Chain Doc Muc-off... Any good?

Feek · 27 Jul 2017 at 14:50

I don't do much in the way of mechanical stuff and so haven't done any maintenance on my Marasa since getting it nearly a year ago. I only ride in the dry and sun so the bike still seems nice and clean.

I thought perhaps I ought to clean and lube the chain and spotted this.

Is this a wonder product, aimed at the clueless (me), or is it actually any good?

If I get one, run my chain over it and then hose it all down, what should I put on after to lube?

Ta.

merlin · 27 Jul 2017 at 14:55

I was a bit of a sceptic until I decided to give one a go, I bought this:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/park-tool-cyclone-chain-scrubber-cm5-2/rp-prod8207

It's bloody brilliant. I filled mine up with engine degreaser (worked a treat) re-lube with chain oil of your choosing afterwards.

Steedie · 27 Jul 2017 at 16:47

Yeah I use the Park Tool one above, it's fantastic with a good degraser

PermaBanned · 27 Jul 2017 at 17:13

I got a knock off one from ebay, seems to work just as well.

Begbie · 27 Jul 2017 at 19:09

PermaBanned said:
I got a knock off one from ebay, seems to work just as well.

I had a knock off one and it fell apart. House mate just got the park tool one, and it seems a lot better.

Feek · 27 Jul 2017 at 20:26

Right, so if I buy the Park Tool one, can someone advise exactly what I should get to fill it up with and then what chain lube to buy please. Like I said, this is all new to me so I really have no idea what products I should be using.

nft_99 · 27 Jul 2017 at 20:40

I use this in mine, http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/weldtite-dirtwash-citrus-degreaser/rp-prod32389
and currently use a finish line chain lube

PermaBanned · 27 Jul 2017 at 20:54

Chain lube is a tricky subject. If you don't care about having a black chain that you have to avoid the whole time, Finish Line Wet Lube is fine (or any of the cheaper alternatives, Wilko do a teflon one that's supposedly just as good for £2.50/100ml). If you do... it's a lot more complicated really. Dry lubes tend to be a bit cleaner, but there's probably not much in it. I've taken to dipping the chain in paraffin wax, but that's probably a bit involved for most. There are wax based lubes that you apply normally, like Squirt Lube (I know... I didn't name it) which are supposedly quite good. Might not hold up quite as well in the wet but as long as you're applying regularly it shouldn't be an issue.

lordrobs · 28 Jul 2017 at 21:54

I know that chain cleaners are generally seen as a good thing but personally my chains seem to fair much better since I stopped using one. Instead I just dry wipe down the chain and re lube without de-greasing or using a chain cleaner. If it is very wet or gritty then I'll add a touch of GT85 to the cloth.

As for lube, if you never ride in wet conditions I would strongly advise going for a dry lube. I use Muc-Off dry ceramic and the whole drive train is so much cleaner as it doesn't attract dust.