A chain cleaner is one of those items that could be replaced by a toothbrush or a rag if you are watching the pennies – but using the correct tool just makes the job quicker, and it’s much more effective.

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Chain cleaners clamp around the chain, and rows of rotating brushes infiltrate the links to reveal shiny medal on the other end. All you need to do is fill the reservoir with a degreaser or cleaner, and turn a pedal to thread the chain through.

Most major brands have their own version, and Park Tool’s CM-5.2 Cyclone Chain Scrubber is currently just £14.99 at Sigma Sport. This version has a magnet at the bottom of the solvent reservoir, which pulls particles removed from the chain to the bottom to prevent them being redistributed.