![](\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2022\/05\/bike_101.jpg\"\/)
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We\u2019re back with another class of Bike Maintenance 101.<\/p>\n
Last time, we discussed how to patch an innertube<\/a>.<\/p>\n In today\u2019s session, we\u2019re going to show you how to clean and maintain the workhorse of your bike: the drivetrain.<\/p>\n Whether you ride trails, city streets, or weekend loops through the suburbs, your bike’s drivetrain takes the biggest beating. It\u2019s constantly exposed to dirt, water, and grime, and if you don\u2019t clean it regularly, that grit starts acting like sandpaper, wearing down your drivetrain prematurely.<\/p>\n Fortunately, cleaning the drivetrain doesn\u2019t take much time and can extend the life of your bike.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how to do it.<\/p>\n The drivetrain includes:<\/p>\n Before you start, gather the following supplies:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you have a bike stand, now\u2019s the time to use it. Elevating your bike makes cleaning more comfortable and gives you full access to the drivetrain. If you don\u2019t have a bike stand, you can just flip the bike upside down and rest it on its seat and handlebars.<\/p>\n If your chain isn\u2019t too gunked up, a simple rag and bio-degreaser will do the trick.<\/p>\n Just dampen the rag with degreaser, grip the chain with the rag, and pedal backward to run the chain through the cloth.<\/p>\n For a chain that\u2019s heavily coated with crud, use a chain-cleaning device<\/a>. These clamp around the chain and scrub it as you pedal, offering a deeper clean with less mess. They\u2019re pretty nifty.<\/p>\n Use your brush and some bio-degreaser to scrub the chainrings (the front gears) and the cassette (the cluster of gears on your rear wheel).<\/p>\n While turning the pedals, work the brush into the teeth to dislodge dirt and buildup.<\/p>\n If there\u2019s stubborn gunk between the cassette cogs, use a rag to \u201cfloss\u201d between the gears.<\/p>\n Give the drivetrain a few minutes to dry completely before applying lube. You don\u2019t want moisture diluting or displacing the lubricant.<\/p>\nWhat Is the Drivetrain?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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What You\u2019ll Need<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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How to Clean and Lube Your Bike’s Drivetrain<\/strong><\/h2>\n
1. Set Up Your Bike<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Image7\"\/](\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image7-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n2. Clean the Chain<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Image1\"\/](\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image1-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n![\"Image5\"\/](\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image5-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n![\"Image3\"\/](\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image3-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n3. Scrub the Chainrings and Cassette<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Image6\"\/](\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image6-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n![\"Image4\"\/](\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image4-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n4. Let Everything Dry<\/strong><\/h3>\n
5. Lubricate the Chain<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Image2\"\/](\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image2-2.jpg\")
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