Bike degreaser...

[Kell]

For many years I've been using Virasol as it does double duty as brake dust remover for the car and chain cleaner for bike.

However, it's really expensive to get it delivered now, which is taking the price up horrendously.

So, what do other people recommend?

[Kell]

So far, everything is looking a lot more expensive.

Virasol is £6.99 for 5 litres, it's just the postage at something like £16 that seems excessive.

Edited by Kell on Monday 26th September 13:33

[Kell]

Think someone else has recommended the Bilt Hamber stuff.

Cheers

[Kell]

47p2 said:

Sorry but I have to ask...


How does your bike get dirty enough to justify washing to with a degreaser?

Commuting every single (work day) of the year, in all weathers, in London.

Last year I did just over 2,500 miles, but it will be more this year as I'm currently doing around 80 miles week on a Brompton - so the drive train is much, much closer to the ground.

As others have said, the stuff gets absolutely everywhere. The Brompton's gearing is archaic - using a chain pusher rather than a derailleur - and the jockey wheels on that I have to remove and physically scrape this paste from them.

As for 'harsh' chemicals, Virasol is a citrus degreaser:

Vira-Sol Citrus Based Cleaner/Degreaser 5Ltr

Citrus based cleaner and degreaser formulated for maximum cleaning power. A blend of naturally derived citrus solvents, Viro-Sol is petroleum-free yet boasts powerful cleaning power.

I've been happy enough with the performance of it, just wondered if anyone had other recommendations that don't cost the earth to deliver.

I've just found a company that will deliver two 5ltr bottles for £20. So I've gone for that. But I may well look at the Bilt Hamber stuff next time.

Finally - my commute involves four rides a day, so I'm certainly not going to wipe the chain down after every one. I currently degrease it (on the bike with a Park Tools Cyclone thingy) about once a month. Might step that up to twice a month so it's not such a chore every time.

Edited by Kell on Tuesday 27th September 10:20