Dirty Drivetrains Cost Speed
When riders think about cleaning their bike, most of the attention goes to the frame, plastics and removing mud from the last ride. But one of the most important areas to keep clean is the drivetrain.
Your chain and sprockets are responsible for transferring power from your legs or engine to the ground. When those parts become contaminated with dirt, sand and old lubricant, that power transfer becomes less efficient.
In this Clean Ride Guide we explain why dirty drivetrains reduce performance, how contamination builds up, and the correct way to clean and maintain them.
Why Drivetrain Cleanliness Matters
A drivetrain is made up of multiple moving parts that work together under load. Chains run through rollers and plates, sprockets engage those links, and everything relies on smooth movement to transfer power efficiently.
When dirt, sand and old lubricant build up, friction increases.
That friction can lead to:
Reduced drivetrain efficiency
Increased wear on chains and sprockets
More resistance when pedalling or accelerating
For cyclists this means wasted pedalling energy. For motocross riders it means unnecessary drivetrain wear and less efficient power delivery.
Either way, a dirty drivetrain costs performance.
How Much Speed Does a Dirty Drivetrain Cost?
Independent drivetrain testing has shown that contamination in a chain can noticeably reduce efficiency.
A clean and properly lubricated drivetrain transfers power smoothly through the chain and sprockets. But when dirt, sand and old lubricant build up, friction increases and the drivetrain has to work harder.
Testing has shown that a dirty drivetrain on a bicycle can waste several watts of pedalling power compared to a clean chain. Over the course of a ride, that lost efficiency adds up.
The same principle applies across all bikes. Whether you are pedalling a mountain bike or accelerating out of a corner on a motocross bike, contamination in the drivetrain increases resistance and accelerates wear.
In simple terms, the dirtier the drivetrain becomes, the harder it has to work.
How Contamination Builds Up
Drivetrains collect contamination in several ways.
Chain lubricants are designed to reduce friction and protect the chain, but they also attract dirt and dust during riding. Over time this creates a sticky mixture of oil and grit.
Add mud, sand or road grime into the mix and that contamination begins to pack into the chain links and around the sprockets.
Left untreated, this paste behaves like grinding compound. It slowly wears down the chain and sprockets while reducing drivetrain efficiency.
That is why regular drivetrain cleaning is so important.
Why Bike Wash Alone Is Not Enough
While a good bike wash removes mud and surface dirt from the frame and components, drivetrain contamination is different.
Chains and sprockets collect oily grime and embedded dirt that standard bike cleaners are not designed to break down.
This is where a dedicated drivetrain cleaner becomes essential.
Motoverde Drivetrain Cleaner is a detergent based degreaser designed specifically to break down the heavy contamination that builds up around chains, sprockets and drivetrain components.
Cleaning the Drivetrain Properly
Start by applying Motoverde Drivetrain Cleaner directly onto the chain and sprockets.
The formula quickly penetrates built up grease and grime, loosening contamination so it can be removed easily.
Next, use a chain brush to agitate the cleaner through the chain. A chain brush cleans several sides of the chain at once, helping remove dirt from deep inside the rollers and plates where contamination tends to hide.
Rotate the rear wheel slowly while brushing so the entire chain is cleaned thoroughly.
Once the contamination has been loosened, rinse the drivetrain thoroughly with water.
On motocross bikes in particular, mud and sand packed into the chain and sprockets can accelerate wear dramatically if left untreated. Regular cleaning helps prevent that damage.
Dry Before Lubricating
Before applying fresh lubricant, it is important to remove excess water from the chain.
Use a cloth to wipe the chain dry. This prevents moisture from sitting inside the links and allows the lubricant to penetrate properly.
Applying chain lube to a wet or dirty chain reduces its effectiveness.
Finish With Proper Lubrication
Once the chain is clean and dry, apply Motoverde PTFE Chain Lube.
The PTFE formula penetrates deep into the chain links and contains friction modifiers and anti wear additives designed to keep the drivetrain running smoothly.
For best results allow the lubricant time to settle into the chain before riding. This allows it to distribute evenly throughout the links.
Keep Your Drivetrain Performing
Your drivetrain is one of the hardest working parts of your bike. Keeping it clean and properly lubricated helps maintain smooth power transfer while protecting expensive components from unnecessary wear.
A clean drivetrain is not just about appearance.
It is about performance.
And when it comes to getting the most from your ride, every bit of efficiency counts.