Carbon Pro Chain Cleaner

Carbon Pro Chain Cleaner is an unexpectedly potent take on the degreaser theme that manages to be kind to all materials, but carbon/composites in particular.

This means it's solvent-free but the biodegradable cleansers contain no salts, sulphates or similarly caustic stuff. These ingredients are corrosive to brass spoke nipples, polished and anodized finishes. They can also soften polymer waxes, gobble welcome greases and dull paintwork over time.

UV repelling particles might smack of gimmick. However, theory says UVA/B rays accelerate the corrosive elements in dirt and similar contaminants and therefore component wear. A good idea in principle, though I don't think we'll be replacing chains and cassettes less frequently.

Contention aside, it's extremely user friendly with a slightly fruity odour. Shake the bottle slightly, pop the nozzle release and squirt in short blasts at the chain and cassette, turning the cranks to aid penetration.

Thrifty types should note that applying via nail brush or chain bath minimises wastage and clean-ups. Leave the slightly sudsy mixture to penetrate for two minutes or so; then rinse with fresh, tepid water. Old pump spray bottles are perfect for this, assuming this didn't coincide with more thorough bike washing.

Light to middleweight chain lubes, petrochemical or otherwise, pretty much vanish first time with literally no residue found in my drying cloth. Beefier four seasons, ceramic and wet versions needed a second helping. However, even really strong, flammable solvents don't shift these so cleanly.

Squirting a little on the cranks' inner spider, bottom bracket axle and hub flanges reaped comparable rewards, banishing compounded lube, grease and tar in around two minutes with minimal effort.

Unlike citrus products, this one doesn't gobble up its own scuzzy puddle, so you'll still need to rinse concrete and other flooring pretty much immediately or the leftovers will stain. By contrast, splashes to paintwork are effortlessly dismissed with a damp cloth and deliberately prolonging exposure hasn't revealed any hostility to painted, plated, polished or lacquered surfaces.

Verdict

Unusual, pricey but very competent carbon friendly chain degreaser