Fenwick's Drivetrain Degreaser 500ml – Heavy-Duty Solvent Degreaser with Rust Protection

Fenwick's Drivetrain Degreaser 500ml is a solvent-based heavy-duty degreaser for bike drivetrains — the stronger option in the Fenwick's cleaning range, designed for situations where the biodegradable Foaming Chain Cleaner isn't enough. It's the right tool for severely neglected drivetrains, heavily contaminated chains, and deep-cleaning sessions where you need to strip old lube, built-up grime, and stubborn grease back to bare metal before re-lubing. The solvent blend cuts through heavy contamination quickly and effectively, restoring components to near-new condition.

A key feature of Fenwick's Drivetrain Degreaser is that it leaves a protective oil film on components after use, helping to prevent rust and corrosion on bare metal surfaces during the period between degreasing and re-lubing. It can be used with or without water — apply directly to the chain, cassette, and derailleur, allow to penetrate, agitate with a brush, and either rinse with water or wipe away. For chain baths, pour directly into the bath and run the chain through. Always re-lube the chain thoroughly after degreasing before riding — the degreaser strips all lubrication from the chain. Use the Fenwick's Professional Chain Lube or All Conditions Chain Lube after degreasing.

Important: this is a solvent-based product, unlike the solvent-free Foaming Chain Cleaner and Bike Cleaner Concentrate. Test on sensitive or painted surfaces before use. Not suitable for use on carbon fibre components without testing first. Browse the full Fenwick's range or our workshop and maintenance collection.

What It's Good For

• Heavy-duty degreasing of severely contaminated drivetrains — chains, cassettes, chainrings, and derailleurs
• Stripping old, contaminated lube and built-up grime before a full re-lube
• Leaves a protective oil film to prevent rust on bare metal between degreasing and re-lubing
• Use with or without water — flexible for different workshop setups
• Chain bath use — pour neat into chain bath for thorough chain degreasing
• Restoring neglected drivetrains to near-new condition

What It's NOT Good For

• Regular light cleaning — the Foaming Chain Cleaner is more appropriate for routine maintenance
• Chain lubrication — always re-lube thoroughly after degreasing with a dedicated chain lube before riding
• Painted surfaces and carbon fibre without testing first — this is a solvent-based product; test on an inconspicuous area before use
• Delicate fabrics and clothing — avoid contact; solvent-based formula

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between this and the Foaming Chain Cleaner?
The Foaming Chain Cleaner is a biodegradable, solvent-free formula ideal for regular maintenance cleaning integrated into a bike wash. The Drivetrain Degreaser is a solvent-based heavy-duty product for deep cleaning severely contaminated drivetrains. Use the Foaming Chain Cleaner for routine maintenance; use the Degreaser when you need to strip everything back and start fresh.

Do I need to rinse it off?
The degreaser can be used with or without water rinsing. For best results on heavily contaminated drivetrains, apply, allow to penetrate for a few minutes, agitate with a brush, then rinse with water. If working without water (e.g. in a workshop without a hose), apply, agitate, and wipe away with a clean cloth. Always re-lube the chain before riding regardless of whether you rinse.

Is it safe on all bike components?
The degreaser is designed for metal drivetrain components — chains, cassettes, chainrings, and derailleurs. It is a solvent-based product, so test on painted surfaces, anodised components, and carbon fibre before use. The biodegradable Foaming Chain Cleaner or Bike Cleaner Concentrate are safer choices for mixed-surface cleaning.

Why does it leave an oil film and is that a problem?
The protective oil film is a deliberate feature — it prevents rust forming on bare metal components during the period between degreasing and re-lubing. It is not a substitute for chain lube and will not provide adequate lubrication for riding. Always apply a full application of chain lube after degreasing and before riding.