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CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING
LATEST UPDATE DECEMBER 13th 2025
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Oxford Chain Brush Pro
82g £14.99
The Oxford Chain Brush Pro is part of the brand’s Drivetrain Brushes Pro collection, comprising of a Drivetrain Detailing Brush and Sprocket Brush Pro. These can be bought singularly, or as a bundle, for £29.99. While the long handled, knuckle saving chain brush lacks a secondary end plot for convenient tickling cassettes, rings and derailleurs, the handle's ergonomics and bristle plot seem superior, narrowing the efficiency gap somewhat.
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Pros: Very effective and seemingly durable bristle plot, long tapered handle very comfortable to hold for long periods, solid materials & construction, can be hung on a tool board.
Cons: Dedicated chain only design may not suit some, bristles cannot be replaced.
Specification
Starting with the handle, this measures 23cm from tip to tip (the handle is 19cm long), and though seemingly straight and willowy compared with the swoopy profiles of Finish Line's Grunge Brush Solo, is subtly tapered for easy grip. This might be particularly welcome, if you've smaller hands, while keeping knuckles a safe distance from the drivetrain and that witches brew of lube, and chain-killing contaminant synonymous with wintry conditions. Other subtle features include the rubberised texture, which I'm told was designed to improve grip.
The nylon bristle plot follows the horseshoe narrative, embracing the chain's inner and outer plates for optimal efficiency but the plot seems more tightly populated with a slightly softer texture than the long serving, hard used Finish Line Grunge Brush Solo and Muc-Off Bicycle Chain Brush. It's also intended for the full range of chains, from beefy 1 1/8th track to delicate twelve speeds.
Test bikes & contexts
Ours arrived at the start of September, a time when the days are still long, warm and relatively dry, so I was defaulting to wax and other clean running, low friction summer lubes. October turned wetter, dare we say typically autumnal, so the waxes began receding. I've gone through to winter deliberately, since chains require more frequent attention and lubes tend to be stodgier.
While generally clean, waxes can gravitate and congeal around derailleur jockey wheels, cages, rings etc, especially when dirt roads and forest trails are thrown into the mix. (I can’t be the only one who derives great satisfaction from purging this residual mulch…)
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Denise and Ursula's 10 speed 2x drivetrains had racked up plenty of miles in these settings. Then of course, there’s “Muffin” my fixed gear winter/trainer, which tends to run more traditional, oily lubes. October meant all weather formulas that stay put but attract more drivetrain gobbling grot and new 10 speed chains. I have used a mixture of degreasers, from gels to solvents (including white spirit) and more sophisticated.
Technique
Let's start by saying that brushes aren't for everyone. Some folks prefer the clip-on chain baths, which combine solvent and brushing in one. They work quite well on derailleur chains but in my experience, you're more dependent upon the degreaser employed-they may need a few minutes to activate and you've still to clean and rinse the reservoir thoroughly afterward.
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Brushes for me thanks. That said, technique still plays an important part. Start by applying your chosen chemical formula to the chain cassette, derailleurs and rings. Introducing the pointy end of a cassette claw (or thin stick), turning the cranks and watching as satisfying clumps drop onto the ground beneath, taking any surface level contaminant with it.
Shift to the middle sprocket (and front ring, if applicable) Observe the degreaser’s standing time. Give the cassette and rings a tackling first to remove ingrained stuff that might otherwise find its way back onto the chain. Now latch the brush on and turn the cranks backwards until lube and detritus have lifted. The extensive and closely packed bristle plot grips the chain with phenomenal tenacity and unlike the others mentioned here, turning the cranks forward, say when the bike’s on a tune-up, or workshop stand will simply “choke” the chain and cause it to jam, or fall from the front ring.
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Using the handle’s torque, while maintaining a modest, even pressure seems key. This was particularly welcome, not to mention effective, when tackling a wintry looking fixed - a context where you also want to keep a healthy distance between chain, sprocket and digits! Rinse and dry the drivetrain, add some fresh lube and you're done.
Performance 3.75/5
Despite lacking the second bristle plot for the flip-flop cassette and chain tango, I've been pleasantly surprised by the Oxford Chain Brush Pro’s prowess, comfort and efficiency. I had stripped a residual coating of Weldtite Wax within five rotations of the chain and stripped the cassette, derailleur jockey wheels and cage (using a three-way cassette claw). Cleaned, primed and ready for lube in approximately 7 minutes. 10-12 when it came to blends such as Weldtite All Weather Lube and Peaty’s Link Lube Premium All Weather , but we are talking surgically clean and primed for relubricating.
Though not superior to the Finish Line Grunge Brush Solo or Muc Off Bicycle Chain Brush, I’ve found the handle more ergonomic and ultimately, pleasant to use for longer periods, which has narrowed the gap between them and a consideration if you have a big fleet. The drilled end means it’s conveniently hung on a tool board/similar hook when drying, or not in use.
Care/Durability 3.5/5
Spray a little degreaser into the bristle plot and rinse it in warm, not hot water. As with the Finish Line and Muc-Off brushes, I've often left ours marinating in degreaser, ready for the next drivetrain exorcism. Interestingly, the bristles have emerged cleaner than the others to degreaser, agitation, and warm (not hot) water rinses. Same story with solvents, which can simply dilute, leaving oily globs clinging to the ends. Three months down the line, there's no obvious softening, splaying, or similar deterioration of bristles, or plastics.
Value 3.25/5
£14.99 is dearer than both the Finish Line and Muc-Off. Being brutally honest, those seeking a single brush that will also tackle other drivetrain components, including bottom brackets treated to stiff greases, may find those a better fit.
The Finish Line Grunge Brush scores further brownie points, since the bristle plots are replaceable and frankly, is where I’d point someone wanting a straight- from- the- packet all-in-one. However, the Oxford is a very competent performer and would be where I would point home mechanics with big fleets (or prone to being volunteered to work on others) and finds the secondary bristles too generic.
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Those not sold on the “horseshoe type” brushes may find Peaty’s Drivetrain Brush a batter fit. Cheaper at £10.99 it boats an angled waxed beach wood handle with a “chisel cut” end for scooping the gunk from jockey wheels and a long, softer bristle plot for tackling the chain’s side plates.
Summary
Taking everything into account, I would describe the Oxford Chain Brush Pro as different, rather than strictly superior to the other chain brushes discussed, reviewed and used long term. The bristle plot is more tenacious, with improved efficiency, although it lacks the outright convenience of double ended models, its more comfortable to use, especially over longer periods and very much a mechanics brush. One for those wanting to a bespoke “right tool for each job” set of brushes.
Verdict: 3.5/5 Effective chain cleaning brush with excellent ergonomics and rugged bristle plot but lacks the convenience of some rivals.
Michael Stenning
PUBLISHED DECEMBER 2025
