not lubricate. However, due to the fact that it leaves no residue and dries fast, lubricant can be applied right after cleaning.
4. Park Tool CB-4 Bio Chainbrite Bicycle Chain & Component Cleaning Fluid
Pros:
- Multi-purpose, biodegradable cleaning liquid
- Decent price
- Works on other non-bike chain parts
- 100% biodegradable, natural, plant-based degreaser
- Will not damage alloy, plastic, rubber, or carbon fiber parts
Cons:
- not as concentrated as other products from our list
- Some users complained regarding the leaking
Park Tool’s CB-4 Bio Chainbrite is a cleaning fluid that can be used for almost any bike chain cleaning task. Due to the fact that is biodegradable, this degreaser is intended to be used on any bike brand’s chains and bike parts.
5. Simple Green Bike Cleaner/Degreaser
Pros:
- Works effectively
- Can be used on dirty parts
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Doesn't remove dried grease
- Sprays in foaming clumps which makes it difficult to cover the bike
The Simple Green Bike Cleaner/Degreaser is a product that is not meant for cleaning bikes with expensive components, but is a great option for those who own cheaper models that do not require too much cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best bike chain cleaner?
The best bike chain degreaser in our opinion is Pedro's Pig Juice Chain Cleaner.
Pedro's is the go-to brand for bike cleaners, degreasers, and anything else bicycle-related. This chain cleaner is Biodegradable, since it's plant-based, which not only ensures that it will not stain your chain or bike but also it's safe for the environment.
Should I use degreaser on my bike chain?
It’s important not to use a degreaser on your drivetrain. By doing so, you can strip off the existing layer of protection. As a result, the chain will be even more susceptible to damaging contaminants.
Degreasers are great for cleaning your bike. However, they’re not as effective at removing the dirt and grime that is embedded in the chain. Even the most powerful degreasers will not be capable of eliminating that dirt and grime.
Degreasers easily remove the protective layer, rendering the chain incredibly vulnerable. When that happens, the chain is far more likely to rust and wear out sooner. If you use a degreaser, it’s important to apply a new layer of lube. Otherwise, the chain will dry out and become a dirt magnet in no time.
What is best to clean a bike chain?
To clean a bike chain, you need a cleaner and a degreaser.
Dirty bike chains can lead to drivetrain damage, limited efficiency, and a range of other issues. Most of the time, a dirty bike chain is from not keeping up with the maintenance.
Properly cleaning your chain before storing it and after a ride will keep your bike running at its peak.
If you’re new to bike maintenance, there are countless guides out there to help. There’s no need to be an expert just because you bought a particular bike. You can clean your bike chain yourself.
Most chain cleaners are either spray-bottle type or bucket-with-brush type. You want to spray or soak your chain, and then brush the chain clean. Follow the directions on the product you buy.
Conclusion
The whole point of a bike chain is to keep your bicycle moving around. However, a dirty chain can cause your bike to stop moving. It can also cause unnecessary wear to the chain when you want to ride faster.
This article should help you find the best bike chain cleaner that will make your job easier. It contains review of the top five bike chain cleaners and degreasers on the market for you to choose from.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Muc-Off Bio Drivetrain Cleaner | Best Overall | |
| Finish Line Speed Bicycle Chain Degreaser | Budget Pick | |
| Pedro's Pig Juice Chain Cleaner One Color | Upgrade Pick | |