Chemicals Direct Multi Purpose Bike Cleaner

Chemicals Direct Fast Action Bike Cleaner Multi-Purpose does exactly what it says on the modestly priced three-litre drum and will delight experienced fettlers who want a versatile concentrate that can make super potent, industrial strength degreasers and ultra-mild bike rinses to suit.

The exact composition is not detailed, but despite reminding me of kerosene or agricultural diesel, we're assured it's a 'biodegradable, non-flammable, non-abrasive that penetrates and removes stubborn grime, mud, dust and oil'.

Most formulas use ionic surfactants - chemicals whose molecules essentially burrow beneath the grime, breaking it down before they're flushed clean with tepid water. When the Chemicals Direct cleaner is diluted 50 to 1 and sprayed liberally over a mucky bike, the foaming blanket is indistinguishable from several competitors.

So long as the recommended two-minute standing time is observed, mud, dirt and similar organic crud slides away into a scuzzy, yet supposedly harmless puddle. However, it was ineffective against grease or chain lubes, let alone that dubious cocktail of road slime, unspent diesel, and oil.

For crossers and mountain bikes in fair to moderate states of muckiness, there's little need to deviate from this script, though running it 10% leaner seems pretty good across the genres and hasn't left unwanted calling cards on carbon/composites or more delicate painted finishes, even when waiting times have been exceeded by a minute or so.

Used neat, it's a really effective degreaser that races through stubborn wet lubes and contaminant with little encouragement, though it's not quite as good as citrus formulas. However, it can be harsh on skin and surfaces so either decant it into a clip-on chain bath, or place grimy bits like cassettes in an old ice cream tub or other parts washer.

Similarly, clear safety glasses might induce some mockery but save considerable pain and an afternoon in casualty. A stray airborne droplet had mine watering quite profusely as I yelped and uttered copious profanity.

Sludgy rings, derailleur cages and jockey wheels were little match for the 50/50 mix sprayed in short bursts and left for twenty seconds but remember that old clean rag to mask other surfaces from overspray.

Verdict

Capable and versatile cleaner that favours busy workshops or enthusiasts with large fleets