Ultrasonic Bike Parts Cleaning: What’s the big deal?
If you’re like most bike owners, one of the things you probably dread most about bike maintenance is cleaning your chain and groupset. Let’s face it–it’s dirty and greasy and nearly impossible to clean to a point that at least looks decently clean. Some of us have even bought a number of cleaning solutions and brushes and tools to do it ourselves, only to be a bit disappointed with the results. Maybe it looks better, but we still miss some spots.
So what exactly is an ultrasonic cleaner?
Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency, high-intensity sound waves to vibrate excess grime and particles from whatever parts you place into the cleaner. The machine slightly resembles an air fryer that contains a liquid solution to aid in cleaning. What happens next is bike cleaning magic.
Watch our bike chain cleaning process in conjunction with ultrasonic cleaning machine in this Tik Tok video made in our store. Notice how much dirt came off the chain in the machine, even after a very thorough hand wash, scrub, and degreasing.
@bikespalmbeach Ultrasonic cleaning is a game changer! #ultrasoniccleaner #cycling #bikelife #bikemaintenance #bikeshop ♬ Sunny Day – Ted Fresco
Which bike parts can go into the ultrasonic cleaner?
Ultrasonic cleaning is commonly used for bike chains and cassettes. We also use it for derailleurs, especially if they’re “frozen up” with severe corrosion. However, the biggest cleaning benefit is what it can do for bike chains. Those sound waves work their way into the tiniest nooks and crannies of bike chain pins and links. It can reach the places that even the best cleaning tools can’t reach.
Check out this Tik Tok video made in our store to see how the ultrasonic cleaning service made these older bike parts look and operate like new:
@bikespalmbeach Another ultra-sonic cleaning #win !! 🔥 Restored this customers Dura-Ace 10-speed drive train today. It turned out even better than expected! #restoration #cycling #triathlon #palmbeach ♬ Forever – Labrinth
My chain will look shiny and new, but what else?
Clean chains and cassettes reduce friction during use, which increases bike performance efficiency. Many will agree that the decreased friction leads to wattage gains, though there is some controversy around that claim. Using an ultrasonic cleaner for your bike components also reduces the possibility of degreaser contamination in hubs, which gradually breaks down the bearings.
Curious?
Bring your bike into Bikes Palm Beach for service and request an ultrasonic cleaning for your bike chain. Check it out for yourself to see what all the hype is about. We happen to know that you won’t be disappointed.