Im a big fan of a clean, quiet drivetrain, but Im not the biggest fan of the harsh solvents and chemicals included in many of the cleaning products and lubes that help to keep it that way. Which is why I was intrigued to learn about Stans lineup of Biobased cleaners and lubes at Sea Otter earlier this year. Stans has been selling its Biobased products for over a year now, but that was the first Id heard of them.Developed with WPL (Whistler Performance Labs) and made in Canada, Stans Biobased products are claimed to be plant-based, biodegradable, and free of PTFE and PFAS chemicals. The Drivetrain Cleaner is made specifically for, you guessed it, removing grease, dirt, and grime from your drivetrain components.The Drivetrain Cleaner was included in the selection of Stans Biobased products that I received a few months ago. Since then, Ive been using it regularly to clean the drivetrains on the numerous bikes in my current rotation. In my experience, it works just as well as the less environmentally conscious cleaners that Ive got, making for nearly effortless cleaning and a clean, smooth, and quiet drivetrain.Stans Biobased Drivetrain Cleaner DetailsThe exact formulation of Stans Drivetrain Cleaner is not listed on the bottle or the brands website. That said, Stans says the Biobased products do not include petro-based additives, synthetic oils, or toxic organic solvents, and the Drivetrain Cleaner is vegan, biodegradable, and plant-based (USDA-certified Biobased pending). Additionally, it is PFAS- and PTFE-free, with no added dyes or scents (clear and odorless).According to Stans, Its plant-derived chemistry targets buildup while remaining safe for carbon frames, rubber seals, and anodized finishes, so both professional mechanics and everyday riders can clean confidently without risking damage to components. That said, they recommend avoiding contamination of disc brake pads and rotors, which should be avoided with virtually all other cleaning products, too.The Drivetrain Cleaner comes in a 500ml spray bottle and retails for $20.Using Stans Biobased Drivetrain CleanerIf youre the type of rider who is reading about a drivetrain cleaner, then Im assuming that, like me, you probably dont let it get too dirty in the first place. I usually dry brush, wipe down, and lube my drivetrain between deeper cleanings, but I dont really let it get super filthy or gritty no matter what. For reference, I typically use Dumonde Tech Original chain lube, and Ive recently been trying the Stans Biobased Wet Lube. In the midst of trying out the Biobased Cleaner, however, I also gave a new drip wax lube a shot during a very long, very dusty gravel ride.Ive been using Stans Drivetrain Cleaner like I would any other cleaner. I hose off my bike and drivetrain, then spray a liberal amount of the cleaner on my cassette, chain, and chainring. After letting it sit for a few minutes, I use my drivetrain brush to hit all of the exposed surfaces and any obvious lube, grease, dirt, or other contaminants. Then, I hose the drivetrain off and check for any remaining grit that might need a quick second hit with the brush.Before and after using Stans Drivetrain Cleaner.Each time Ive used Stans Drivetrain Cleaner, no matter the lube, Ive been impressed by how clean my drivetrain gets. It takes very little effort to go from the worst my drivetrain has looked in weeks to a showroom shine. It appears to work just as well as the toxic cleaning/degreasing products that Ive used for years. It doesnt leave any residue, it doesnt smell weird, and my drivetrains have been running more quietly and smoothly for the past couple of months.The photos above and below were taken on Sunday afternoon after pre-riding the Downieville XC course, which includes several creek crossings and LOTS of dust. It doesnt matter what lube you use; drivetrains look and sound really rough at the finish.I wont claim that it gets my chain clean enough for an immersive hot wax or anything, but I dont hot wax my chains anyway, so thats not really an issue for me. Every 3-4 rides, it gets my drivetrain as clean as I want/need it to get so I can keep everything running smoothly and feel good about maintaining my investment in drivetrain parts. I also appreciate that its non-toxic. I wouldnt drink it or anything, but Im a bit less concerned about getting it on my skin or possibly breathing it in the air. And, assuming Stans and WPLs Biobased, environmentally friendly claims are valid, I feel better about using it, too.Before and after.My TakeawayWhile I was initially a little skeptical that a biobased cleaner would get my drivetrain as clean as the solvents Ive used in the past, Stans Biobased Drivetrain Cleaner has been doing the trick. The grease, dirt, and grime brush right off with minimal effort, and Ive honestly been impressed with its cleaning performance. It works very well and seriously makes everything look like new, no matter how bad it looked or sounded previously.At $20, it isnt exactly cheap, but its priced competitively with similar products from Muc-Off and other brands. Its been working well for me, and Id recommend it to anyone looking for an environmentally-friendly alternative to harsher cleaning products.stans.com