We caught up with our R&D guru, a true wizard in the world of chain optimisation, to spill the secrets behind the science. From ultrasonic cleaning to precision-perfect lubrication, he lifts the lid on how we supercharge chains and to gain that crucial performance edge. We have been running this process for cycling’ elite for over a decade now contributing to 10 Grand Tour wins, multiple Olympic medals and 3 Hour Records. If you feel inspired and want to get the pro treatment, visit one of our Muc-Off Chain Optimisation Center and get that 'sweet, sweet' chain race ready.
Ready to geek out and give your ride the Muc-Off treatment? Let’s dive in!
What’s the big deal about chain optimisation?
It’s simple: it makes you faster. By cutting down friction in your drivetrain, you’re not wasting the watts you’re putting in. Therefore, more of the effort goes into moving you forward instead of being lost in mechanical inefficiency. It’s about getting every drop of performance out of your setup—because why wouldn’t you?
Alright, so how does the process work?
Here’s the magic. Each chain is cut it to the perfect length, usually based on team specs. Then we measure its starting efficiency—just to make sure we’re not working with a dud. No “Friday afternoon chains” make the cut here.
Next, the chain gets an ultrasonic deep clean. It’s washed, rinsed, and then dried carefully so that no water gets in the way of the next stage. If it’s for something extra special, like a world record attempt, we throw in some secret cleaning steps. You didn’t hear that from me, though.
Then comes the lubrication. We use an ultrasonic application process that’s specific to the team or the type of ride. This involves After lubing it up, we hang the chain to drip for about an hour. Once it’s ready, it’s onto the dynamometer for a lengthy break-in session at, well… let’s just say it’s a wattage we don’t talk about.
Finally, we remeasure. If it hasn’t hit our performance benchmark, the chain goes back through the wringer. It doesn’t leave until it’s as good as it can get.
Can I optimise my chain at home, or do I need fancy kit?
You can give chain maintenance a go at home, but for unbeatable results, nothing compares to professional treatment. At our Chain Optimisation Centres, our partners use cutting-edge ultrasonic cleaning technology to ensure your chain is performing at its absolute best. This isn’t something you can replicate at home—even with your best DIY efforts.
For those wanting to DIY, you can clean your chain with a drivetrain degreaser and lubricate it roller by roller with a dropper bottle. Drying can be done with an air compressor or quick-drying degreaser, but it’s time-consuming and lacks the precision of ultrasonic cleaning. Bedding in the chain? You’ll need to put in some miles or hours on a turbo trainer.
If you want maximum performance and efficiency, let the experts handle it. Our ultrasonic chain optimisation process removes contaminants, applies precision lubrication, and even reduces friction, giving you a faster, longer-lasting, and more efficient chain. Why settle for good when you can have pro-level perfection? Find out more about our process here.
If you want to find out where to get the job done, check out our Muc-Off Chain Optimisation Center map.
What’s the difference after optimising?
Treat your chain to ultrasonic optimisation, and you’ll unleash reduced friction, increased efficiency, and enhanced durability. This isn’t just a clean – it’s a total transformation. The result? A faster, smoother ride where every watt of your power is transferred straight to the road or trail, with no energy wasted on drivetrain inefficiencies.
Our ultrasonic process goes deeper than any DIY method, removing every last bit of grime and applying precision-heated performance lubricants that penetrate into every link and roller. It’s the same cutting-edge tech trusted by pro teams to deliver consistent performance and results when it matters most.
Not only will your ride feel faster, but your chain and drivetrain will last longer too, saving you time, effort, and money in the long run. Why stick with average when you can have extraordinary? Give your chain the VIP treatment and experience the ride you’ve been dreaming of.
What about road, gravel, and MTB? Same process?
Yep, pretty much the same. The only real difference is the type of lube you use. Each discipline needs a lube tailored to the conditions, but once that’s sorted, we can make any chain fast—road, gravel, MTB, you name it.
If you want to get it done by the pros, visit one of our Muc-Off Chain Optimisation Center and get ready to feel that speed.
