Don't neglect your bicycle chain this summer

Summer usually goes easier on bicycle chains. Unfortunately, wetter-than-usual weather this year has turned that on its head. By mid-July, areas of the southwest, southeast and northeast England had already received more than their average rainfall for the entire month.

Cleaning a bicycle chain might seem like a dirty and thankless task, but regularly removing grit and grime makes your bike run smoother and saves you money.

To clean a bicycle chain by hand, grab an old toothbrush to scrub the links, then apply oil while turning the pedals. Wipe away any excess lubricant with a dry cloth. Alternatively, you can use a chain cleaning machine.

This kit uses a rotating brush wheels to scrub your chain as it passes through an enclosed reservoir. Any excess dirty fluid drops into a second lower reservoir, keeping it away from the clean chain.

Muc-Off Drivetrain Cleaner is biodegradable and safe to dispose of down the drain when you used a bio chain lube. The kit includes 75 ml of Muc-Off Drivetrain Cleaner.

Win a dirty chain machine

We’re giving away a Muc-Off Dirty Chain Machine. If your bike's chain is suffering in this summer's wet weather, leave us a comment below, and we'll pick a winner next week.

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The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.