Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => The Knowledge => Topic started by: citoyen on 11 October, 2020, 02:28:35 pm
-
Who uses a dummy hub/chain keeper for bike cleaning?
Looking at a few options and wondering if anyone has any recommendations. The Park one is expensive (of course) but is it worth it? The Morgan Blue one is cheap but is it any good?
-
Who uses a dummy hub/chain keeper for bike cleaning?
For what?
J
-
Acts as a dummy cassette to hook the chain over while the rear wheel is out. Useful while cleaning.
Whether or not they’re a good idea probably depends on your approach to chain cleaning.
I’m in two minds, hence canvassing for opinions.
-
Have you not got a mushroom type pin on the right seat stay for such purposes?
-
I'm sure I've seen a budget option recommended, but dashed if I can remember where... (perhaps on the CTC forums?)
If you're using one of those brush-and-bath feed-through cleaners I can see it being useful, otherwise less so.
-
Bike cleaning? You’ll have to explain that part ;D
-
Bike cleaning? You’ll have to explain that part ;D
That was my point...
Just add more lube to replace the stuff the rain washes off...
J
-
Useful for bike cleaning, and also for transport. I like the ones that go across the rear dropouts, like a false axle if you get the idea, and have a free running plastic pulley.
After a few years of riding many of us will have an old cream crackered rear wheel. You can cut the hub out of the rim, and I then use just one cassette sprocket in the centre of the body, using old cassette spacers to take up the extra space. Also ideal for transport as it prevents the rear ends being accidentally squeezed.
-
Have you not got a mushroom type pin on the right seat stay for such purposes?
Not on the plastic bikes.
Some years ago, I astounded a clubmate when fixing a rear puncture on a club ride and using that pin to hook the chain. He'd never known before what it was for. I think I learned its purpose in similar circumstances.
-
After a few years of riding many of us will have an old cream crackered rear wheel. You can cut the hub out of the rim, and I then use just one cassette sprocket in the centre of the body, using old cassette spacers to take up the extra space. Also ideal for transport as it prevents the rear ends being accidentally squeezed.
Good thinking!
Come to think of it, I'm sure I have some old packing spacers knocking around somewhere that would probably do the job.
-
I have 2. A Morgan Blue one, and a Lifeline one from Wiggle (£6)
I'd say if you have discs they are a no-brainer
-
Are we talking about these things?
(https://cdn.bike24.net/i/mb/95/82/12/284317-00-d-574398.jpg)
I've got a couple for when I need to take the rear wheel off to transport the bike, the only problem is with the Focus RAT system it doesn't provide the counter to the tightening in order to stop the axle just turning and coming out.
-
I have 2. A Morgan Blue one, and a Lifeline one from Wiggle (£6)
I'd say if you have discs they are a no-brainer
This is more or less my thinking. Sounds like your experience confirms it. Thanks.
I've just placed an order for the Morgan Blue one (actually 50p cheaper than the Lifeline one on Wiggle right now).
-
Are we talking about these things?
Yup. Although I'm looking at ones for QR rather than thru axle. Some mount on just one side, eg the Morgan Blue (https://www.wiggle.co.uk/morgan-blue-chain-keeper?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&utm_source=google&utm_term=dc&utm_campaign=UK_Manufacturer_DC_Morgan+Blue&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=mckv|sNMk2kLKa_dc|mcrid|77078648832|mkw|morgan%20blue%20chain%20keeper|mmt|e|mrd||mslid||&mkwid=sNMk2kLKa_dc&pcrid=77078648832&pkw=morgan%20blue%20chain%20keeper&pmt=e&slid=&pgrid=23165841672&ptaid=kwd-22034213131&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2or8BRCNARIsAC_ppybFNECExvK19CaF9It0yhjjA2RxYz5LZVmNlnhZbAYGITIfAbZZXFsaAq3aEALw_wcB) one I just ordered, but as Giropaul says, some go the full width and so can be used as spacers when transporting the bike. (I like the look of the Morgan Blue one over the Lifeline one because it has a wingnut rather than a QR lever, so I imagine is likely to be more secure in use.)
the only problem is with the Focus RAT system it doesn't provide the counter to the tightening in order to stop the axle just turning and coming out.
That's annoying!
-
Yup. Although I'm looking at ones for QR rather than thru axle. Some mount on just one side, eg the Morgan Blue (https://www.wiggle.co.uk/morgan-blue-chain-keeper?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&utm_source=google&utm_term=dc&utm_campaign=UK_Manufacturer_DC_Morgan+Blue&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=mckv|sNMk2kLKa_dc|mcrid|77078648832|mkw|morgan%20blue%20chain%20keeper|mmt|e|mrd||mslid||&mkwid=sNMk2kLKa_dc&pcrid=77078648832&pkw=morgan%20blue%20chain%20keeper&pmt=e&slid=&pgrid=23165841672&ptaid=kwd-22034213131&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2or8BRCNARIsAC_ppybFNECExvK19CaF9It0yhjjA2RxYz5LZVmNlnhZbAYGITIfAbZZXFsaAq3aEALw_wcB) one I just ordered, but as Giropaul says, some go the full width and so can be used as spacers when transporting the bike. (I like the look of the Morgan Blue one over the Lifeline one because it has a wingnut rather than a QR lever, so I imagine is likely to be more secure in use.)
Doesnt make too much difference really, but if its TAxle then you have to take a bit out of the Wiggle one first. Not so on the MB.
I use it for cleaning then re-lubing. It's very easy to fling lube onto the disc if you leave the wheels in.
Another little thing I did was buy a bag of 50 shower caps for about £2.50 off ebay which I put on the discs when washing the wheels. Seems excessive, but a contaminated disc is a PITA. I also pop them on when I store the bikes.
-
Can I ask the perhaps obvious question, but... why?
What is the point of it?
Why is it a no brainer for disk brake users?
I have disk brakes. I don't use one. Why would I want to?
J
-
See my post above.
It means you can spin the chain with the wheels out. If you lube chain then spin chain you've a fair chance of getting it on your disc.
-
Another little thing I did was buy a bag of 50 shower caps for about £2.50 off ebay which I put on the discs when washing the wheels. Seems excessive, but a contaminated disc is a PITA. I also pop them on when I store the bikes.
That reminds me - I got sent some Muc-Off neoprene disc covers a while ago. Can't think what I did with them. Might be worth actually using them, if I can find them...
-
A contaminated disc is a PITA.
I find it's a pain between the lugs for everyone else, noisy as hell, scatters pedestrians on cycle tracks but still stops me ok, so meh.
-
Bet you've got a Hope freehub too, havent you.
You bastard ;D
-
Bet you've got a Hope freehub too, havent you.
You bastard ;D
On my MTB, aye :-D
-
See my post above.
It means you can spin the chain with the wheels out. If you lube chain then spin chain you've a fair chance of getting it on your disc.
Weird... What lube are you using? I drop a drop on each roller and leave it over night. No spray on disks.
J
-
I use all sorts, but I always spin the chain for a bit, let it penetrate, then wipe off the excess.
-
I use all sorts, but I always spin the chain for a bit, let it penetrate, then wipe off the excess.
Whatever floats your boat I guess..... :P
-
lube in pressurised containers (wd-40, gt-85 and other) can easily contaminate discs. regular drip lube stays on the chain (unless someone overlubes and spins cranks as fast as possible, then maybe..).
i personally have never bothered with chain doodads or disc covers, no problem with contamination so far.
-
None of my bikes have the little nubbin on the frame, and I don't have a widget either.
If a bike is up on the stand for a clean beyond a quick hose-down, then the chain comes off via the quick link for a dunk in the cleaning bath where it stays till the rest of the cleaning is complete. In fact, it's the first thing off to avoid it dragging its dirty oily self all over the frame. Any cleaning involved enough to include a removed rear wheel also involves a removed chain.
I don't have a cleaning scenario that involves a wheel out without the chain coming off too.
-
lube in pressurised containers (wd-40, gt-85 and other) can easily contaminate discs. regular drip lube stays on the chain (unless someone overlubes and spins cranks as fast as possible, then maybe..).
I must have imagined it, then
::-)
-
lube in pressurised containers (wd-40, gt-85 and other) can easily contaminate discs. regular drip lube stays on the chain (unless someone overlubes and spins cranks as fast as possible, then maybe..).
I must have imagined it, then
::-)
yes :D
disc rotor should not get contaminated from drip lube, there are other reasons why it might - road grime, touching with greasy skin/gloves, spray lube
-
And drip lube
-
My chain keeper is an old QR saddle-post clamp with a couple of big washers either side of a ball bearing and a bit of tube to space it in from the drop-out.
-
I don't have a cleaning scenario that involves a wheel out without the chain coming off too.
Yes, that's the kind of situation I had in mind with my earlier comment about it depending on your approach to chain cleaning. Yours is a perfectly valid approach, it's just not my approach...
Anyway, I don't want to make this a question of right/wrong methods because there is no definitive answer on that. I'm only really interested in whether those who use these devices find them any good and if they have any recommendations. Flatus and Giropaul have pretty much answered that for me. :thumbsup:
-
My chain keeper is an old QR saddle-post clamp with a couple of big washers either side of a ball bearing and a bit of tube to space it in from the drop-out.
Neat! :thumbsup:
-
Most of my bikes have a Pedro's Chain Keeper (https://pedros.com/products/clean-and-lube/clean-andlube-tools-and-kits/chain-keeper/) for storage, but not for chain cleaning.
(https://pedros.com/wp-content/uploads/ChainKeeper_feature.jpg)
-
My chain keeper is an old QR saddle-post clamp with a couple of big washers either side of a ball bearing and a bit of tube to space it in from the drop-out.
Ditto-ish - my skewer has a sprocket from a rear mech on it and piece of tube, with washers either end, so I can also use it to protect the rear dropouts if transporting the bike without the rear wheel in place (that's on the ali and Ti machines - the plastic has through axles that do the job)
-
I don't have a cleaning scenario that involves a wheel out without the chain coming off too.
My chain only comes off to be replaced. And wheels only come off on disc bikes for the reasons I mention above. Rim brakes....not a problem, any lube contamination on the rim doesnt really matter. On discs even a slightly greasy fingerprint can cause issues.
If you use on of the really light lube & clean fluids like Rock and Roll Absolute dry, then you have to soak the chain then turn the cranks and it will end up on your disc eventually....despite what Zigzag says. I've had it happen quite a few times which was the principal reason for getting a chain keeper.
Now that it is autumn and I'm using a heavier lube (Rolls Pro or Synlube) it sticks to the chain well, and you just need to slowly drizzle and turn chain every now and again so the contamination risk is lower.
However, I still think it is good practice for my cleaning regime to remove the wheels, as I use MG Chain Cleaner to clean the cassette and I like to angle the wheel to limit water and chemical ingress.
Everyone has their own way of doing things and I'm always open to others suggestions*. What I will not accept is somebody telling me that what has happened to me is an impossibility.
* except mattc's
-
Are we talking about these things?
(https://cdn.bike24.net/i/mb/95/82/12/284317-00-d-574398.jpg)
I've got a couple for when I need to take the rear wheel off to transport the bike, the only problem is with the Focus RAT system it doesn't provide the counter to the tightening in order to stop the axle just turning and coming out.
I've got this type of Morgan widget:
(https://www.wigglestatic.com/product-media/5360050510/Morgan-Blue-Chain-Keeper-Workshop-Tools-Blue-AR00059.jpg)
It works very well for the scenario of wheels out (for easier cleaning), bike on stand, and they are cheap.
I do clean my bikes other ways as well. I therefore know everything. (Apart from what the point of disc brakes is).
-
I've got this type of Morgan widget:
That's the one I've ordered. Good to know it gets the mattc seal of approval. :thumbsup:
-
I therefore know everything. (Apart from what the point of disc brakes is).
To annoy people, why else would I have them and hope hubs?
Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk
-
I don't have a cleaning scenario that involves a wheel out without the chain coming off too.
My chain only comes off to be replaced. And wheels only come off on disc bikes for the reasons I mention above. Rim brakes....not a problem, any lube contamination on the rim doesnt really matter. On discs even a slightly greasy fingerprint can cause issues.
While true, in practical terms that's offset by rims being so much easier to contaminate. I've yet to contaminate a disc brake by anything other than careless use of GT85 or touching the disc with greasy fingers - both of which are easy to avoid once you've learned that lesson. Rims are in the dripping line of chains and hubs, and can become contaminated without warning mid-ride, a problem which is exacerbated by the generally poor wet weather performance of rim brakes.
OTOH, you can often decontaminate a rim by riding through a muddy puddle or two.
-
I therefore know everything. (Apart from what the point of disc brakes is).
To annoy people, why else would I have them and hope hubs?
Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk
That's very kind of you - now I do know everything :thumbsup:
-
I realise that the OP has ordered a Morgan Blue chain keeper - I have one, it’s okay - but for anyone wanting something more substantial and versatile, at least for QR axle bikes, I’d recommend the “PRO Chain retention device - for QR Tool”:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pro-Chain-retention-device-one-size/dp/B01L06YK4Y
A cheaper DIY solution not mentioned so far includes something like an old fax roll inner cut to length with a spare QR skewer passed through the middle. The Pro device would be my preference though.
-
i have something bought on eBay for a few quid.
seems to work OK.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bicycle-Chain-Keeper-Fix-Cleaning-Tool-Quick-Release-Protector-Bike-Wheel-Holder/401798393133?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648