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My LBS has an ultrasonic cleaner - I've just asked how big it is and how many chains I could do at once. If I could do all my chains in a big batch it'd save a lot of fucking around.
Space is at a premium in our dog box little London place so I'm loathe to buy more bike shit but I'm sick of working on grotty chains.
hippy
All seems covered. I tend to do multiple sonic baths until it’s super clean. It’s not exactly a fuss, just have to get off my arse and press a button every five minutes. Using a cleaner with heater helps melt the old wax out.
Once ready to dip in wax I heat the chain in the oven for 10 mins, if you’ve not got all the old wax off it can get a bit smokey. The multiple baths help with this.
I use the formula that’s all over the internets, paraffin wax with PTFE powder and molybdenum disulfide. Wax is heated in a pot via a wax heater normally used by beauty therapists for your monthly back sack and crack.
Five mins, then give the chain a shake then five more. Switch the heater off and leave the chain in situ for 5-10 mins depending on ambient conditions. Otherwise all that wax will just pour out of every crevice. That bit sounds daft, but I have noticed that it does make a difference with the longevity.
Bit of dry lube on the quick links and jobs a good’un.
Did the chain on my Brompton this weekend for the first time since about May, probably 900 miles use.