So I don't know what kind of chain oil the previous owner of my bike used but I noticed that the sidewall of my rear tire (the part facing the chain obviously) is glossy from what appears to be chain oil getting onto it. Now, I've since cleaned and used chain wax from the day I bought it but should I be concerned about this? What can I use to remove the oil?

The tire will be fine.  Use any detergent you want and a scrub brush.  Simple green, dish soap, car wash soap, lestoil, whatever.  Just don't use a solvent like acetone or gas. 

My rear tire and wheel are covered with chain lube most of the time but I do occasionally clean them off.  Just spray on some WD-40 and wipe it off, quick and easy.

Quote from: gsJack on June 15, 2009, 02:16:19 PM
My rear tire and wheel are covered with chain lube most of the time but I do occasionally clean them off.  Just spray on some WD-40 and wipe it off, quick and easy.

+1 for wd-40.

it works wonders on things that get dirty/greasy. even cuts chain wax well IME.

Cool...didn't know you could use WD-40 on tires. I use it to clean the chain.

Quote from: steguis on June 15, 2009, 04:26:57 PM
Cool...didn't know you could use WD-40 on tires. I use it to clean the chain.

Ditto on the chain. I use it as my lube and so far no problems - nor have any Service guys commented on any detrimental chain wear or the like.

Michael

WD-40 works fine and is great for so many things, but I started using Mean Green spray cleaner because it dissolves chain grease just as fast but it wipes clean even easier, and it's cheaper.  $1.90 for a 40-ounce bottle at Big Lots.

I love Greased Lightning really tough degreaser but clear so it doesn't stain whitewalls green like simple green. Not that my bike has whitewalls but my previous scooter did and greased lightning kept it clean.