Anyone have any suggestions on cleaning a road bike?

Mine's in nasty shape at the moment.

I need to take the chain off it and clean the dirt off it and re-grease it but before I even work out what chemicals or grease/oil to use I have to get the damn chain off.

I can get the chain away from the pedals but I've no idea where to start with the connections on the derailer.

Any ideas? I'll upload a picture once I put my camera software on the PC

Pressure wash everything first...you might be in better shaep then you think.

If the bike is in bad rusted shape, the first thing I would do is get some good penetrating oil for the chain, sprockets and the derailer..... penetrating oil will only soften rust and make thing easier to turn right away....for long term use and maintenance you'll want to use something like quicksilver greese, or outboard motor marine grease if you ever plan on riding in the rain. Unless you want to relube your chain every time you ride, I would stay clear of the WD40 types of grease, but some people sware by it.....those are the same people who have oil and grease splatter on all of their riding cloths.

As far as getting the chain off, there is a week link in any bike chain....most of the bike chain links look kinda like peanuts....well, the weak one will (most likely)look like a solid oval and can usually be pried open with a small screwdriver.

post some pictures I can try and offer a little more help

isnt the solid oval one supposed to be easily broken or what ever? was always my understanding...

btw WD40 is locally known as dog piss here lol only time i use it is when im loosening a bolt or somethin

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Johnny Mother f***** Cash

i use wd 40 for my sk8 bearings,, lol... its fast 0.o

kinda off topic sorry.....

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king of the run on sentence.

your face is off topic

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Johnny Mother f***** Cash

thin oil like wd40 dries up kinda quick, and all thats left is the dust and grime that stuck to it when it was wet.

ha thats what she said

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Johnny Mother f***** Cash

and wheres a pic of you? lol

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king of the run on sentence.