Specification

 

Muc-Off tell me it's a biodegradable, water soluble solvent-based formula designed to break down lube and contaminant in seconds. Reading the instructions and guidelines, I was slightly concerned to note that Muc-Off advises keeping the formula away from non-factory finishes.

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Having discussed the matter with Muc-Off, they advise the safety warning is in case of overspray onto parts in close proximity to the drivetrain. However, so long as you follow the instructions carefully and rinse thoroughly no damage or similar issues will result. The solution itself is a dilute pink, so you can easily see where you’ve treated and spot any overspray.    

 

Technique 

 

Chain Wax remover can be applied in various ways and will dissolve whereas solvents tend to melt waxes and emulsion types. Direct to the transmission from the bottle, via a chain device, parts washer or indeed, an ultrasonic cleaner. Components in situ, pop bike(s) outside on an old stretch of concrete, mechanics matt, or scrap of linoleum to catch any overspray.

 

Shake the bottle vigorously for 30 seconds and then spray directly, in short bursts to the chain, cassette, rings and derailleur. I've found that popping the bike in a tune up stand, such as this Topeak  Flashstand E-Up Topeak Flashstand eUp | cycling-not-racing . Giving the Chain Wax cleaner thirty seconds and then shifting up and down the cassette helps get it thoroughly and evenly distributed. Leave a further thirty seconds and then get busy agitating with the chain scrubber.

 

Alternatively, give the cassette and derailleur a few squirts with the spray nozzle, unscrew the top, decant some to the fill line and turn the pedals to marinate and agitate in one.  The third way is to pop chain, cassette and rings into your parts washes, pour some freshly shaken chain wax cleaner atop them and leave for, a minute, or so, slosh them around a little to be sure.

 

Tackle with your chosen brushes to lift residual stuff, then rinse with warm fresh water and dry. Since we're on the subject, people with sensitive skin should don latex examination, or mechanics gloves. I've been fine for twenty minutes or so, but anything beyond this left my hands feeling dry. Also be mindful of getting any in your eyes, say if spraying directly on a chain and a gust blows a faint mist. I did and needed to flush my eyes for a few minutes-no apparent redness, or damage, but you have been warned.   

I've either removed chains, wheels and other drivetrain components as part of a REALLY deep clean, or kept a bucket of fresh, tepid rinse water handy. 

 

 

Test lubes & Contexts 

 

Aside from waxes of various types and brands, I've tested ours on wet lubes, factory fresh chains, sophisticated ceramics, middleweight petrochemical and even stout lithium greases while undertaking seasonal inspection and overhaul. Though waxed chains were pretty clean, I'd deliberately left a stubborn glaze along the side plates, derailleur cages, jockey wheels etc. On the fixed, the wax build up around the sprockets was stubbornly impacted like melted candles on the reverse side. The sort that's strangely satisfying to scoop away with a stick, or thin screwdriver. 

 

Performance 3.75/5       

 

Performance across the board has impressed, but the right technique is crucial. A few blasts evicted the factor elixir found on packet fresh chains effortlessly and seemingly before my eyes. Stripped cleaned, rinsed and primed for lube in 5 minutes. Down to 3, taking the chain bath route.  Much the same story with middleweight and traditional wet blends and any contaminant.

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Wax lubes required a little more agitation to relent convincingly, but this is relative and with the drivetrain in situ, I had chain, cassette and rings clean and primed for wax within 10 minutes. Someone suggested decanting some into a small tube for use mid ride-say on a bike-packing, or gravel weekender. Possible, since you could always use a trade bottle of water to flush and rinse the drivetrain. Me personally, I'd carry a couple of decorators wipes since they're cheap, convenient and consume virtually no space.   

 

The congealed fixed sprockets needed a longer soak but both were gleaming when gently rubbed with a towel. Same applied to crank spiders.  The biggest surprise was how quickly it dissolved some Zefal Pro II Grease coating a Hollowtech II axle. Left for a minute, agitated with a stiff brush and rinsed with warm water it was ready for some Peaty's Sped Grease in three minutes.  I have rinsed splashes and overspray promptly, but to date, no traces of discolouration, fading or similar damage on powder coated, wet spray polyurethane enamel, anodised, polished, plated, lacquered surfaces. Same goes for seals and other sensitive components, but as I say, I've kept exposure minimal and rinsed thoroughly with fresh water. 

 

Care/Durability 3.25

 

It took a while to experiment and ultimately hone the most effective technique, resulting in some wastage. However, despite being liberal and treating several drivetrains, 350ml remains. I have rinsed splashes and overspray promptly, but to date, no traces of discolouration, fading or similar damage on powder coated, wet spray polyurethane enamel, anodised, polished, plated, lacquered surfaces. Same goes for seals and other sensitive components, but as I say, I've kept exposure minimal and rinsed thoroughly with fresh water. 

 

Value 3.25/5

 

£22 for 500ml is quite pricey, although a little goes a decent distance. It's also formulated specifically for waxes. Morgan Blue Chain Cleaner Motoverde Drivetrain Cleaner | cycling-not-racing is £13 for 1 litre, but no eco credentials. Juice Lubes Dirt Juice Boss Chain Cleaner JUICE LUBES DIRT JUICE CHAIN CLEANER | cycling, but not usually racing  (now £15 for 500ml) is very effective and also boasts good planet-friendly credentials. Moto Verde Drivetrain Cleaner 1 litre is £12.99. Though slower acting than some, it gets drivetrains dinner plate clean and can be bought in 5 litre versions for workshop use, bringing further economies of scale.

 

Dynamic Drivetrain Detox is £24.99 for 1-litre, and I've had very pleasing results, it's also kind to surfaces, user and grass alike. However, in my experience, it requires a longer standing time and more enthused agitating-especially when tackling waxed drivetrains.  Zefal Bio Degreaser ZEFAL BIO DEGREASER | cycling-not-racing is £9.99 for 1 litre. Another surprisingly competent, wallet-friendly all-rounder that will dismiss drivetrains and stiffer greases-albeit with a little more user effort in the latter context. 

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Need some Kaboom! cleaning prowess? Green Oil Agent Apple Immersion Degreaser TESTED: GREE OIL AGENT APPLE EXTREME IMMERSION DEGREASER £17.99 is super potent and will strip anything in its path and can be bought in 5 litre concentrate forms. However, while made from citrus fruits and other natural stuff, you'll need to remove components since it will do nasty things to pretty finishes, eyes and skin.

 

Summary

 

 When all's said and done, the Muc Off Wax Chain Cleaner is very effective across the board and with correct technique a little goes surprisingly far. To some extent, much will depend upon whether you are a wax lube devotee. Blends such as Motoverde Drivetrain Cleaner might not have the same speed, or the same edge when striping wax chains but are similarly effective across the board and considerably cheaper.

 

 

Michael Stenning

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3.5/5 powerful anti-lube but pricey if not used carefully.  

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  Muc-Off UK | Bicycle & Motorcycle Cleaning | Lube | Tubeless