Beginner's Guide: How to Clean Your E-Bike Chain

Cleaning an e-bike chain is not just for aesthetic purposes; it ensures the smooth operation of your bike, restores its performance close to its original factory state, and aids the rider in performing better.

This guide will show you the right ways to keep your chain clean.

Why is Your E-Bike Chain Always Dirty?

The primary cause of e-bike chain wear is friction generated between sand grains and within the chain itself. Timely cleaning of the chain can save you a significant amount of money by reducing wear and tear.

Tests conducted by independent testing agencies confirm that a dirty chain significantly reduces the performance of an electric bicycle. Depending on the cleanliness of the chain, the amount of wear on the bike varies:

• On average, when a rider outputs 250 watts, using a dirty chain can increase power loss by approximately 3 to 5 watts, totaling about 1% to 2%.
• When the chain is not cleaned and lubricated properly, friction on the chain increases. Typically, a clean and well-lubricated chain consumes only about 7 watts during road cycling. However, a dirty chain can add an extra 3 watts of power loss. In extreme cases, this can lead to up to 12 watts of loss.

Should You Remove the Chain for Cleaning?

There is considerable debate about whether the chain should be removed for cleaning.

• Past: A common practice was to remove the chain from the bike and shake it in a container filled with a cleaning agent.
• Now: Modern drivetrain components are more precise, making old-fashioned aggressive cleaning methods unsuitable.

We recommend checking the manufacturer's instructions before cleaning the chain to avoid any damage.

Choosing a Chain Cleaner

The most effective way to clean a chain is to remove it and place it in an ultrasonic cleaning machine for about five minutes. Even stubborn stains can be easily removed, resulting in a significant improvement.

However, it's important not to soak the chain in the cleaning agent for too long during this process, as it could corrode the metal parts and cause surface cracks.

• If you don't have an ultrasonic cleaner, scrubbing the chain with a brush or an old toothbrush can achieve nearly the same results.
• Whether using a brush, cloth, or ultrasonic cleaner, it's best to perform the cleaning outdoors to avoid making a mess indoors.
• Avoid using harmful solvents containing diesel, benzene, gasoline, or acetone, and opt for environmentally safe products.
• Take care not to let oil splatter onto the brake discs during chain cleaning.

Which Lubricant is Better for the Chain: Original vs. High-End Chain Oil?

Before every ride, it's advisable to lubricate the chain for efficiency, even if it's very dirty. Choosing an efficient chain oil is the simplest and most economical way to reduce friction in the transmission system.

• Experiments have shown that different brands and models of chain oils can differ by up to 5 watts in power loss. The lubricant that comes with the original chain typically doesn't perform as well as the highest-grade retail chain oils.

There are plenty of cleaning agents available on the market. It's advisable to compare different options, consult mechanics, or seek advice from those who have already made purchases to find the product that best suits your e-bike.

Simplified Chain Cleaning Method

If you find chain cleaning too cumbersome, here's a simplified method:

• Clean the Cassette: Shift the chain onto one end of the cassette, apply chain cleaner liberally, and thoroughly scrub all gears. Then move the chain to the other end of the cassette and clean the remaining gears.
• Clean the Chainring: Once the cassette is clean, move on to cleaning the chainring. You can remove the chain from the chainring to clean it more thoroughly. Apply plenty of chain cleaner on a brush, scrub, and rinse it off.
• Clean the Derailleur Pulleys: Don't forget to clean the derailleur pulleys when cleaning the chain. This is where dirt tends to accumulate the most and should be thoroughly cleaned. Occasional lubrication with a drop of chain oil can keep it running smoothly for a long time.
• Clean the Chain: Now it's time to clean your chain. If your bike doesn't have a single-chain system, mount the chain on the chainring and turn the chainring while applying a suitable amount of chain cleaner until it's clean.
• Rinse Gently with Water: Once the entire transmission system of the bicycle is cleaned, rinse it off with water to remove any remaining grit. Avoid using a high-pressure water jet as it may damage the bike's transmission system.
• Apply Chain Oil: Apply chain oil to each section of the chain, let it sit for a few minutes to allow the oil to penetrate better, and then wipe off excess lubricant.

This method allows you to inspect each part of the chain more thoroughly to promptly identify and resolve any issues. After completing this process, your e-bike chain should be clean.