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SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING
LATEST UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 17th
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Finish Line Grunge Brush Solo
93.5g £12.99
The Finish Line Grunge Brush has been around for a good while, but this version is a definite improvement on an already capable staple. A new curved and beefier handle promises better grip and control when cleaning the bike’s drivetrain- from chains, rings and cassettes through to pedals. While not radically superior to some competitors I’ve tried recently, it feels sturdier, and those subtle tweaks certainly give it an edge on the comfort and convenience fronts. The ability to buy replacement bristle plots is another possible draw.
Pros: Sturdy construction, very effective, not just on derailleur drivetrains, subtly curved handle comfortable for extended periods, replaceable bristle plots.
Cons: Dearer than a traditional mechanic’s drivetrain brush.
Specification
Measuring 27cm long (usable handle length 16cm) it’s deceptively longer than the Muc-Off Bicycle Chain Brush and made from ABS plastic, but bristle block and bristles are made from highly solvent and petrochemical resistant polypropylene. The horseshoe shaped end is designed to engage with the chain’s outer and inner components for the most efficient purging. The other end features a coarser plot for agitating degreasers and tackling grimy cassettes, derailleur jockey wheels, cages, cassettes and rings.
Test Bikes & Contexts
Ours arrived in a changeable June, which hadn’t been as dry as the date might suggest. I’ve been feeding the fixed gear winter trainer on Wolf Tooth WT-1 All Conditions Lube and previously the Blub Ceramic which was also tenacious. I’d been running Denise, my Dawes based gravel build, for a month and in some very soggy conditions, allowing the chain and cassette to accumulate some grot.
As conditions improved, I’ve been alternating between dry, wet and wax lubes, demanding surgically clean hosts. I was also keen to test the long bristle plots’ effectiveness beyond tickling cassettes and derailleurs of residual lubes and their contaminant. Ursula went away for minor structural repair, modernisation and of course, new paint. Crankset, rings, bottom bracket, derailleurs and headset all needed stripping of tenacious grease, or residual lubes before being reinstated with fresh stuff.
Technique
In keeping with the Muc-Off Bicycle Chain Brush, technique plays a part in getting the best from it. Before I get going, it's worth mentioning Finish Line says the bristle plot can be used wet, or dry. In my experience, leaving them marinating in warm water, or a degreaser for a minute or so definitely improves performance.
Obviously, this only applies to derailleur set ups, but Finish Line recommends placing the chain on third from last sprocket and in the middle ring up front. On 2x10 I’ve gone big ring, mid-block, mid-block 1x10.
In my experience, the key thing is to get some degreaser jelly in the chain or deliver neat degreaser via pump spray into the horseshoe end, fire a quick blast over the bike’s cassette (or sprocket) and rings leave these marinating.
Talking of degreaser, Finish Line also offers a brush and degreaser twin pack, which may be the best bet, especially if you’re buying as a gift, or just starting out. (I’ve alternated between Green Oil Chain Degreaser Jelly , neat Fenwicks, and NZero Bike Degreaser). Hold the brush and turn the cranks, watching as the bristles and degreaser tag-team agitate lube and contaminate, bringing it to the surface.
Before you go the rinsing route, remove from the chain and flip the brush round. Now work the longer, thin plot into the cassette, jockey wheels, derailleur cages. Deliver another quick shot of degreaser if needs be. This end is also highly effective on other areas of the transmission-cleat mechanisms, rings and threaded parts being prime candidates.
Depending on the filth factor and lubes used, best to clean the bristles with degreaser and warm water rinse to prevent cross-contamination. I’ve also found this best, post cleaning practice.
I’ve left ours marinating in a pot of degreaser overnight, following Ursula’s strip where I performed a surgical drivetrain clean. Aerosol based solvents or turpentine will work but the former tend to dry too quickly, leaving oily remnants and the latter can soften synthetic bristles over time.
Performance 4/5
With middleweight lubes and moderate gunge, I’ve had chains and cassettes from grotty to gleaming in around 10 minutes-including rinsing. In fairness, the Wolf Tooth and Peaty’s All Weather Lubes have self-cleansing components, shedding contaminant as you ride. However, ceramics such as the Blub can attract more grot in wet, or changeable conditions-especially off road. In some respects, there’s not much separating the Finish Line and Muc-Off Bicycle Chain Brush. However, like for like, the Finish Line’s ergonomic handle has proved more comfortable and achieving comparable results quicker - especially when tackling several bikes.
The shorter handle keeps fingers and knuckles a safe distance from the transmission, which is welcome but especially when tackling the fixed’s chain. I’ve tended to rotate the cranks backwards very slowly, a few turns a time. Even under load, the handle feels very solid, which also boosts confidence and efficiency. The long bristles have proven highly effective at cleaning cleat mechanisms and even deep-cleaning drivetrain components.
The Finish Line Grunge Brush and NZero Bike Degreaser tag-team made surprisingly short work of Ursula’s grimy, slimy crankset, bottom bracket, headset and derailleurs.
Headset and crank splines had been treated with Wolf Tooth WT-G Precision Bike Grease , the bottom bracket with Park PPL-1 Polylube and did I mention the ocean of waxoyl sloshing around the frame’s inner sanctum ... as the photos hopefully illustrate, 30 mins and some light scrubbing transformed things.
I turned the derailleurs round in 15, astonished at how effectively the bristles nibbled away at the congealed gunk, particularly that clinging to the cage and jockey wheels.
Durability/Care 3.75/5
Six weeks and a fair bit of scrubbing later, the brush and bristle plots are, save for a rogue splayed bristle in rude health.
OK, I may have swerved solvent based degreasers, but the grunge brush has tackled plenty of heavy-duty petrochemical lubes and greases. As I said earlier, the composites employed in the handle feel rugged and I can’t see any issues longer term. The replaceable bristle plot is another definite boon - no need to chuck the whole tool when these eventually succumb. Just push them out sideways and slot the replacements in.
Value 3.5/5
£12.99 is arguably competitive, especially when the replaceable bristle plots are factored into the equation. Muc Off Bicycle Chain Brush is £13.00 rrp but discounted to £9.10. I’m still fond of it and performance is good across the board. That said; the bristle plots aren’t replaceable, and the handle is less comfortable to hold for longer periods. Colour aside Tru Tension Muck Monkey looks superficially like the Muc Off Bicycle Chain Brush and is also a little cheaper.
Looking for a more traditional mechanics brush? Peaty’s Drivetrain Cleaning Brush is £8.99 and features a waxed wooden handle. It also boasts a sculpted centre channel for the chain and the wider bristle plot is designed to wrap around the chain. There’s also a chisel tip for chasing out grot from jockey wheels and other awkward areas. Looks a good bet if you weren’t sold on the double ended horseshoe patterns.
Summary
Brushes might not get the pulses racing but decent ones will repay their investment many times over. The finish Line Grunge Brush falls into this category. There are cheaper and if you’re starting out, the brand’s Easy Pro Five Brush Set might prove a better choice.
Similarly, those seeking a traditional mechanic’s brush, the Peaty’s discussed is arguably a better choice. That said; the Finish Line Grunge Brush is very well designed, effective and pleasant to use for extended periods. In my view, the ergonomics and replaceable bristle plots rank it above the similarly likeable and competent Muc-Off Bicycle Chain Brush.
Verdict: 3.75/5 Ergonomic and seemingly rugged brush that’s pleasant to use for longer periods.
Michael Stenning
Madison.co.uk – The UK’s largest cycle parts & accessories distributor
PUBLISHED AUGUST 2024
