SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING

Science Bit

​

Not quite Coca Cola secret perhaps but Moto Verde would only say it was a blend of two degreaser components and another material. None contain salts, or aggressive chemicals, thus reckoned the safest on the market, yet reckoned to be very good at stripping gunky oils and waxes. It’s also biodegradable but as with most chemicals, be mindful around pets, plants and don’t be swigging it. 

​

Being a pump spray, you’re getting all product, rather than propellent, which may be less convenient in some contexts, but the pump spray caters for larger surface areas. Ours was the 1 litre version but you can buy workshop sizes and decant to suit.

 

Technique

​

There’s more than one way to exorcise a filthy transmission. I’ve tended to go the old school mechanics’ route, i.e., cleaning drivetrains as part of a more general, deep down, sudsy bucket session. I’ve either sprayed it into the chain, ring(s), cassette and derailleur, or poured a little into an old, cut down bike bottle and basted on with an old, slender paint brush.

 

However, frugal fettlers will be pleased to note it's also deliverable via a chain bath. Whatever your preferred method, you’ll need to leave it standing a few minutes, agitate with a stiff bristle plot, leave it another five minutes, repeat and rinse with water. Tepid seems best.  I’ve kept ours away from the lawn and tended to flush any residual puddles with fresh water too, in case a not-so-domesticated animal got a bit curious.