100 Revs Blog

From the June issue of Bicycling Magazine, p. 90 (paraphrased to save typing)

Sound: high-piteched chirp near pedal
When: every downstroke, mostly when you stand
Try First: Tighten pedals on crankamrs, lube cleat-pedal interface & replace cleats if worn to point of shiny areas on contact points.
Then Try: Tighten pedal cage bolts, clipless bolts or other bolts on pedals.
Sometimes a chipped bearing or hidden grit is the culprit.
Another Solution: Go to the bike shop and drop the money to make it their headache.

From September 2002 issue of Bicycling

According to Sheldon Brown, the best way to clean a chain is:

Drip it into a platic Coke bottle with a couple ounces of undiluted citrus degreaser (like Pedro's Oranj Peelz), screw on the cap and shake thoroughly. Fish the chain out with a spoke, rinse it in water, and your chain is spotless.