Bike degreaser

Sports and Hobbies
1
Anyone know where I can buy a bike degreaser such as Simple Green either online or in Zurich area?

2
It is recommended to use mineral spirits and not Simple Green,

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/components-wrenching/simple-green-good-safe-degreaser-119246.html

if you use less oil on the chain, you won't have such a big problem.

3
less oil is a good start. I use a wax on my chains and i have no messy degreasing problems

4
Transa stock the Finish Line range, including their citrus-based degreaser

5
My bike mechanic advised me to not use these degreasers.

They do more harm than good, apparently.

Not using a lot of grease and removing any excess greases is a good start...

6
I use Muc-Off's stuff - just received a shipment yesterday from Bikester of new degreaser supplies as Wiggle won't ship it internationally (I guess due to it being a spray can).

7
Eh? Are you, like the previous posters, assuming this is for use on a chain?

Yes, you should never use it on a chain. And solvent/lubricants like wd40 should also be avoided, as they too will remove the oils from the internal bearing surfaces and reduce chain life.

And what, pray, do you use to remove the excess grease?

Anyway, regardless of this, over time, especially on a bike that's used a lot and hence needs its brakes, gears and chain regularly lubricated and adjusted, a build-up of oils, plus crap from the road, plus rubber from brake blocks will become very difficult to remove.

These 'green' degreasers do not contain hydrocarbon or related solvents, but are derived from citrus oils, so are even safe to use as hand cleaners at a push. And they are very effective.

And of course, if you're talking about doing proper bike maintenance, cleaning or replacing components, building up bikes from bits, etc. , then a decent degreaser is an essential part of any mechanic's toolkit.

8
Which kind of bike, motorcycle, bicycle, or other?

Tom

9
I had assumed a pedal cycle, but I don't see that it makes any real difference. Except that O and X ring chains on modern motorcycles are even more susceptible to solvent damage.