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Chain Cleaning and the Connex Link

17/2/2012

 
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A Connex Link by Wippermann for a 10 speed chain.
When it comes to chain cleaning and lubrication I'm yet to find a better system than removing the chain,washing it thoroughly in petrol or some other solvent,hanging it to dry while I wash the rest of my bike. Reinstalling the chain,then applying a good quality chain oil. I've tried a few other methods,including the Park Tool Chain Scrubber which I found worked quite well it just seems a little messy and cumbersome. Another product, the name escapes me, some of my friends use cleans and lubricates your chain as you spin the drive train over whilst applying. Whilst convenient, when I used it I always feel like my chain sounds noisy and dry.
 What was the icing on the cake for me was the Connex Link by Wippermann, which makes removing and reinstalling your chain simple and fast. I have them on all my bikes and one link is on it's third chain so they last quite well too. They are pretty cheap at around $10 so wont break the bank. I remove the chain,then using an old bidon I keep specially for chain cleaning, 1/4 fill the bidon with petrol and shake like crazy for 1 minute or so. (Having your favourite high tempo song playing helps to really fire up the shake.ACCA DACCA, You Shook Me All Night Long, could do the job but feel free to experiment). 
You can pour the dirty petrol into a suitable storage vessel for a second usage if desired. If I'm feeling frivolous and am after the cleanest chain in the peloton I may just indulge in a second washing with clean solvent. 
Just be careful to install the link the correct way around and it's a little fiddly the first couple of times you do it. I'm yet to be convinced to change from this regime but I'm always open to other peoples ideas.     
 
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Connex Link correctly installed on my Gellie Custom travel bike.The chain has to be removed for packing the bike into it's S&S Case when travelling so the link is an added bonus for that.

Ewen Gets a Facelift

2/2/2012

 
I love how you can change the look of your bike just by switching components around. Except the wheels,which I admit are a pretty big change,the rest is bottle cages,bar tape,seat and stem. Whilst it's not something I want to be doing too often, due to the cost involved, I'll keep all the white parts so I can switch back if I get sick of the stealth look.And the Lightweights are really only for illustration purposes, unless I turn up on the Gellie for a race which I may well do.
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